176 WOUND TREATMENT 



In nine out of ten cases a complete cure will have 

 been effected when the dressing is removed at the end 

 of this time. Iji rare cases it may be necessary to repeat 

 the treatment. It is very important that the entire 

 joint be heavily swathed in cotton which must be held 

 snugly, yet not tightly, in place. 



The patient must be kept as quiet as possible until 

 the two weeks have elapsed, and during this time should 

 receive a dram of hexamethylenamin in a pail of drink- 

 ing water three times daily. 



Hexamethylenamin is of much value in various forms 

 of arthritis; it has been found that it is excreted by 

 serous membranes and it has been demonstrated to be 

 present in synovial cavities within an hour or two after 

 administration. Its antiseptic action is due to formal- 

 dehyde, which is liberated during the process of elimi- 

 nation. , 



