MEDICAL HINTS. 
217 
Fractures . 
A simple fracture is one in which, though the bone or bones are broken, 
the protecting skin is not broken. 
A compound fracture is one in which the skin, etc., is broken or cut 
across, so that the fracture is more or less exposed to the air. The end 
of either fragment of the broken bone may protrude through the skin. 
A comminuted fracture is one in which the bohe is broken into several 
pieces; such a fracture may be either simple or compound. 
In a simple fracture great gentleness should be used in handling the 
parts, so as not to convert it into a compound fracture; therefore, do 
not undress the part; rather cut away the clothing. 
A fracture which is compound is usually serious, for dirt and germs 
are liable to be carried into the wound and cause great mischief; in 
gunshot wounds, dirt or pieces of clothing may be carried into the 
wound. 
The signs of a fracture are, firstly, the patient’s own feelings, e.g ., the 
pain which is caused on handling the part, sudden loss of power, and the 
sensation of grating. Secondly, on examination, most if not all of the 
following signs will be observed: inability of patient to move the part 
below the injury, swelling, unnatural movement below the site of 
fracture, alteration in appearance of the limb. 
In fractures of the upper or lower limb there is usually shortening, 
the spasmodic action of the muscles causing the broken ends to ride over 
each other, and the greater the obliquity of the line of fracture the 
greater will be the shortening and alteration in appearance. 
A sensation of grating is usually conveyed to the operator when he 
attempts to move the parts; sometimes this grating can be heard, as 
well as felt. Comparison of the injured with the sound limb is of the 
greatest importance in detecting fractures. 
Treatment of Simple Fractures . 
Directly a fracture of a limb is made out, a splint or splints of some 
kind should be applied to keep the parts fairly in position, and to 
prevent a broken end from being pushed through the skin. Cloths 
and bandages may be applied firmly round the injured part, and then 
