Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1882-03-01

Plaster, either in the form of bandage
enveloping the fractured part, or In the
form of distinct splint, is used quite ex-
tensively in the various hospitals Of this
city. In fact, all other things being equal,
it is given the preference over other forms
of apparatus usually employed in such in
iuries, Particularly is this the case with
fractures of the leg, which are treated now
almost exclusively by this bandage. The
fracture box is rarely used, and only in
exceptional cases, where there is great
swelling, and under condition of extensive
injury of the skin, in which it is necessary
for the parts to be exposed during treat
ment. Generally this open method is only
EMPLOYED until SUCH time as it Is safe to
apply the plaster of Paris bandage, as
shown by the disappearance of the swell
ing and the healing of the abraslons- No
time is lost by so doing, as generally the
parts are made fit for the Immovabie ap
paratus before the bony union commences.
In compound fracture the limb is generally
placed at once in the plaster apparatus,
openings being made in the latter cores
ponding with the injuries of the soft part,
for the purpose of establishing thorough
drainage As a rule. and when, of course,
there is no special contraindica ion in the
shape of undue swelling, etc, all fractures
in which plaster of Paris is to be employed
are put up" at once. A general des-
criptlon OF the method of procedure may
apply to tina: to be employed in any case
of fracture in any region of the body. The
part is enveloped in a thin layer OF cotton,
and the bsndages, immersed IN water
sufficiently long to be permeated. are ap-
piled directly over the cotton, care being
taken to exert slight and uniform pressure.
Each layer of bandage is carefully mould
ell to the inequalities of the surface, anG
made perfectly smooth before the next
lave. is applied. If the bandages are
properly prepared, without sizing, and
have been kept in a dry place, the plaster
will commence TO ''set" before the second
bandsge is applied. Generally three
LAYERS of bandage are sufficient for frac-
ture whers ordinary support Is required.
Four, with suitable re-enforcements, may
be required in other cases. After the
dressing Is complete. it is exposed to the
air. and hardens sufficiently enough in two
or three hours to allow the limb to be
moved.
The plaster apparatus Is generally kept
| In position during the whole period OF
treatment. If undue swelling occures, the
envelope is slit in the long axis OF the
limb by Hays saw, or by scissors for the
purpose, and thus splint is formed which
is kept IN position by outside baneages.
Some surgeons prefer to dispense with
cotton altogether. and use well-1lted
silk or gauze stocking or jacket as the
foundation for the plaster. There is, how
ever, greater care and skill required in
his method, as any undue pressure at any
one point would be more apt to produce
swelling in the parts beyond. Yet still,
when properly applied, this makes the
most comfortable and lightest dressing that
can be used, and gives the perfection oi
support and greatest accuracy OF adjust
ment to the injured parts.