assistant pull on foot, to separate fragments, while you examine part
of supposed break. If only one bone is broken, there may be no
displacement._

_Put patient on back. While two assistants pull, one on ankle and one
on thigh at knee, thus separating fragments, slide pillow lengthwise
under knee, and, bringing its edges up about leg, pin them snugly
above leg._

_Prepare three pieces of thin wood, four inches wide and long enough
to reach from sole of foot to a point four inches above knee. While
assistants pull on limb again, as before, put one splint each side
and third behind limb, and with bandage or strips of sticking plaster
fasten these splints to the leg inclosed in its pillow as tight as
possible._

In fracture of the leg between the knee and ankle we have pain,
angular deformity or an apparent false joint in the leg, swelling and
tenderness over the seat of fracture, together with inability to use
the injured leg. Two bones form the framework of the leg; the inner,
or shinbone, the sharp edge of which can be felt in front throughout
most of its course, being much the larger and stronger bone. When both
bones are broken, the displacement of the fragments, abnormal motion
and consequent deformity, are commonly apparent, and a grating sound
may be heard, but should not be sought for.

[Illustration: FIG. 27.

FRACTURE OF BOTH LEG BONES (SCUDDER).

This cut shows the peculiar deformity in breaks of this kind; see
position of kneepan; also prominence of broken bone above ankle.]

An open wound often communicates with the break, making the fracture
compound, a much more serious condition. To avoid making the fracture
a compound one, during examination of the leg, owing to the sharp
ends of the bony fragments, the utmost gentleness should be used.
Under no circumstances attempt to move the fragments from side to
side, or backward and forward, in an effort to detect the grating
sound often caused by the ends of broken bones. The greatest danger
lies in the desire to do too much. We again refer the reader to First
Aid Rule 1.

[Illustration: FIG. 28.

BANDAGE FOR BROKEN LEG (SCUDDER).

Note the pillow brought up around leg and edges pinned together; also
length and method of fastening splint with straps.]

When one bone is broken there may be only a point of tenderness and
swelling about the vicinity of the break and no displacement or
grating sound. When in doubt as to the existence of a fracture alwa