Salter I fracture reduction

Acceptable method of closed reduction of distal physeal fractures of the radius. Panel A) Position of the fracture fragments as finger trap traction with countertraction is applied (arrows). Panel B) Often with traction alone the fracture will reduce without external pressure (arrows). Panel C) If the reduction is incomplete, simply applying direct pressure over the fracture site in a distal and volar direction with the thumb often completes the reduction while maintaing traction. This technique theoretically decreases the shear forces across the physis during the reduction process.