How does open reduction differ from closed reduction?

Incisions!!: Open reduction entails making an incision in the skin to expose the bone and them reduce and fixate it with either plates and screws or pins. A closed reduction is performed without "opening" or making an incision in the skin. The fracture type and ability to reduce it closed usually dictates if it needs to be opened.

Closed alignment: To do a closed reduction means to approximate a fracture or dislocation without the need for an incision or open approach. Typically this is accomplished with pressure over the area and allows one to "pop" the bones or cartilage back into proper alignment. Following reduction, immobilization is requires to keep it stable and is accomplished with a split or cast.