SPLIT PASTERNS. 135 



No treatment, as the whole joint is sure to become involved 

 in the inflammatory actiun. 



The radius is broken at its upper third, the ulna sometimes 

 being involved ; if it be transverse, or not sufficiently oblique 

 to involve the elbow-joint, it is, as a rule, amenable to treat- 

 ment. I have seen many cases do very well. It is much 

 easier to treat than when the ulna only has given way, for in 

 the latter instance it is very difficult to bring the displaced 

 fragments into proper position, as the muscles act upon it, and 

 draw the fragments apart. 



But when both radius and ulna have given way, the displace- 

 ment is less, and we have greater command over the limb than 

 over the ulna, which is fixed* to the radius by interosseous liga- 

 mentous tissue. In the treatment of fractured radius, or of 

 both bones combined, the reduction must be effected by ex- 

 tension and counter-extension, and the fragments kept in 

 apposition by bandages, tar-cord, and by the long splint. 



The radius is broken at its lower third from direct violence, 

 as kicks and blows ; the nearer it is to the knee, the greater the 

 difficulty in managing the treatment. 



Fractures of the bones of the knee arise from direct violence, 

 as kicks and falls. As a rule, there is no treatment. The 

 upper and middle row of carpal bones are most commonly the 

 bones broken. If from a fall, the tendon of the extensor 

 metacarpi magnus is lacerated and torn, and the wound will 

 be upon the front of the knee. 



One case of fracture of the trapezium has been mentioned to 

 me by Mr. Anderson, Glasgow. The case was treated for a long 

 time, but, I believe, with no good result. 



The metacarpal bones, as well as the suffragines, more espe- 

 cially the last-named bones, are^ broken into many fragments, 

 sometimes into scores of pieces, most mysteriously, while the 

 animal is galloped upon sandy or soft ground. The sandy beach 

 of Portobello is noted for this. 



Transverse fractures of the sesamoids sometimes occur spon- 

 taneously when the bones are in a fragile condition from organic 

 disease, and are incurable. The symptoms are descent of the 

 fetlock pad, elevation of the toe, with great lameness, and the 

 presence of a depression, marking the seat of the fracture in 

 the bone or bones. 



