Without attempting to depreciate the mechanical value of unabsorbable material as a means of direct fixation of the bone fragments in operations performed for the cure of fracture, the writer believes that bone repair is accomplished more rapidly and satisfactorily in the absence of foreign bodies from the bone. He is further convinced that in many cases in which some form of direct fixation of the fractured ends is required, a comparatively readily absorbable material will suffice. Consequently this case, an ununited fracture of the femur of one year's standing, in which some immediate mechanical support was required to retain the bone ends in apposition, and in which sutures of chromicized catgut met the requirements perfectly, is reported.
From the conditions found at the operation, and the methods adopted to secure fixation and union, some points of practical value may be gathered.
Histological research has demonstrated facts in regard to