FRAGILITAS OSSIUM. 33 



general health, counter-irritations over the tender point, by means of 

 blisters and issues, and in the early stages, leeching. The diet 

 should be light and nutritious, and a laxative administered occa- 

 sionally. 



NECROSIS. , 



This signifies the death of the bone, which is often enclosed in a 

 case of new bone. When a superficial layer is affected it exfoliates ; 

 the dead portions thrown off are termed sequestra. It occurs at all 

 ages, and most frequently in the compact bones ; the immediate 

 cause, is inflammation of the periosteum. It is attended with swell- 

 ing, and a discharge of matter through openings in the case of new 

 bone, which are termed cloacce. The pain is deep-seated, long-con- 

 tinued, and very severe. 



Treatment. — This is principally local, although constitutional 

 remedies may be given to allay pain. The great object is to faci- 

 litate the escape of pus and the sequestra ; it is often necessary to 

 enlarge the cloacae by a saw or trephine, and to dilate the sinuses 

 with lint. Amputation may be necessary in case the joints are in- 

 volved. 



EXOSTOSIS. 



This is a tumour formed by an excessive and irregular growth 

 of bone. The shape varies, being sometimes broad, and sometimes 

 spiculated. The structure is healthy, and it may cause no incon- 

 venience, unless it interferes with an artery, muscle, or joint. 



Treatment. — The object is to produce absorption, by means of 

 mercury, iodine, blisters, and leeches ; but since these usually fail, 

 it is necessary to resort to an operation. This may be performed 

 by a saw or trephine. Scraping off the periosteum is also recom- 

 mended. 



FRAGIIirAS OSSIUM. 



This is a brittleness of bones, occurring frequently in youth, but 

 oftener in old age. The proportion of earthy matter is relatively 

 but not actually increased. The cancellated structure is filled by 

 an oily substance, and surrounded by a thin, brittle lamella. This 

 degeneration follows long confinement, intemperate habits, and 

 rheumatic and cancerous affections. A hasty step, turning in bed, 

 or tripping on a carpet, may produce fracture. 



Treatment. — Tn old persons all that can be done is to guard 

 against any accident, and to enjoin a nutritious diet and salubrious 

 atmosphere. In children, care should be taken to overcome a 

 scrofulous constitution by tonics and good diet, and to treat the frac- 

 ture as usual. 



3* 



