OPEN JOINT. 



93 



applied, and fresh antiseptic coverings put on ; because, even if a 

 trerm-free discharo:e be allowed to form a communication between 

 the wound and tihe external air, or between the wound and a germ- 

 tainted material like ordinary cotton wadding, microbes of putre- 

 faction will quickly work through into the injured joint. If at first 

 the flow of synovia be too copious to admit of its complete absorp- 

 tion by the antiseptic cotton wadding, I think it is best to dispense 

 for the time being with this wadding, and to frequently syringe the 

 wound with an antiseptic, so as to keep the part free from putre- 



Fig. 39.— Splint devised by Mr. Pngh, INI.R.C.V.S. 



faction, and to promote drainage. If all goes well, the bandage 

 can be left on for four or five days, and after it is removed, we can 

 apply tannoform or other suitable antiseptic (p. 67) to the wound, 

 and we should lose no time in again putting on the bandage, the 

 evenly distributed pressure of which greatly promotes the process 

 of healing, by keeping down the swelling that would otherwise 

 ensue, and would more or less interfere with the circulation of the 

 part. If putrefaction sets up in the joint, or if the pressure of 



