Fracture Reduction and Casting
Non-surgical fracture correction and casting for faster, safe healing.
Fracture reduction is the process of realigning broken bone fragments back into their correct position so the bone can heal in proper alignment. When a fracture is stable and not significantly displaced, this can often be done without surgery, followed by casting or splinting to hold the bone still while it heals. Choosing between non-surgical reduction and surgical fixation depends on the fracture's pattern, location, and how well the bone fragments line up.
Types
Closed Reduction
The bone is realigned by gentle manual manipulation from the outside, without any incision - the most common approach for simple, displaced fractures.
Reduction Under Anaesthesia
For fractures that are painful to manipulate or need more precise correction, reduction is performed under local, regional, or general anaesthesia.
Plaster of Paris (POP) Casting
A traditional rigid cast that fully immobilises the limb, widely used for arm, wrist, and leg fractures during the healing period.
Fibreglass Casting
A lighter, more durable, and water-resistant alternative to plaster, offering the same immobilisation with easier day-to-day management.
Functional Bracing
A removable brace used for certain fractures once initial healing has begun, allowing some controlled movement while still protecting the bone.
Splinting
A temporary, partial immobilisation - often used immediately after injury, or for fractures that need to accommodate swelling before a full cast is applied.
Common Causes
Reduction and casting are needed whenever a fracture has shifted out of its normal position, or needs to be held still to heal correctly. The same fall, accident, or injury that causes a fracture can displace the bone fragments enough that they will not heal properly without being repositioned first.
- Displaced fractures - falls, road traffic accidents, or direct blows that shift the broken bone ends out of alignment.
- Angulated fractures - injuries where the bone heals in a bent position unless corrected early.
- Fractures in children - growing bones often respond very well to closed reduction and casting alone, avoiding surgery in many cases.
- Stable fractures without significant displacement - where the bone ends are still reasonably aligned and casting alone is enough to maintain that position.
- Post-surgical protection - casting is sometimes used after surgical fixation as well, to protect the repair while it heals.
Signs and Symptoms
- Visible deformity or an unnatural angle at the fracture site
- Significant swelling that develops soon after the injury
- Pain that increases when the limb is moved, even slightly
- A limb that looks shorter, rotated, or misaligned compared to the uninjured side
- Difficulty bearing weight or using the limb normally after a fall or injury
Diagnosis
An X-ray confirms both the fracture and the degree of displacement, which determines whether closed reduction alone will be sufficient or whether surgical fixation is needed instead. Follow-up X-rays after reduction confirm that the bone is correctly aligned before a cast is applied, and further X-rays during the healing period confirm that alignment is being maintained.
Treatment Approach
Once the bone is realigned, a cast, splint, or brace holds it in the correct position while natural healing takes place, typically checked at intervals with follow-up X-rays. Not every fracture is suitable for closed reduction alone - if the bone fragments cannot be held in place with a cast, or the fracture is unstable, surgical fixation may be recommended instead. Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna assesses the fracture's stability and displacement before deciding whether non-surgical reduction and casting is appropriate, or whether surgery would give a more reliable outcome.
Experiencing something urgent? If there is visible deformity, an open wound, sudden severe pain, or the limb cannot be moved or weight-bearing at all, call us right away. Call +91 72595 84549 If you cannot reach us immediately, please go to your nearest emergency department without delay.
Please note: This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical evaluation. Every case is different, and the underlying cause of your symptoms may not match what is described here. Please do not use this page to self-diagnose - consult Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna or another qualified orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis specific to you.
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Last reviewed: August 2026