In the average case, the leg is supported between sand-bags, and massage and movements are employed from the outset. When there is a tendency to re-displacement, the limb may be immediately enclosed in a rigid apparatus, such as lateral poroplastic splints retained in position by an elastic bandage, or a Cline's splint, which can readily be removed to admit of massage. When the fracture is in the lower third of the leg, the ambulatory splint gives excellent results, and is of special service in hospital practice (Fig. 95). As an emergency appliance, for example for purposes of transport, the _box splint_ (Fig. 91) is simple and efficient. We have not found it effectual in controlling the fragments, particularly in oblique fractures, and it requires constant supervision and readjustment. It consists of two pieces of wood extending from above the knee to an inch or two beyond the sole, and a little broader than the maximum diameter of the leg. These are rolled into the opposite ends of a folded sheet, so as to form two sides of a box, of which the sheet constitutes a third side. It is found advantageous to insert another board, fitted with a foot-piece, between the folds of the sheet forming the third side of the box, to add to the rigidity of the splint, and to aid in controlling the foot. By folding one side of the sheet somewhat obliquely, the box is made a little wider at the knee than at the ankle, and so fits the limb more accurately. [Illustration: FIG. 91.--Box Splint for Fractures of Leg.] The limb is placed in this box, the sides of which have been carefully padded. Ring pads are applied to take pressure off the condyles, the head of the fibula, the malleoli, and the prominence of the heel, and a large supporting pad is placed behind the tendo calcaneus. A folded towel is laid over the front of the leg, forming a lid to the box, and the whole is bound to the limb by three slip-knots. Finally, the foot is fixed at right angles to the leg and slightly abducted by a figure-of-eight bandage or a piece of elastic webbing. Sand-bags placed alongside serve to steady the limb. In fractures of the lower third of the leg, the box splint may stop short of the knee and the limb may then be suspended in a Salter's cradle, which allows the patient to move about more freely in bed. [Illustration: FIG. 92.--Box Splint (applied).] To prevent shortening in oblique fractures and in those near the ankle-joint, where it is often difficult to control the lower fragment, extension, applied by weight and pulley, or through a Thomas' knee splint, may be of service. The strapping may be applied only to the distal fragment, but we prefer to carry it to the upper third of the leg. If the overriding of the fragments persists, extension may be taken directly from the bone, the ice-tong callipers gripping the malleoli or the calcaneus. When the skin is damaged, as it so frequently is on the medial aspect of the tibia, means must be taken to prevent infection.