Medical Reduction: Definition, Types, and Procedures

Reduction = restoration of a displaced anatomic structure to its normal position.

Main Types

1. Fracture Reduction: Realigning bone fragments.
   • Closed: Manipulation without surgery (traction, molding)
   • Open (ORIF): Surgical exposure + fixation (plates, screws, rods)
2. Dislocation Reduction: Relocating a joint.
   • Traction + controlled manipulation (often with sedation/analgesia)
   • Prompt reduction reduces neurovascular damage, arthritis risk
3. Hernia Reduction: Returning protruded tissue/organ to its cavity.
   • Manual (taxation) for reducible hernias
   • Surgical if incarcerated/strangulated or irreducible

Principles

• Adequate anesthesia/analgesia/sedation
• Gentle, sustained traction; avoid force
• Confirm alignment clinically and radiographically
• Immobilize post-reduction (cast, splint, brace)
• Neurovascular checks before and after

Reduction is time-sensitive for dislocations and vascular-compromised fractures. Performed by trained clinicians (ED, ortho, surgery).