Proper position of arm in sling; note that hand is unsupported with palm turned inward and thumb uppermost.] Four weeks are required to secure firm union after this fracture. When the fracture is compound the same treatment should be employed as described under Compound Fracture of Leg, p. 116. =FRACTURE OF THE WRIST; COLLES'S FRACTURE.=--This is a break of the lower end of the bone on the thumb side of the wrist, and much the larger bone in this part of the forearm. The accident happens when a person falls and strikes on the palm of the hand; it is more common in elderly people. A peculiar deformity results. A hump or swelling appears on the back of the wrist, and a deep crease is seen just above the hand in front. The whole hand is also displaced at the wrist toward the thumb side. [Illustration: FIG. 18. A BROKEN WRIST (SCUDDER). Characteristic appearance of a "Colles's fracture"; note backward displacement of hand at wrist; also fork-shaped deformity.] It is not usual to be able to detect abnormal motion in the case of this fracture, or to hear any grating sound on manipulating the part, as the ends of the fragments are generally so jammed together that it is necessary to secure a surgeon as soon as possible to pull them apart under ether, in order to remedy the existing "silver-fork" deformity. (See Figs. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22.) =Treatment.=--Until medical aid can be obtained the same sort of splints should be applied, and in the same way as for the treatment of fractured forearm. If the deformity is not relieved a stiff and painful joint usually persists. It is sometimes impossible for the most skillful surgeon entirely to correct the existing deformity, and in elderly people some stiffness and pain in the wrist and fingers are often unavoidable results. [Illustration: FIG. 19. FIG. 20. FIG. 21. FIG. 22. FRACTURE OF THE WRIST (SCUDDER). Above illustrations show deformities resulting from a broken wrist; Figs. 19 and 20 the crease at base of thumb; Fig. 21 hump on back of wrist; Fig. 22 twisted appearance of hand.] =FRACTURE OF BONE OF HAND, OR FINGER.= _First Aid Rule.--Set fragments of bone in place by pulling with one hand on finger, while pressing fragments into position with other hand. Put on each side of bone a splint made of cigar box, padded with folded handkerchiefs, and retain in place with bandage wound about snugly. Put forearm and hand in sling._ This accident more commonly happens to the bones corresponding to the middle and ring finger, and occurs between the knuckle and the wrist, appearing as a swelling on the back of the hand. On looking at the closed fist it will be seen that the knuckle corresponding to the broken bone in the back of the hand has ceased to be prominent, and has sunken down below the level of its fellows. The end of the fragment nearer the wrist can generally be felt sticking up in the back of the hand. [Illustration: FIG. 23. A BROKEN FINGER (SCUDDER).