FRACTURES. 



35 



surface, and adhering closely to the bone ; above this membrane the 

 muscles are thin and spread out, so as to cover an extensive surface, 

 having lost their colour. Upon opening the tumour, it will be found 

 to contain cells divided by spicula of bone, and materials resembling 

 flesh, jelly, and fat. It is attended with deep-seated pain, and at 

 last bursts, assuming a cancer-like ulceration. 



Treatment. — At first, leeches, cold applications, and anodynes, 

 may give temporary relief, but no permanent benefit can be expected 

 without its removal; and even after amputation, it frequently attacks 

 the stump. 



COXALGIA. 



This is a disease of the hip-joint, common to scrofulous children. 



Symptoms. — At first there is slight pain, referred to the itnee ; 

 lameness, and stumbling in walking ; ten- Y\g. l. 



derness in the groin, and pain is produced 

 by pressing the head of the bone sud- 

 denly against the acetabulum ; apparent 

 lengthening of the limb. This apparent in- 

 crease of length is owing to a depression of 

 the pelvis of the diseased side, the weight of 

 the body being supported on the opposite 

 limb. 



If the disease is not arrested, destruc- 

 tion of the head of the bone and aceta- 

 bulum results, and the femur is drawn 

 up, constituting a spontaneous luxation. 

 Often an abscess forms, and opens ex- 

 ternally. The toes may be turned in- 

 ward or outward. 



Treatfnent. — Perfect rest upon a mat- 

 trass, as in caries of the spine, the limb 

 being confined in a curved splint. Cups 

 and leeches, over the joint, will be useful 

 at first ; subsequently, more benefit will 

 be derived from blisters, setons, and 

 issues. Counter-irritation, by purging 

 with jalap and cream of tartar, tonics, and 



iodine, are the constitutional remedies. It may require months o^ 

 years to effect a cure. 



FRACTURES. 



Fracture is a solution of continuity of a bone, produced by ex- 

 ternal violence, or muscular contraction. Fractures are divided into 

 oblique, transverse, and longitudinal, according to the direction. 

 Simple fracture is a mere separation of the bone into two parts ; com- 



