THE SKELETON* 



75 



123. Dislocation of a joint stretches and sometimes 

 breaks the ligaments surrounding it, producing inflamma- 

 tion. This makes examination of it difficult, hence there 

 should be no delay in procuring the necessary skill and 

 restoring it to place. 



124. A Sprain is an injury due to a sudden wrenching or 

 straining of the ligaments, as a result of which a ligament 

 is lacerated or torn from its 



fastenings to the bone. A 

 bad sprain may be more seri- 

 ous than a fracture, and result 

 in stiffness or in permanent 

 weakness. Immediate rest is 

 necessary. A hot footbath 

 immediately after spraining 

 the ankle is sometimes bene- 

 ficial; careful rubbing, very 

 light at first and gradually in- 

 creasing in vigor from day to 

 day, may shorten the period 

 of recovery. 



125. Acquired Deformities. 

 The bones are flexible in 

 childhood, and, in the case 



Of Children at School, Seated A position conducive to round shoulders. 



so that the feet hang, instead 



of resting upon the floor, the thigh bones may become 

 bent by the weight of the legs below. Bowlegs are 

 caused by encouraging children to walk while too young. 

 The bones of the feet are deformed by tight shoes, " flat 

 foot " sometimes resulting ; but most often the toes only 

 are deformed, the joint at the base of the big toe be- 

 coming enlarged into an unsightly bump. Tight shoes by 

 influencing the gait may hinder the development of the 

 body. 



FIG. 71. Sitting with Head and 

 Shoulders drooped forward at 

 Work. 



