502 



OBSTETRIC OPERATIONS. 



stances. The limbs are more particularly the parts upon which they can 

 be most usefully employed, because of the length and solidity of these, 

 the facility with which they can be seized, and the prominences of the 

 joints and hoofs, which prevent the cords from slipping. The head can- 

 not be so advantageously " corded," though it is a most important region 

 of the body to secure in certain cases. The neck can be corded, as can 

 also the loins and croup, as already shown. 



The cords vary in thickness and length ; they are usually about five or 

 six feet long, though they may be nine or ten feet ; and, if spun rope, 

 from quarter to half-inch or ipore thick. At one end is a small loop, or 

 iron ring, by which to form a running noose (Figs. 145, 146, 149). Some 

 practitioners recommend strands of Manilla hemp, and in particular in- 

 stances, as when a somewhat rigid loop is required, it is very useful to 

 have a long piece of copper wire twined in the cord or hemp. Other ob- 

 stetrists prefer a leather band. 



The Manilla hemp, and web or leather band, are resorted to in order to 

 prevent damage to the foetus during traction — the cords, from their hard- 

 ness, thinness, and strands, being liable to cut. But this accident need 

 not be rAuch feared, and the durability, convenience, and other advan- 



Traction Cord and Band, and the 

 Manner of Applying them. 



Fig. 146. 

 Schaack's Traction Cord. 



tages possessed by the cords, are greatly in their favor. They retain their 

 hold better than any thing else, and particularly if they have only a simple 

 loop at the end, instead of an iron ring. 



Whatever is used for this purpose should be very pliable, and yet suf- 

 ficiently strong to withstand energetic pulling. A very good cord is that 

 used by Schaack. 



This is merely a cord with a running noose at one end, and a small 

 piece of round wood at the other, to give the assistant a better hold, and 

 enable him to use more force (Fig. 146). 



When cords are employed on the limbs, they are generally applied to 

 the pasterns, as these parts are most accessible, and afford the most se- 



