66 THE HUMAN BODY. 



surrounding soft parts injured. This generally leads to 

 inflammation and swelling, which make it difficult to find 

 out in what direction the bone has been displaced, and 

 also greatly add to the difficulty of replacing it, or, in sur- 

 gical language, of reducing the dislocation. The muscles 

 attached to it are, moreover, apt to pull the dislocated 

 bone more and more out of place. Medical aid should 

 therefore be obtained as soon as possible ; in most cases 

 the reduction of a dislocation can only be attempted with 

 safety by one who knows the forms of the bones and pos- 

 sesses sufficient anatomical knowledge to recognize the 

 direction of the displacement.* 



A sprain is an injury to a joint, accompanied by strain- 

 ing, twisting, or tearing of the ligaments, but without dis- 

 location of the bones. A sprained joint should get imme- 

 diate and complete rest, continued for weeks if neces- 

 sary ; if there be much swelling or continued pain, medical 

 advice should be obtained. Perhaps a greater number of 

 permanent injuries result from neglected sprains than from 

 broken bones. 



What results from this injury ? What is meant by " reducing a 

 dislocation ?" Why should medical aid be obtained as soon as possi- 

 ble after a joint has been dislocated ? 



What is a sprain ? How should a sprained joint be treated ? 

 What should be done at once if there is much swelling; or continued 

 p;iin ? Are neglected sprains apt to lead to permanent injury ? 



* Dislocations of the fingers can usually be reduced by strong pulling, aided by a 

 little pressure on the parts of the bones nearest the joint. The reduction of a dis- 

 location of the thumb is much more difficult, and can rarely be accomplished with- 

 out skilled assistance. 



