296 FEACTUEES. 



which are only loosened, and which are still connected to perios- 

 teum, should be left undisturbed, or gently afljusted into their 

 proper position if necessary. The animal should have complete 

 rest. , Sawdust is a capital material for bedding in fractures, as it 

 affords good foothold, and allows the animal to readily change the 

 position of his limbs. 



As healthy union cannot take place unless the part be kept at 

 rest, in order to obtain that condition, use various local means, 

 such as splints and bandages. Splints aid in checking movement, 

 and also assist in preventing deformity from the broken parts 

 remaining out of position for a lengthened period. The great 

 danger in their use is the setting up of unequally distributed 

 pressure, which, if prolonged, would be liable to give rise to 

 inflammation and even death of the part. Splints may be made 

 of sole leather, gutta-percha, strong paste-board, and thin wood ; 

 and in cases of emergency, bundles of brushwood, whips, sheet 

 iron, or even strong iron wire can be employed for this purpose. 

 They should be cut so as to prevent them interfering with any 

 prominences near the part, and, also, to keep exposed for treat- 

 ment, any wound which may have been inflicted at the time of 

 the accident. Before putting on splints, any inequalities on the 

 surface of tlie part should be filled up with some soft, elastic 

 material,, such as cotton-wool. Tow, moss, hay or grass can also 

 be used. The following procedure with splints may be adopted 

 in case of fracture of euaj of the bones below the elbow or stifle : — 

 After having placed the parts in position, wind round the leg at 

 least six thicknesses of cotton wadding, as in sprain (p. 44). Place 

 along the direction of the limb two splints, each of them being a 

 little less than half the width of the circumference of the surface 

 on which they are put. Then apply over the splints an " immov- 

 able bandage," which will afford firm support and which can be 

 easily removed by cutting it through with a pair of scissors, at 

 the space between the splints on each side. This bandage may be 

 of strong calico, about 3 iiiches broad and 6 or 8 yards long, and 

 can be made adhesive by soaking it in a thick mixture of starch 

 paste, ''-charge composition," without the mercurial ointment (p. 

 48), or even common pitch. Evenly distributed and abundant 

 padding is of the highest im.portanoe when arranging splints. 

 Care should be taken that the bandage should not be put on too 

 tightly at first ; although, to be of benefit, it must afford firm 

 support. The Surgeon should always bear in mind that in the 

 treatment of a fractured bone, he can do nothing to promote its 

 union, beyond placing it in a good position. Nature solders the 

 bone together; and the less the Surgeon interferes the better. 

 But it is requisite to examine the limb from time to time, and 



