The Operator must first reduce it, and then administer the other Helps, as in a simple Fracture.
How may it be known that the reducing of the Fracture is well perform'd?
When the Pain ceaseth; when the Part hath resum'd its natural Shape; when no Unevenness is any longer perceiv'd therein; and when it is conformable to the sound Part on the other side.
What are the Signs which shew that the Splints remain in the Fracture after it hath been reduc'd?
They are the secret and continual Workings of the Fibres, or twitchings, that are felt by Intervals in the Part, with great Pains, which are the Indications of an Abcess arising therein; and when a Wound is join'd to the Fracture, the Lips of it are puff'd up, and become more soft and pale, the purulent Matter abounding also more than ordinary.
When the Splints appear, must they be drawn out by force?
By no means; for great care ought to be taken to avoid all manner of violent Operations; it being requisite to wait for their going out with the purulent Matter; or at most to facilitate their Passage by the use of Injections of the Tincture of Myrrh and Aloes; by the application of Emplastrum Andreæ Crucii, and by the help of the Forceps.
How is a simple Fracture to be dress'd, after it hath been reduc'd?
The Parts are to be strengthen'd and consolidated with Liniments of Oleum Lumbricorum, or of Oil of St. John's-Wort mingled with Wine, Brandy, or Aqua-Vitæ; with Fomentations of Red Roses, Rosemary, and St. John's-Wort boil'd in Wine; and with Emplastrum contra Rupturam, or de Betonica, carefully wrapping up the broken Member, but after such a manner that the two Extremities may not cross one another; and that a small Space may remain open between both. Afterward the Splints and Bands are to be apply'd, taking care to avoid binding 'em too hard, and to take 'em off every three Days, in order to refit 'em, to abate troublesome Itchings, and to give Air to the Part; by these means preventing the Gangrene, which might happen by the Suffocation of the natural Heat. If the Thighs or Legs are broken, Scarves are to be us'd to support and stay 'em in the Bed.