Notes on the modern treatment of fractures . not sufficiently emphasize the necessity for re-duction. The profession should be shown that the treatmentof fractures of the lower end of the radius is reduction, andnot a splint, either with or without compresses. * Medical News, December 13, 1890, p. 615. FRACTURES OF HUMERUS AND RADIUS. Ill The ignorance of the true pathology of this fracture wasformerly so great that many ridiculous splints have been de-vised for its treatment. Many were constructed on the theorythat the extensor muscles of the thumb were a cause of the de-formity; and not a fe
Notes on the modern treatment of fractures . not sufficiently emphasize the necessity for re-duction. The profession should be shown that the treatmentof fractures of the lower end of the radius is reduction, andnot a splint, either with or without compresses. * Medical News, December 13, 1890, p. 615. FRACTURES OF HUMERUS AND RADIUS. Ill The ignorance of the true pathology of this fracture wasformerly so great that many ridiculous splints have been de-vised for its treatment. Many were constructed on the theorythat the extensor muscles of the thumb were a cause of the de-formity; and not a few were employed that failed to recog-nize the curvature of the palmar surface of the lower portionof the radius. These errors are intelligible and were excu-sable; but I fail to appreciate the acumen of the authors whostill figure these useless antiquities in their text-books or ofthe surgeons who advocate and use them. After reduction, the ordinary fracture of the inferior ex-tremity of the radius rarely requires such rigid support as the. Fig. 21. Fracture of the lower end of the radius dressed with a wristlet ofadhesive plaster. splint, because the transverse character of the fracture givesa broad, rough surface of contact, and the extensor tendonsrunning over the dorsal surface of the bone act as tense strapsto hold down the lower fragment. If there is much comminution or if the patient is a carelessman or a romping boy, it may be wise to use a short and narrowdorsal splint upon the back of the wrist. It may be made ofa piece of cigar box, a strip of metal, or consist of two orthree whalebones, such as are used in ladies dress waists. Itshould only extend from the middle of the metacarpal bonesto the junction of the middle and lower thirds of the forearm,being, therefore, about six inches long. Its width need notbe over one inch. It can be held in place by adhesive plaster 112 THE MODERN TREATMENT OF FRACTURES. or a bandage encircling the limb. This dressing should notbe em
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