When outside forces such as direct blows or falls are applied to bone, it has the potential to break. Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand those external forces. Fracture, cut, or crack all mean the same thing. One term does not imply a more or less severe injury. The structure of the bone has been dealt with a force, causing the bone to break. A closed reduction is a non-surgical procedure to fix the broken bone by lining up the ends of the fractured bone. This procedure is done after the injury or a few days later, which allows the bone to adjust back together. An orthopedic surgeon performs the treatment.
Benefits of Closed Reduction
- The procedure will support your bone in healing quickly.
- It diminishes the chance of infection.
- It will decrease the pain after the fracture.
- It will make your limb work naturally and effectively as it works before fracture.
Procedure for the Surgery
To make the procedure less painful, the doctor will either inject you local anaesthesia to numb the fractured area or general anaesthesia to make you sleep. Once they are done with injecting anaesthesia, by pulling or pushing method, they will set the bone in place. For further examination, an x-ray will be taken out of your bone to make sure everything is in the right place. The doctor will use a cast to protect the limb and will keep it safe.
What are the Risks Involved?
No medical procedure comes without any risks. A few are mentioned below.
- The blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues near your bone are damaged
- Blood clots formed during or after operation could reach your lungs or other parts of your body
- You could face an allergic reaction to the pain medicine you take
- Chances of new fractures that happen during the reduction process
- If the reduction doesn’t work, you will need another corrective surgery
- Recovery is delayed if you smoke, take steroids (such as cortisone) or other hormones (such as insulin)
- If you are a senior citizen, then your recovery could be delayed more than usual
- If you have other health conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism
What Counts in Postoperative Care?
- Once the doctor is done with the treatment, he will allow you to go to your home if you are not injured anywhere.
- In some cases, the doctor will keep the patient under observation if there are signs of swelling because it can cause serious harm to the patient’s limb.
- Some additional imaging test may be required to recheck if the surgery is enough to keep the bone in its place.
- The doctor will prescribe medications if there is too much pain.
- Some antibiotics will be given to the patient to prevent infection.
- It will take 5-6 weeks to get healed properly.
What Post Surgery Precautions should be Taken?
- Don’t put any weight on the injured limb and for the support, you can use crunches.
- If you feel any numbness, immediately contact your doctor.
- Do not take part in any high impact activities like jumping, climbing and running.
- If the medicines prescribed to control the pain are not working correctly, then you need to visit your doctor.
