noun
reduction
The resetting of a broken bone or dislocated joint into its proper position.
The doctor performs a reduction to realign the broken bone.
Etymology
The source image is leading back. The medical procedure restores displaced structures to their normal relation rather than simply making them smaller.
More examples
- A closed reduction restores alignment without an incision.
- She receives sedation before the reduction of her dislocated shoulder.
- An X-ray confirms that the reduction was successful.
Forms
reduction · reductions
reduce verb — Restore a bone or joint's proper alignment.
Similar words
- resetting
- A plain-language term for putting bones back into position.
- realignment
- Emphasizes correcting position without specifying a fracture or dislocation.