WIRE CUTS 29 



WIRE CUTS AND OTHER LACERATED INJURIES 



Space is devoted in this treatise to the above con- 

 ditions chiefly with the object of impressing on the 

 practitioner the fact that even the most extensive cuts 

 and tears unite beautifully with proper suturing. 



This is especially noteworthy when the cuts or lacera- 

 tions are in a location where no tendons or articula- 

 tions are involved in the trauma. 



Sutures should be set well back from the edges of 

 the wound and a heavy, braided silk suture material 

 should be used. If care is taken to provide ordinary 

 drainage for the wound, the sutures will not tear or 

 slough out, but remain in place until healing is com- 

 plete. It is well to select a strong needle for the 

 purpose and a needle holder is almost indispensable 

 because of the extreme toughness of the skin. 



A daily irrigation of the wound with an antiseptic 

 solution is all that is necessary as after-treatment. 

 Exuberant granulations do not occur. 



Wounds of this nature treated during the warm 

 months must be protected from the activities of flies. 

 For this purpose we find an excellent and cheap 

 preparation in one part oil of cajuput shaken up with 

 two parts of olive oil. This is painted around the 

 edges of the wound with a small brush or feather 

 several times daily. The oil of cajuput alone acts 

 very well as a "fly-chaser," but used alone repeat- 

 edly it is slightly irritating and evaporates too quickly. 

 The olive oil overcomes both of these objections. 



Another satisfactory fly repellent is composed of 

 phenol one part; turpentine one part, and olive oil or 

 cottonseed oil sixteen parts. 



