Groin Rupture (Inguinal) is the most common form.

Scrotal Rupture (Inguinal) is simply a worse stage of Groin Rupture. The intestines have descended into the s.c.r.o.t.u.m.

Navel Rupture (Umbilical) is that form in which the opening occurs at or near the navel.

Thigh Rupture (Femoral) is that form of rupture which appears at the upper part of the thigh.

Any of these forms of rupture may appear on the right or left side or on both.

Our experience has taught us that out of one hundred cases of rupture about eighty-six are Groin or Scrotal Rupture. Thirteen out of each hundred are about evenly divided between Thigh and Navel Rupture. And the remaining one may be one of several uncommon forms not mentioned here because they are usually the result of accident.

About half of the cases of rupture occur in childhood. But there are many cases which occur between the ages of 30 and 40. And it is a well known fact that two-fifths of such cases become Scrotal because of neglect, or because a truss is worn that does not keep the rupture from coming down.

All ruptures at the start are usually very mild in form. But if the ruptured parts are not held in place, the sac will gradually grow larger because of the failure to seal the originally small opening through which the intestines at first escape.

[Sidenote: Warn Those Recently Ruptured]

This is something about which you who have been ruptured any length of time, you who know how rupture gets worse if not properly taken care of, should warn any one you may know who has only recently been ruptured.

You can save them years of suffering by telling them about the Cluthe Truss.

For it so often happens-- due to the general ignorance about rupture-- that newly ruptured people don't know their danger until too late.

The rupture often gives so little trouble at first that they think it nothing to worry about. Or perhaps-- also due to ignorance-- they are ashamed to ask anyone's advice. So they go to a drug-store and get a worthless makeshift; and, of course, wearing the cheap contraptions sold by drug-stores, they soon find themselves in a serious state.

There are six conditions of rupture.

When the rupture can be pressed back into the abdomen by the ordinary manipulation of the fingers, it is a Reducible Rupture. This is the first condition, but without a proper truss it soon grows worse.

When only a part of the contents of the lump or rupture sac can be pressed back into the opening, it is known as a Partly Reducible Rupture. This condition is generally the result of neglect of the Reducible Rupture or the use of an improper truss.

When at times the contents of the lump or sac cannot be pressed back into the body with the hands, it is known as a Temporarily Irreducible Rupture. This temporarily irreducible condition can often be cured and always prevented from growing worse if the proper truss is fitted and worn.

The foregoing condition sometimes becomes so bad that it is known as Permanently Irreducible. But even then it can usually be controlled-- prevented from growing worse-- if the right kind of truss is worn.

The condition bordering on strangulation is known as Incarcerated Rupture. The only help for a person in this condition is an immediate operation.

The worst condition of rupture is the strangulated form. This is a condition where mortification has already set in. If an operation is not immediately resorted to, the sufferer will die.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 1]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 2]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 3]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 4]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 5]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 6]

These ill.u.s.trations show Groin Rupture as it first appears, and how it gradually grows worse and descends into the privates (both male and female) when neglected or not properly protected, as when a worthless truss or other appliance is worn which frequently or occasionally lets the rupture come out.

Figures 1, 2, and 3 show the first three stages of Groin Rupture.

Figure 4 shows Groin Rupture descended only to the privates.

Figures 5 and 6 show the rupture _after_ it has descended _into_ the privates.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 7]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 8]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 9]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 10]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 11 (At Navel)]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 12 (At Navel)]

Figures 7, 8, and 9 show advanced stages of Scrotal or Groin Rupture (getting worse all the time because not properly protected, because not kept from coming out) after it has descended into privates. (The different stages are the same in Females as in Males.)

Figure 10 shows Thigh or Femoral Rupture, which comes out on the upper part of thigh, just below the crease or depression between abdomen and thigh. Femoral Rupture never appears higher up-- never appears in groin, and never descends into privates.

Figures 11 and 12 show two stages of Navel Rupture. (For Cluthe Navel Truss, see page 64.)

We make the Cluthe Truss with special Holding Pads that meet the requirements of every one of the foregoing conditions of Rupture, save Incarcerated and Strangulated. With the exception of these two forms we guarantee that the perfect truss with Automatic Ma.s.sage Treatment will constantly hold any rupture in place.

Navel or Umbilical Rupture (which appears at or near the navel) demands immediate treatment.

[Sidenote: Navel (Umbilical) Rupture]

Neglect or Mal-Treatment is liable speedily to treble the size of the rupture.

We make a special Cluthe Navel Truss which has never in any case failed to improve the condition from the moment it was applied.

Our Navel Truss does not bind the abdomen-- allows perfect freedom-- is light, clean and comfortable even in the hottest weather.

It is the only successful holder for Navel Rupture-- the only one that supports the overhanging weight in front without the use of torturing elastic fabrics.

Cases of Navel Rupture demand special care, for hardly any two are alike. So we cannot prescribe for Navel Rupture until we know your condition.

Simply write us stating whether the rupture can be fully reduced. If it can't, give size of part that cannot be reduced.

If none of the forms of Navel Rupture shown on the order blank seems to be about the size of your rupture, and in the same location, please mark on the picture as nearly as you can the size and location of your rupture.

On receipt of such report, we shall advise you as to the appliance needed, and its price.