If the fracture is recent, it must be reduced while the splint is soft by extending the hand and holding the parts in the required position until the gutta-percha is set. Before removing the splints superfluous edges should be marked, and, when the splint is off, trimmed away with a knife. Holes must also be punched at frequent intervals that the perspiration may escape. The splint is next lined with wash-leather, and fitted with a pair of straps and buckles to keep it in place.
By this plan the fingers are left free, and some motion allowed also to the thumb. The only joints kept immoveable are those of the carpus and wrist.
Apparatus of some kind must be worn three weeks continuously; then for a fortnight longer, while it is removed every day to allow passive motion of the fingers and gradually of the wrist also to be practised. Care should be taken to warn the patient that pain and stiffness last long in these fractures, lest he blame the surgeon because he does not quickly recover full use of his arm.
Fracture of the Shaft of one or both Bones of the Forearm.
Apparatus.—1. Two straight wooden splints.
2. Pads and wool.
3. 2-inch wide roller.
4. Sling.
The treatment is the same whether one or both bones are broken. Caution has been already given against bandaging the forearm underneath the splints.
Step 1. Prepare two straight wooden splints; one to go in front of, and one behind the forearm. The posterior or outside reaches from the external condyle to the end of the metacarpus; the anterior or inside splint from a little below the internal condyle only as far as the wrist, keeping clear of the ball of the thumb. The splints should be slightly broader than the forearm, and well padded; towards the lower end the padding should be thicker than above. The forearm is bent to a right angle and the thumb put upwards.