History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c21.s4.t2: Plastering
History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c21.s4.t2
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Plastering
v1.c21.s4.t2.1
A moderately firm bandage has been advised for optimum immobilization following the local application of certain indigenous medicines, i.e. manjiṣṭha, madhuka, red sandal wood and śali grain (rice variety) powder mixed with a hundred times washed clarified butter (ghṛta). This application of plaster helps to promote the union of fracture ends of the limb as well as combates the infection. Moreover, four methods of fracture reduction have been mentioned, traction, pressure, aposition and bandaging.
v1.c21.s4.t2.2
Specific management of subungual haematoma, fracture of the toes, and fingers, bones of the hands and feet, humerus, femur, ankle, wrist, pelvis, ribs, naval bones, and skull fracture have been described. The fracture bed (Kapāṭa-Sayan) has also been advised in the case of the fracture of the neck of the femur for complete immobilization of the part, which is considered the unique contribution of Susruta as appreciated by the modern surgeons. Similarly the specific management of the dislocations of the hip, shoulder, the elbow, knee, ankle and wrist, the neck and the jaw have been described in a scientific way.