immobilization of this joint would be necessary. In other cases proceed as follows: After reduction of the fragments wrap the leg thickly with ordinary cotton from just above the toes to the knee. Then apply over all the cotton a gauze bandage snugly enough to keep the cotton in place. The cotton should be especially thick over the malleoli. Along each side of the leg now place a wooden splint, at least half an inch in thickness, whose width should exceed the antero-posterior diameter of the leg, and which in length should extend from just below the knee-joint to an inch or so below the sole of the foot. Hold these splints in place by two or three narrow strips of adhesive plaster, and then put on a stout muslin bandage from the toes to the knee. After a week, or even less, this apparatus may be removed, a plaster-of-Paris splint applied, and the patient allowed up on crutches. Should there be little or no swelling, the plaster of Paris may be used from the beginning.

What is Pott's fracture?

It is the name usually given to any fracture of the lower ends of the tibia and fibula accompanied by marked abduction and eversion (rarely adduction and inversion) of the foot. More accurately, it may be defined as follows: Fibula fractured three inches above the malleolus; tibia fractured in two places— viz. through the internal malleolus and through a line just internal to its lower articular surface for the fibula (Fig. 27). In addition there is often rupture of the internal lateral ligament of the anklejoint and of the inferior tibio-fibular articulation. The foot is always displaced in one of the mentioned above.

ways

FIG. 27.

Diagram showing frequent fracture-lines from forcible eversion aud abduction of foot. (Stimson).

What may be said as to fractures of the humerus?

If situated high up, through the surgical or anatomical neck, the upper fragment is usually to be felt as a distinct mass in the axilla. The treatment, after reduction, of all simple fractures of the humerus above the lower third is by the plaster-of-Paris spica,

Fracture of the anatomical neck of the humerus, and dislocation of the head. H, the head; C, the coracoid process; 4, axillary artery; B, tendon of the biceps.

starting from just above the elbow-joint and ending by completely covering in the shoulder-joint. The elbow should be flexed, and held so by means of a sling placed under the hand. Or wooden splints, encircling the arm, over ordinary cotton, are efficacious if

B

Ununited fracture of the olecranon. A, the upper fragment. B, the external condyle (Stimson).

Fractures of the humerus situated

the gypsum be not obtainable. lower down (see Dislocation of the Elbow) should, as a rule, be treated by fixation of the elbow either in the flexed or extended position.

FIG. 41.

Deformity in Colles's fracture.