Surgical cases and essays / by Rushton Parker.

  • Parker, Rushton, 1847-
Date:
1883
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Surgical cases and essays / by Rushton Parker. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    The former is made with a symmetrical oval ring, and can be employed on either side of the body. The lower end of the bed-splint has hitherto been made simply square {a), and may conveniently rest upon a block or a book laid in the bed. But a recent improvement consists m an oblong rectangular frame, by which the splint and the limb are raised a few inches off the bed (b, c, 2, 3). In the walking-splint {d) the ovoid ring is unsymmetrical, being shaped according to the section of the thigh, more prominently curved behind, around the hamstrings, than in front, where it is flatter. It must, therefore, be made right and left. The lower end, more- over, is furnished with a circular, oval, or ovoid patten, to touch the ground, while the limb is slung in a sheet of leather for more permanent fitness and durability. Again, while referring briefly to modifications in form, I may add that instead of two bars merely («, e), the knee-splint is now often fitted with three, the additional bar reaching from the back of the upper ring to a point about half-way down the calf, where it is attached by a semi- circular piece of rod behind the other two welded to all three d). This third bar existed in an early development of the splint, but was cast aside as not essential to rigidity as at first supposed. But it has now been found to be invaluable in preventing the back of the knee from coming in contact with the bed in the recumbent attitude, and from striking the chair when the patient sits in using the walking-splint. It is thus a great, and sometimes a necessary addition, protecting the joint against even slight, though painful, or at least detrimental, movements. Incidentally, the third bar diminishes the pressure of bandages without necessarily impairing their efficiency (5). In fractures of the shaft of the femur the knee-splint is of great value. The side-straps are apj^lied as before said, and tied to the lower end of the splint (i, 2, 3) permitting adjustment of the limb at its full length, by extension and counter pressure on the ischium, as in the case of the long-sphnt and perineal band of Liston. The leg from the knee downwards is supported, slung between the bars on a towel or sheet of calico, which may be conveniently used double, folded over one bar and
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