Of the Fracture of the Thigh.
If the Thigh-Bone be broken near its Head, the Fracture is very difficult to be discover'd; but if the Bone pass one over another, it may be soon known, because the hurt leg will be shorter than the other. Therefore a very great Extension is to be made; and if the Hands are not sufficient for that purpose, recourse may be had to Straps and Engines. In the mean time the Operator is to lay his Thumbs upon the fractur'd Bone, to thrust it back into its place, and afterward to apply
The Dressing and Bandage.
The Cavity of the Thigh is to be fill'd with a thick Bolster, of the length of its bending; and three Bands four Fingers broad are to be provided, the first being three Ells long, and the second four, as well as the third: Then three Circumvolutions are to be made upon the Fracture with the first Band, carrying it up with small Rollers, and it is to be stay'd round the Body. The second Band is to make two Circumvolutions upon the Fracture, and is to be brought down with small Rollers, which are terminated above the Knee; or else they may be continu'd all along the Leg; it is also to be pass'd under the Foot, and to be drawn up again upon the Leg: Then a Bolster is to be apply'd to the lower part of the Thigh, being thicker at bottom than at top, to render the Thigh everywhere even; and four Longitudinal Bolsters are to be added, on which are laid Splints of the same length and breadth, which are to be wrapt up with a single Bolster. The third Band is to be roll'd upon these Splints, beginning at the bottom, and ascending with Rollers. Then two large Paste-boards are to be us'd, which may embrace the whole Dressing, without crossing one another, being fasten'd with three Ribbands. Afterward a Pair of Pumps is to be put under the Foot, and the Heel to be supported with a small Roll, the Thigh and Leg being let into the Scarves, the inner of which is to extend to the Groin, and the
outermost is to be somewhat longer: Two little Cushions are also to be laid on each side below the Knee, and two others below the Ankles, to fill up the Cavities. These Cushions or large Bolsters are to lie between the Scarves; and a thick Bolster is to be laid upon the Leg all along its length, as also on upon the Thigh. The Scarves are to be bound with three Ribbands for the Legs, and as many for the Thighs; the Knots being ty'd without, and on the side.
C H A P. XVI.
Of the Fracture of the Knee-Pan.
The Knee-Pan is cleft or broken in divers pieces in its length, and cross-wise: If it be broken cross-wise or obliquely, the two Pieces fly out one from another; and on this occasion a strong Extension is to be made; whilst the Surgeon at the same time thrusts back again the upper-part of the Knee-Pan into its place.