In many cases, particularly in muscular subjects, in restless alcoholic patients, and in those who do not bear pain well, a general anæsthetic is a valuable aid to the accurate setting of a fracture, as well as a means of rendering the diagnosis more certain. The procedure popularly known as "setting a fracture" consists in restoring the displaced parts to their normal position as nearly as possible, and is spoken of technically as the _reduction_ of the fracture. _The Reduction of Fractures._--In some cases the displacement may be overcome by relaxing the muscles acting upon the fragments, and this may be accomplished by the stroking movements of massage. In most cases, however, it is necessary, after relaxing the muscles, to employ _extension_, by making forcible but steady traction on the distal fragment, while _counter-extension_ is exerted on the proximal one, either by an assistant pulling upon that portion of the limb, or by the weight of the patient's body. The fragments having been freed, and any shortening of the limb corrected in this way, the broken ends are moulded into position--a process termed _coaptation_. The reduction of a recent greenstick fracture consists in forcibly straightening the bend in the bone, and in some cases it is necessary to render the fracture complete before this can be accomplished. In selecting a means of retaining the fragments in position after reduction, the various factors which tend to bring about re-displacement must be taken into consideration, and appropriate measures adopted to counteract each of these. In addition to retaining the broken ends of the bone in apposition, the after-treatment of a fracture involves the taking of steps to promote the absorption of effused blood and serum, to maintain the circulation through the injured parts, and to favour the repair of damaged muscles and other soft tissues. Means must also be taken to maintain the functional activity of the muscles of the damaged area, to prevent the formation of adhesions in joints and tendon sheaths, and generally to restore the function of the injured part. _Practical Means of Effecting Retention--By Position._--It is often found that only in one particular position can the fragments be made to meet and remain in apposition--for example, the completely supine position of the forearm in fracture of the radius just above the insertion of the pronator teres. Again, in certain cases it is only by relaxing particular groups of muscles that the displacement can be undone--as, for instance, in fracture of the bones of the leg, or of the femur immediately above the condyles, where flexion of the knee, by relaxing the calf muscles, permits of reduction.