[p. 247]for the most part, do not prove fatal,
nor occasion retention of urine nor torpor of the limbs, for they
do not stretch the ducts leading toward the intestines, nor occasion
obstruction of the same; but displacements forward produce both these
bad effects, and many others in addition. And truly they are more
apt to lose the power of their legs and arms, to have torpor of the
body, and retention of urine, who experience no displacement either
forward or backward, but merely a violent concussion along the spine,
while those who have displacement backward are least subject to these
symptoms.
Part 49
And one might observe many other instances in medicine, of considerable
injuries not proving serious, but producing a crisis in some affection,
while less considerable injuries prove more serious, give rise to
chronic diseases, and extend their effects to the whole system. Now
something similar may happen in fracture of the ribs; for in fracture
of one or more ribs, in general, if the fractured bones are not driven
inward, nor are laid bare, fever rarely supervenes, neither does it
often happen that there is haemoptysis, empyema, and suppurating sores,
which require treatment with pledgets, nor necrosis of the bones;
and in these cases the ordinary regimen is sufficient. For, unless
they be seized with continual fever, a strict diet does more harm
than good, by inducing inanition, and increasing the pain, fever,
and cough; for moderate fullness of the intestines has a tendency
to replace the ribs, while evacuation leads to suspension of the ribs,
and suspension induces pain. Ordinary bandaging, externally, is sufficient
in such cases; the bandages should be applied moderately tight, along
with cerate and compresses, or a pad of wool may be applied. The rib
is consolidated in twenty days, for callus soon forms in such bones.
Part 50
But when there is contusion of the flesh about the ribs, either from
a blow, or a fall, or a bruise, or any like cause, there is often
copious vomiting of blood, for there are canals stretched along the
vacuity of each rib (intercostal space?), and nerves proceeding from
the most important parts of the body have their origin there. Many
of these, therefore, are troubled with coughs, tubercles, empyema,
external suppurations, and sphacelus of the
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