What is the term for the attempted restoration of a fracture or joint to its normal position?

The term for the attempted restoration of a fracture or joint to its normal position is "Reduction." In the context of orthopedic care, reduction is a specific procedure aimed at realigning broken bones or dislocated joints. This process is critical to ensure that the bones heal correctly and to restore function to the joint or affected area.

Reduction can be performed in two main ways: closed reduction, which is done without surgical intervention, and open reduction, which involves surgical exposure of the fracture to reposition the bones accurately. The effectiveness of either technique significantly impacts the healing process and the long-term outcome for the patient.

The other terms provided do not capture this specific medical procedure. "Realignment" could refer more generally to adjusting body parts but lacks the specificity and accepted medical terminology associated with reduction. "Reconstruction" typically refers to rebuilding or repairing larger structures, often after significant trauma or surgery, rather than merely repositioning bones. "Resettlement" does not apply in a medical context and is unrelated to orthopedic practices. Thus, reduction is distinctly the correct term for this process.