[p. 190] renewed in the same way; and the application of
the splints should be the same. The thigh-bone is consolidated in
forty days.
Part 20
But this also should be known, that the thigh-bone is curved rather
to the outside than to the inside, and rather forward than backward;
when not properly treated, then, the distortions are in these directions;
and the bone is least covered with flesh at the same parts, so that
the distortion cannot be concealed. If, therefore, you suspect anything
of this kind, you should have recourse to the mechanical contrivances
recommended in distortion of the arm. And a few turns of the bandage
should be brought round by the hip and the loins, so that the groin
and the articulation near the perineum may be included in the bandage;
and moreover, it is expedient that the extremities of the splints
should not do mischief by being placed on parts not covered with the
bandages. The splints, in fact, should be carefully kept off the naked
parts at both ends; and the arrangement of them should be so managed,
as that they may not be placed on the natural protuberances of the
bone at the knee-joint, nor on the tendon which is situated there.
Part 21
The swellings which arise in the ham, at the foot, or in any other
part from the pressure, should be well wrapped in unscoured and carded
wool, washed with wine and oil, and anointed with cerate, before bandaging;
and if the splints give pain they should be slackened. You may sooner
reduce the swellings, by laying aside the splints, and applying plenty
of bandages to them, beginning from below and rolling upward; for
thus the swellings will be most speedily reduced, and the humors be
propelled to the parts above the former bandages. But this form of
bandaging must not be used unless there be danger of vesications or
blackening in the swelling, and nothing of the kind occurs unless
the fracture be bound too tight, or unless the limb be allowed to
hang, or it be rubbed with the hand, or some other thing of an irritant
nature be applied to the skin.
Part 22
More injury than good results from placing below the thigh a canal
which does not pass farther down than the ham,
