DYSTOKIA BY DISPLACEMENT 



305 



Glancing at Figure 70, we see two pieces of cord, the strands of which 

 exactly, but more clearly, represent the spiral plicae of the twisted vagina 

 or cervix uteri. It will be observed from the course of the strands, that 

 the pieces are twined in opposite directions : cord A being twined to 

 the right, and cord B to the left. This disposition of the strands of a 

 rope being generally recognized as exact in the technical language of 

 mechanics, as well as in speaking of the spiral inclination of the thread 

 of a screw, the same-application of the terms should hold good in such a 

 mechanical deviation of the uterus as that now under consideration. 



These different torsions can be imitated by the handkerchief, as has 

 just been pointed out ; and they are well represented in Figures 68 (left 



Fig. 71. 



Left Uterine Torsion. 



. Body of the Uterus ; 2, Cervix Uteri 

 Twisted to the left ; 3, Rectum ; 4, Blad- 

 der ; s, Symphysis. 



Fig. 72. 



Right Uterine Torsion. 



, Body of the Uterus ; 2, 2, 2, Torsion of 

 the Cervix Uteri to the right, involving the 

 Body of the Organ ; 3, Rectum ; 4, Blad- 

 der ; 5, Vagina ; 6, Symphysis. 



torsion), 71 (left torsion,) 72 (right multiple torsion), and 75 (left tor- 

 sion), which illustrate simple and multiple, as well as right and left tor- 

 sion. 



This being fully understood, we have now to demonstrate how the 

 different torsions may be distinguished in the living animal, by vaginal 

 exploration. In doing so, we will follow the remarkably lucid directions 

 furnished by Saint-Cyr, to guide obstetrists in forming a diagnosis. 



Supposing the right hand introduced in a state of pronation (palm down- 

 wards) into the vagina of a Cow supposed to be suffering from uterine 

 torsion, it is evident that, in order to follow the direction of the spiral folds 

 met with, it must execute a kind of rotary or screw-like movement on the 



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