J. L., Mexican, laborer, aged 40, entered Santa Fé Hospital April 17, with fracture of left patella at lower one-third.
After remaining in bed until April 20, when the extreme effusion had somewhat subsided, on being told of the length of time necessary for repair, entailing several weeks' confinement to bed, the patient precipitately left the hospital, refusing further treatment or advice.
On May 23 he again presented himself at the hospital for the necessary certificate of discharge for reinstatement in his position. The leg had been in constant use in the interim. No effort at treatment or immobilization having been made.
In the absence of effusion, the deep sulcus separating the fragments was clearly demonstrated, the distance between the fragments being about three-quarters of an inch, with apparently a thin band of ligamentous union present. The function, however, was remarkably good, there being almost complete extension and no inconvenience