Plaster of Paris and how to use it / by Martin W. Ware.

  • Ware, Martin Wiener, 1869-
Date:
1911
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Plaster of Paris and how to use it / by Martin W. Ware. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    33/118 (page 21)
    Gri Pa Ei iL THE APPLICATION, OF, THE PLASTER OF PARIS BAND- AGE TO INDIVIDUAL FRACTURES There is hardly a fracture of any bone in the body requiring immobilization, for which the use of the plaster bandage has not been advocated. En- thusiasts, indeed, would have us use plaster band- ages for all fractures. An enumeration of the frac- tures for which the plaster bandage is neither de- sirable nor practical will best show its limitations. These are: fractures of the skull (for obvious reasons) ; of the clavicle; of the ribs; of the shaft Of the femur in infancy, in all cases; and in adolescence, in most cases. Extensive compound fractures afford a contraindication to the use of plaster at the outset. Its use being deferred until the inflammatory signs have subsided. In all other fractures the use of a plaster of Paris cast is in place at some time or other during the treatment. In fractures of the forearm and arm in infants, be- cause of the small dimensions of the parts, plaster of Paris is rather to be preferred to splints. The X-rays readily penetrate the plaster, so no objection can be offered to its use on this score. Yet where great detail in radiogram is sought a fenestra may be made at the site of fracture or dislocation. A recommended by Privat. Except when applied to the lower extremities, its weight can be kept down to that of any variety of splint. The immediate use of plaster of Paris for frac- 21 Fractures Suitable for Plaster