A STUDY OF THE SKELETON 185 



back into position (this is called " setting " the bone), and 

 must be held in place by splints until the ends have become 

 firmly "knit" together. Unless it is impossible to secure 

 surgical assistance within a day or two, the setting of a 

 bone should never be attempted by one who is not familiar 

 with the skeleton. In general but two rules should be fol- 

 lowed in case of a fracture : ftrst, send for a doctor; second, 

 keep the broken bone perfectly quiet in as comfortable a posi- 

 tion as possible. Cold water applications often reduce the 

 pain and prevent inflammation. Movement at the point 

 of fracture almost always causes inflammation, which makes 

 the setting difficult ; and if moved suddenly, a simple break 

 may become a compound fracture. 



Dislocations. A dislocation is an accident to a joint 

 in which the ends of the bones are forced apart. One can 

 usually recognize a dislocation by the unwonted protrusion 

 of the bones, and by the pain caused when any motion at the 

 joint is attempted. Since the ligaments bind the bones to- 

 gether rather closely, a dislocation often results in a wrench- 

 ing or tearing of the connective tissue about a joint ; swelling 

 and discoloration follow quickly ; and it is therefore neces- 

 sary to put the bones back into place, or, in other words, to 

 "reduce the dislocation" as soon as possible. If .surgical 

 aid can be procured, it is better to apply cold water to the 

 joint and wait for the doctor's arrival, since by unskillful 

 treatment further injury to the joint may result. When 

 skilled treatment is impossible, most dislocations can be 

 reduced by steadily pulling the bones apart until it is possi- 

 ble for the ends to glide back into place. 



Sprains. When a sudden strain causes neither a fracture 

 nor a dislocation, it often gives rise to a twisting or tearing 

 of ligaments and tendons in the region of a joint. Such an 

 accident is called a sprain. The injured region is usually 

 swollen and painful. Since it is difficult to distinguish a 

 sprain from other accidents to the skeleton, medical assist- 

 ance should be summoned and the following directions care- 



