Adjusting Fractures 219 
two distinct parts it is called a ‘simple fracture.” If 
one of the pieces of broken bone should penetrate the 
flesh and skin so as to protrude it is called a“ compound 
fractvre.” If the bone is broken into three or more 
parts it is ealled a “comminuted fracture.” Fractures 
are usually serious, but their importance also depends 
upon the location,—whether near a joint or so covered 
with tissues as to be inaccessible to treatment. The 
severity of the break, whether other tissues are injured, 
the age, value, and size of the animal, as well as the 
work for which the animal is intended, are to be con- 
sidered in the treatment. Fractures usually do better, 
and there are greater probabilities of recovery, in small 
animals than in large, because the former are more 
easily treated and controlled. As a general rule, 
fractures in cattle make better recoveries than those 
in horses, other things being equal. 
One of the most positive symptoms of fracture is 
the loss of use of the part, especially when the part is 
alimb. The animal is unable to use it to any extent 
and, if forced to move, goes on three legs. There is 
usually a displacement of the broken bone,— that is, 
the bones slip by each other and can be moved out of 
their normal positions. In most cases there appears 
to be an extra joint where the break occurs, and the 
part can be moved in various directions or swings about 
in a useless manner as the animal moves. Another 
important indication is a grating sound, called “crepitus,” 
which can be heard or, better, felt, when the broken 
pieces of bone are moved upon each other. In some 
fractures there is no displacement of the broken pieces, 
