(_brachium_) or arm (_humerum_) of the patient, and with the other
hand press down upon the projecting portion of the bone. Then apply a
pledget moistened with albumen, a pad and a splint in form of a cross,
and over all a long bandage embracing both the arm and the neck and
suspending the arm. A pad (_cervical_) should also be placed in the
axilla to prevent the dropping of the arm, and should not be removed
until the fracture is repaired. If the fracture is compound, the wound
of the soft parts is to be left open and uncovered by the bandage, so
that a tent (_stuellus_) may be inserted, and the wound is then to be
dressed in the ordinary manner."
Simple fracture of the humerus, Gilbert tells us, is to be reduced
(_ad proprium locum reducator_) at once by grasping the arm above and
below the seat of fracture and exercising gentle and gradual extension
and compression. Then four pieces of lint wet in egg-albumen are
to be placed around the arm on all sides, a bandage, four fingers
wide, also moistened in albumen is to be snugly applied, another dry
bandage placed above this, and finally splints fastened in position
by cords. This dressing is to remain undisturbed for three days, and
then renewed every third day for nine days. After the ninth day a
_strictura_ (cast, apparatus immobile?) is to be prepared and firmly
applied with splints and a bandage, and the patient is to be cautioned
not to bear any weight upon the injured arm (_ne infirmus se super
illud appodiet_?). The fracture is then left until it is believed that
consolidation has occurred. If, however, it is found that swelling
is occasioned by the cast (_ex strictorio_?), the latter should be
removed, and the arm well bathed in warm water containing mallowae and
other emollients and thoroughly cleansed. If the bone seems to be well
consolidated, it should be rubbed with an ointment of _dialthea_ or
the _unguentum marciation_, after which the splints and bandage are
to be reapplied. If, however, it is found that the bone is not well
consolidated, the cast should be replaced in the original manner,
until consolidation is accomplished. If erysipelas results from
the dressings, it is to be treated in the ordinary manner. During
the entire treatment potions of nasturtium seeds, _pes columbini_
(crowfoot) and other "consolidatives" are to be administered
diligently. If the fracture is compound, any loose fragments of
bone are to be removed, the fracture reduced as
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