FRACTURES IN GENERAL. 



299 



second or third week, when bony union is commencing, in order, 

 if necessary, to correct displacement " (Erichsen). 



With respect to the use of slings in fracture of the leg, we must 

 not forget that although it allows the patient to rest the affected 



limb, it does so at the expense of the other leg, the foot of which, if 

 the erect position be maintained for a long time, will be liable to 

 become affected with laminitis (p. 189), which is nearly as bad 

 as a broken leg. If possible, slings should not be employed for 



