RETENTIVE DRESSING. 99 



normal condition and situation, and tlius aid in tlierr union or con- 

 solidation, without deformity. It is principally applied xa cases of 

 fractures or dislocations, but finds also its main indication in 

 maintaiuing in. their proper place the mediciual substances which 

 are the active agencies of cure. 



(b) Uniting dressing. — That which is made with sutures or 

 adhesive plaster, to hold the parts in their proper position, and 

 maiatain their perfect co-aptation. 



(c) The suspensory dressing, which is a variety of the reten- 

 tive dressing, and serves to support organs of soft textiu-e in 

 some parts of the body, such as the testicles, or the mammae, 

 which by their position are exposed to traumatism by their sit- 

 uation, their weight, and by pulling and bruises. Susjyensories, 

 is the name given to these special bandages ; they are commonly 

 used in diseases of the testicles, and of the udder. 



{d) Compressive dressings. — These are devised to produce 

 more or less active pressure upon a too active granulating sur- 

 face ; to arrest hemorrhage, to change the vitaHty of some tissues 

 of a morbid nature, or to control the projection of abnormal bony 

 growths. 



(e) The dividing dressing is the opposite to the uniting. It 

 is of common use ia cases where too rapid closing of wounds is 

 to be prevented. It is applicable in infundibuliform surfaces, ia 

 deep fistulous tracts, and in wounds which are the seat of foreign 

 elements, pathological or other. It operates by keeping the 

 superficial opening of the wound dilated, by means of tents, 

 sponges, etc. 



(/) Expulsive dressing. — The object of this dressing is to 

 assist the exit of pus from the surface of wounds. A simple dress- 

 ing, by its absorbing properties, is somewhat of an expulsive na- 

 ture. The presence of a single tent of an absorbing quality, as 

 small balls, or padding of absorbent cotton; the application of 

 drainage tubes ; all these facilitate not only the escape of the 

 secretions, but also the discharge of the morbid products. The 

 drainage is obtained by the introduction into the wound of India 

 rubber tubing, of various dimensions, perforated at intervals upon 

 their length, and kept in position by safety pins inserted through 

 them and the skin, at suitable points. These tubes, when extend- 

 ing through the depth of a wound, embracing its whole length, and 

 projecting through a counter opening, as well as through the 



