Part 47
The treatment especially befitting each particular dislocation has
been described; and it has been laid down as a rule, that immediate
reduction is of the utmost advantage, owing to the rapid manner in
which inflammation of the tendons supervenes. For even when the luxated
parts are immediately reduced, the tendons usually become stiffened,
and for a considerable time prevent extension and flexion from being
performed
[p. 208]to the ordinary extent. All these cases are to be treated in a similar way,
whether the extremity of the articulating bone be snapped off, whether
the bones be separated, or whether they be dislocated; for they are
all to be treated with plenty of bandages, compresses, and cerate,
like other fractures. The position of the joint in all these cases
should be the same, as when a fractured arm or fore-arm has been bound
up. For this is the most common position in all dislocations, displacements,
and fractures; and it is the most convenient for the subsequent movements,
whether of extension or flexion, as being the intermediate stage between
both. And this is the position in which the patient can most conveniently
carry or suspend his arm in a sling. And besides, if the joint is
to be stiffened by callus, it were better that this should not take
place when the arm is extended, for this position will be a great
impediment and little advantage; if the arm be wholly bent, it will
be more useful; but it will be much more convenient to have the joint
in the intermediate position when it becomes ankylosed. So much with
regard to position.
