If the Fracture were near the Head of the Humerus or Arm-Bone, a sort of Bandage might be prepar'd, which is call'd Spica, with a Band roll'd with one Ball five Ells long, and four fingers broad; one end of this Band is pass'd under the Arm-pit opposite to the indispos'd one behind the Back: The other end is convey'd under the indispos'd Arm-pit; the Figure of the Letters KY or X is made on the Shoulder; the Band is return'd below the other Shoulder behind; it is brought back again before, to form a second KY upon the
Fracture; three or four more KY's are wrought upon the Fracture; two Circumvolutions are made in the upper part of the Humerus, which constitute a Triangle call'd Geranium; this Triangle is cover'd with Rollers, and the Band is terminated round about the Breast.
C H A P. IV.
Of the Fracture of the Omoplata or Shoulder-Blade.
The Acromion is usually fractur'd, but it may be known that the middle of the Omoplata is broken by a Numness which is felt in the whole Arm: Whereupon the Surgeon, after having examin'd the place of the Fracture, thrusts back the Prominences of the Bones into their place; and if any Splints happen to prick the Part, he makes an Incision to take 'em out, or to cut off their Points.
The Dressing and Bandage.
A Bolster is laid upon the Omoplata, as also a large piece of Paste-board of the bigness and Figure of this Bone, and a sort of Bandage is prepar'd, known by the name of the Star, with a Band roll'd with one Head four Ells long, and as many Fingers broad. This Band is convey'd behind the Back, one of its ends lying under the Arm-hole, opposite to the indispos'd one; but the other is pass'd under the
Shoulder, and afterward above it, to make a KY in the middle of the Back; then passing under the other Arm-hole, it is brought up to the Shoulder, to be let down, and to form a second KY upon the middle of the Back: These Turns are continu'd in making Rollers, till the Omoplatæ are all cover'd: Circumvolutions are also made round the upper part of the Humerus, as in the Spica; and the Bandage is finish'd by Circumvolutions round about the Breast.