FRACTURES. 193 



pieces are to be removed and a plaster applied. In case 

 they will not remain in position one nostril must be 

 plugged. 



Frontal Bones. — Fracture of the external plate of a 

 frontal bone, while apparently a serious condition, is really 

 one of little importance ; but fracture of the internal plate 

 does constitute a very serious and dangerous condition. 

 However, fracture of both the outer and inner plates of a 

 frontal bone may occur, and when it does it is of the variety 

 known as comminuted, and is always due to direct injury 

 such as may be received in running away, etc. 



Symptoms. — With every inspiration and expiration the 

 bone may be seen to move up and down, and there is more 

 or less haemorrhage ; the pulse and a]3petite do not seem to 

 be affected in the slightest degree. The above symptoms 

 are when the outer plate alone is fractured, and the inner 

 plate remains intact. 



Treatment. — Bring the bones into position as well as 

 possible, and apply an adhesive plaster. Treat the case 

 carefully, and in ten days or so recovery will be complete. 

 Any detached pieces of bone are to be removed, and in 

 most cases it is better to wait a day or two until suppura- 

 tion has become established, when the bones can be seen 

 better, and can be removed with greater facility. If they 

 be allowed to remain, they act as foreign bodies, set up 

 great irritation, and cause a nasal discharge. 



Orbital Processes. — This fracture is also caused by 

 external violence in some of the ways before mentioned, 

 and it may produce opacity of the cornea. 



Treatment. — Endeavour to raise the bones into position, 

 and having succeeded in doing so, apply plasters for the 

 purpose of retaining them in position As suppuration goes 

 on, a small portion of bone is apt to become detached, or 

 necrosed, and should be removed. 



13 



