660 
FRACTURE OF THE FEMUR. 
and counter-extension recommended often result in thrusting the frag¬ 
ments further apart. In dogs it is best to approximately replace the 
parts, and then to apply a plaster bandage, starting from the metatarsus 
and extending as high up the limb as possible, fastening it in position 
by a so-called “ saddle.” The bandage is passed over the back and 
around the limb of the opposite side, to prevent it slipping down. This 
method often succeeds in dogs, but also at times fails. In man, and also 
in dogs, human surgeons have been successful in curing fracture bv 
screwing together the portions of the shaft of the femur with silvered 
steel screws. By observing strict asepsis the wounds heal readily and 
the fracture reunites. Several such cases have been operated on in 
University College Hospital and Medical School. 
In laigei animals both reduction and retention are much more 
difficult, though the former is to some extent assisted by anaesthesia. 
The bandages and dressings which are often described can seldom be 
adjusted in such a way as to give a secure hold without setting up 
injurious pressure. Unfortunately, at the present day the cost of 
keeping hoises generally renders treatment out of the question. 
Ruminants and swine require rest and a comfortable stall, with plenty 
of soft bedding like peat-moss, and, to prevent their being annoyed by 
others, pigs should be placed in separate stalls. 
To prevent fracture of the femur when casting horses the so-called 
“ leg twitch ” can be warmly recommended. A girth or strong cord is 
passed round the thigh, about 6 or 7 inches above the hock, a strong- 
stick, 2 feet in length, pushed through it, and the cord twisted tight, so 
as to press the Achilles tendon against the tibia (see p. 7 of Hollar’s 
“Operative Technique”). Any attempt to extend the limb now gives 
considerable pain on account of the pressure of the twitch, and the 
animal soon ceases to make further efforts. In addition, the twitch 
directly checks the action of the extensor. 
It is also well to avoid rigidly fixing the hind limb; sufficient play 
should be given to prevent the extensors having an absolute fixed point 
against whicn to act. It is therefore best to pass the girth or rope for 
fixing the limb o\ei the tibia, between or over both fore limbs in a 
foiwaid diiection, undei the neck and across the loins, and then back 
again to the limb. Then it is passed twice around the tibia immediately 
under the first turn, and the end of the rope led away over the body, 
wheie it is held by two assistants. I he rope must not be drawn so tight 
as to prevent all play of the hind limb. 
In an old horse with recent fracture of the lower trochanter of the 
right femur the forward stride was shortened about a quarter of its 
normal length. As the animal carefully avoided bending the joint, the 
toe grazed the ground. In advancing, the stifle described a curve 
