Adjusting Fractures 221 



on the outside of the flannel bandage, and firmly held 

 in position by binding them on with bandages. The 

 splints should be as long as possible, in order to give 

 greater leverage both above and below the fracture, 

 and so to prevent the part from moving. It is some- 

 times a good plan to allow the splints to extend from 

 the foot to the knee or hock joint, or, at least, the full 

 length of the broken bone and as much farther as 

 possible. When the broken bone is in the leg, where 

 there is very little soft tissue covering it and conse- 

 quently very little swelling, a plaster of Paris splint, or 

 cast, can be applied directly over the flannel bandage. 

 Prepared plaster of Paris bandages can be purchased 

 at drug -stores, or they can be made by using strips 

 of cheese-cloth or thin cotton two and a half inches 

 wide and six feet long. These bandages are liberally 

 sprinkled with plaster of Paris, which is worked into 

 the meshes of the cloth and sprinkled on its surface. 

 The bandage is then rolled up. When ready to apply, 

 the bandages are placed in a vessel of water until 

 thoroughly saturated, as shown by the absence of 

 escaping bubbles. The bandage is then applied firmly 

 over the fracture, beginning below and winding upward 

 until a jacket is formed at least half an inch thick. 

 The plaster cast should extend as far above and below 

 the fracture as is possible. It is a good plan to start 

 the plaster of Paris bandage at the foot or at a large 

 joint, in order to prevent its slipping down, as it is 

 likely to do if the swelling in the part should subside. 

 Splints are also made of leather, tin and stiff felt ; 

 and, in some cases, a thin strip of iron can be bent 



