Lately I have given up using plates for cicatrices in
favour of the fluid preparation. The method I adopt is
to make a small incision in the normal skin just beyond one
end of the scar, then with a Graefe cataract knife in the case
of small short scars, and with a scalpel or chisel such as is
used for mastoid operations in the longer ones, separate it
from the parts beneath. When this has been freely done I
inject the fluid, or rather semi-fluid, celluloid into the tunnel
so made until the scar rises a little above the surrounding
surface. I then remove the syringe and smooth the scar
down nearly level, finishing by closing the wound with a
collodion dressing. The piston of the syringe used should
be worked by a screw, because the solution is too thick to
pass readily through the nozzle, and so much force is
required that steadiness and equality of flow are difficult
to ensure if the piston is forced in by hand pressure only.
I am more than satisfied with the result of my celluloid
operations, if I may call them such, and think there is a
great future for them. I have had some celluloid fracture plates
made, but as yet have not had the opportunity of
using one. I think it is quite probable that they may take
the place of the steel plates at present in use.