Splinting:
- The most common treatment for a broken leg involved splinting the injured limb to immobilize it and allow the bone to heal.
- Simple wooden splints or materials like rolled-up strips of newspaper or sticks would be used to create a splint.
- If available, padded materials like linen or fabric could be placed between the skin and the splint to prevent blisters or discomfort.
Setting the Bone:
- If the break was severe or misaligned, a doctor or an experienced medical practitioner might attempt to reposition or "set" the fractured bone, often without the use of anesthesia.
- This procedure could be extremely painful.
Bandaging:
- After splinting or resetting the bone, bandages would be applied to secure the leg in place and provide additional support.
Bed Rest:
- The patient would typically be instructed to remain resting in bed with the leg elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Pain Management:
- There were limited effective pain management options.
- Some common remedies included administering opium, laudanum, or alcohol for pain relief. However, these substances had significant risks and side effects.
Infection Control:
- Infection was a major concern, as medical knowledge and practices regarding hygiene and sterilization were still developing.
- Simple methods like washing the wound with a weak vinegar solution might be used to clean the injury, with varying degrees of effectiveness.
Amputation:
- In severe cases involving shattered bones or the inability to properly set the break, amputation might be considered to prevent the spread of infection.
Overall, the management of fractures in 1845 was a challenging task with relatively limited medical treatments available. With advancements in medicine and better practices, broken leg treatment today involves far more effective techniques than were available in the mid-19th century.