[p. 297] preparation, presentation of the part, extension, adjustment,
friction, bandaging, suspension and placing of the limb, attitude,
seasons, diet. The more porous parts heal fastest, and vice versa.
Distortions, where the bones are crooked. Flesh and tendons wasted
on the side of the dislocation. The force used in reduction to be
applied at as great a distance as possible from the seat of the displacement.
Of nerves (ligaments?), those which are in motion and in humidity
(flabby?) are of a yielding nature; those that are not, less so. In
every dislocation the most speedy reduction is best. Reduction not
to be made while the patient is in a febrile state, nor on the fourth
or fifth day; and least of all, in those of the elbow, and all cases
which induce torpor; the soonest the best, provided the inflammatory
stage be avoided. Parts torn asunder, whether nerves, or cartilages,
or epiphyses, or parts separated at symphyses, cannot possibly be
restored to their former state; but callus is quickly formed in most
cases, yet the use of the limb is preserved. Of luxations, those nearest
the extremities are least dangerous. Those joints which are most easily
dislocated are the least subject to inflammation. Those which have
been least inflamed, and have not been subjected to after-treatment,
are most liable to be dislocated anew. Extension should be made in
the position most calculated to enable the one bone to clear the extremity
of the other, attention being paid to configuration and place. Adjustment
to be made in the direction of the displacement; to push the displaced
limb straight backward and sideways. Parts suddenly drawn aside are
to be suddenly drawn back by a rotatory motion. Articulations which
have been oftenest dislocated are the most easily reduced; the cause
is the conformation of the nerves (ligaments?) or of the bones; of
the ligaments that they are long and yielding; and of the bones, the
shallowness of the articular cavity, and roundness of the head [of
the bone that enters it]. Usage, by its friction, forms a new socket.
The cause-the disposition, and habit, and age. A part somewhat mucous
is not subject to inflammation.
Part 41
In those cases where there are wounds, either at first, or from protrusion
of the bones; or afterwards, from pruritus, or
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