What does reduction mean in medical terms?

Reduction in medical terms refers to the process of restoring a dislocated or fractured bone or joint back to its normal anatomical position. It involves manipulating the affected body part to realign the displaced structures, often with the use of manual techniques, traction, or surgical intervention.

Examples of reduction in medicine include:

Fracture reduction: This involves aligning and stabilizing broken bone fragments to promote proper healing. It can be achieved through closed reduction, where the bone is manipulated back into place without surgery, or open reduction, where surgery is performed to directly visualize and align the bone fragments.

Dislocation reduction: This refers to repositioning a joint that has slipped out of its normal position, also known as a dislocation. Reduction of dislocations usually involves applying traction and gentle manipulation to guide the joint back to its proper alignment.

Hernia reduction: In the case of a hernia, reduction refers to the process of gently pushing the protruding tissue or organ back into its normal anatomical space. This can sometimes be achieved manually, but in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to permanently correct the hernia.

Reduction is an important aspect of managing fractures, dislocations, and hernias, as it aims to restore anatomical alignment, promote healing, and minimize potential complications. It should be performed by trained healthcare professionals, often in conjunction with other treatments such as immobilization, medications, and rehabilitation exercises.