Treatise on fractures

Front matter

Class

Copyright^ .

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT.

Preface

The object of this book is to supply student and medical practitioner with a clear, concise, and systematic presentation of the subject of fractures.

In the following pages, a careful classification of the varieties of fracture occurring in each bone is given, together with statistics, symptomatology, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. The varieties of fracture are shown by well-selected radiograms, the displacement of fragments is illustrated by accurate drawings, and when possible the methods of reduction and the application of retentive apparatus is presented by photographs.

The universal use of the Rontgen ray as a means of accurate diagnosis has brought about greater success in the recognition of fractures and has shown that many received methods of treatment are faulty or imperfectly understood. As a result, many fractures have been operated upon in which good anatomical and functional results could have been obtained by more conservative measures.

The purpose of the authors is to present a lucid view of the subject in the light of recent discoveries, to point out an accurate scientific procedure, whether operative or otherwise, according to the character of individual injuries and to urge the general practitioner, as well as the surgical specialist, to the study of methods, operative or non-operative, with augury of propitious result.

The authors are indebted to Drs. M. B. Miller, J. H. Jopson, G. G. Davis, G. P. Muller, J. H. Hutchinson, J. M. Spellissy, L. J. Hammond, J. T. Rugh, E. R. Kirby. J. H. Ross, J. A. Boger, A. C. Wood, H. S. Carmany, A. Hewson, O. A. Rath, J. Chalmers Da Costa, C. F. Nassau, M. M. Franklin, J. F. X. Jones, A. A. Sender, F. C. Hutton, and M. F. Percival, for many rontgenograms.

The photographs of specimens, patients, dressings and copies of skiagrams were made by Mr. Meyer S. Lentz, the original drawings iv PREFACE

by Mr. Erwin F. Faber, to both of whom the authors are grateful for skill, patience and untiring energy.

In all instances an endeavor has been made to give proper credit in the text and illustrations to the work of other writers.

Finally they wish to thank the publishers for many helpful suggestions and active cooperation in the presentation of this volume to the medical profession in such an attractive form.

John B. Roberts James A. Kelly

Philadelphia,

January, 19 16.