[p. 202] that only a small
piece is required in order that it may get back into its place; and
if it be such that it can be taken out, and if it occasions inconvenience
and irritates any part of the flesh, and prevents the limb from being
properly laid, and if, moreover, it be denuded of flesh, such a piece
of bone should be taken off. With regard to the others, it is not
of much consequence whether they be sawed off or not. For it should
be known for certain, that such bones as are completely deprived of
flesh, and have become dried, all separate completely. Those which
are about to exfoliate should not be sawn off. Those that will separate
completely must be judged of from the symptoms that have been laid
down.
Part 34
Such cases are to be treated with compresses and vinous applications,
as formerly laid down regarding bones which will separate. We must
avoid wetting it at the beginning with anything cold; for there is
danger of febrile rigors, and also of convulsions; for convulsions
are induced by cold things, and also sometimes by wounds. It is proper
to know that the members are necessarily shortened in those cases
in which the bones have been broken, and have healed the one across
the other, and in those cases in which the whole circle of the bone
has become detached.
Part 35
Those cases in which the bone of the thigh, or of the arm, protrudes,
do not easily recover. For the bones are large, and contain much marrow;
and many important nerves, muscles, and veins are wounded at the same
time. And if you reduce them, convulsions usually supervene; and,
if not reduced, acute bilious fevers come on, with singultus and mortification.
The chances of recovery are not fewer in those cases in which the
parts have not been reduced, nor any attempts made at reduction. Still
more recover in those cases in which the lower, than those in which
the upper part of the bone protrudes; and some will recover when reduction
has been made, but very rarely indeed. For modes of treatment and
peculiarity of constitution make a great difference as to the capability
of enduring such an injury. And it makes a great difference if the
bones of the arm and of the thigh protrude to the inside; for there
are many and important vessels situated there, some of which, if wounded,
will prove fatal; there are such also on the outside, but of less
im-
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