Final answer:
Fractured bones are treated by closed or open reduction, with closed reduction involving manual manipulation without surgery, and open reduction requiring surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fractured bones are often treated by either closed reduction or open reduction. Closed reduction is a procedure where the fractured bone is realigned through manual manipulation without the need for surgery. In contrast, open reduction involves a surgical intervention to expose the fracture site and properly reset the bones.
Simple fractures, such as some transverse or greenstick fractures, are typically treated with closed reduction, as the bones can often be realigned without the need for surgical exposure. Severe fractures, like a comminuted or open fracture, generally require open reduction to adequately treat the more complex damage. An open fracture, in which the bone pierces the skin, can particularly benefit from open reduction to minimize the risk of infection and to reset the bone fragments.