FRACTUKES IN GENERAL. 



297 



especially about the second or third week, when bony union is 

 commencing, in order, if necessary, to correct displacement. 



With respect to the use of slings in fracture of the leg, do 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 longer 

 than a month. After the symptomatic fever has passed off and 



