If the Knee-Pan be fractur'd in its length, no Extension can be made, because the pieces of the Bones remain in their place.
The Dressing and Bandage.
If the Knee-Pan be broken cross-wise, a Band is to be provided three Ells long, and two Fingers Broad, which may be roll'd with
one or two Heads. The Application is to be begun above the Knee-Pan; the Figure of KY is to be made in the Ham, and a Circumvolution under the Knee; then the Band is to be continually carry'd up and down, till the Knee-Pan be entirely cover'd.
If the Knee-Pan be fractur'd in its length, that is to say, from the top to the bottom, the Uniting-Band must be us'd, being two or three Ells long, and two Fingers broad, perforated in the middle. It is to be at first apply'd under the Knee, and one of the Balls is to be pass'd thro' the Hole; it must also be well clos'd, and divers Circumvolutions are to be made upon the Knee-Pan, so as it may be altogether cover'd.
C H A P. XVII.
Of the Fracture of the Leg.
If the Tibia be only broken, it pushes into the Inside; but if both Bones be fractur'd they are sometimes separated on both sides, or else they pass one upon another; and in this case the Leg is shorter than it ought to be. If the Perone be broken, it pushes to the outside.
If one Bone be only fractur'd, so strong an Extension is not requisite as when they are both shatter'd, and it is to be drawn only on one side; whereas the drawing ought to be equal on both sides when both Bones are concern'd.