What does closed reduction treat?

A clinician guides the injured bone or joint back toward its normal position using external pressure and controlled movement. Pain relief or sedation may be used. A distal radius fracture may need reduction when the broken wrist bones have shifted, while an elbow dislocation needs reduction to restore the joint relationship. X-rays or C-arm fluoroscopy can help confirm alignment before and after the manoeuvre.

Reduction is not the same as healing. Once alignment is restored, the area usually needs protection with a splint or fracture cast, and some injuries need surgery if the position cannot be maintained or important structures are damaged.

Keep the splint or cast dry and follow instructions about elevation, movement, and weight-bearing. Do not change the support yourself. Attend repeat imaging when arranged, because bones or joints can shift again. Later, physiotherapy may restore range of motion, strength, and confidence while protecting the healing tissue.

An obvious deformity, severe pain after an injury, or inability to use the limb needs urgent assessment. After reduction, seek immediate help for increasing tightness, numbness, pale or cold fingers, worsening swelling, uncontrolled pain, or a cast that feels dangerously tight.

Is the alignment stable, how will it be checked, and how long must the limb be protected? What signs suggest the reduction has shifted, and when should rehabilitation begin?