e of three weeks, lateral
poroplastic splints retained by an elastic bandage may be substituted,
and the patient allowed up on crutches. In simple fractures without
displacement, union is usually complete in from six to eight weeks,
but when the fracture is oblique, comminuted, or compound, union is
often delayed, and the functions of the limb may not be fully regained
for three or even four months after the accident.

_Operative Treatment._--When overriding cannot otherwise be corrected,
it is advisable to replace the fragments by operation. A curved
incision with its convexity backward is made over the medial side of
the tibia, exposing the fragments, which are then levered into
position and if necessary plated or otherwise fixed according to
circumstances. It is seldom necessary to deal separately with the
fibula. A box splint is applied till the wound has healed, after which
a poroplastic splint is substituted and massage commenced.

We do not share in the dissatisfaction expressed by some surgeons,
notably Arbuthnot Lane, as to the results obtained by non-operative
means in the common fractures of the leg, and do not recommend a
systematic resort to operative treatment.

_Un-united fracture_ of the bones of the leg is sometimes met with. It
is treated on the same lines as in other situations, but may prove
extremely intractable, especially in children, in whom, indeed, it is
sometimes incurable.

_Mal-union_, on account of the disability it entails, may call for
operative treatment in the form of osteotomy of one or both bones.

_Compound fractures_ of the leg are common, and are treated on the
lines already laid down for the treatment of compound fractures in
general (p. 25).

#Fracture of the tibia alone#, when due to direct violence, is usually
transverse, there is little displacement, and as the fibula retains
the fragments in position, union usually takes place rapidly and
without deformity. Oblique and spiral fractures result from indirect
violence.

#Fracture of the fibula alone# may result from direct violence, and,
on account of the support given by the tibia, is usually unattended by
displacement. Bennett of Dublin has pointed out that it is common to
meet with an oblique fracture of the upper third of the fibula as the
result of an outward twist of the ankle while the foot is extended. It
is characterised by pain localised at the seat of the break, on moving
the foot in such a way as to bring th