DISLOCATIONS AND SPRAINS. 9v) 



Moreover the u uscles attached to it constantly pull on the 

 displaced bone and drag it still farther out of place; so that 

 it is of great importance that a dislocation be reduced as 

 soon as possible. In most cases this can only be attempted 

 with safety by one who knows the form of the bones, and 

 possesses sufficient anatomical knowledge to recognize the 

 direction of the displacement. No injury to a joint should 

 be neglected. Inflammation once started there is often diffi- 

 cult to check and runs on, in a chronic way, until the syno- 

 via! surfaces are destroyed, and the two bones perhaps 

 grow together, rendering the joint permanently stiff. A 

 sprained joint should get immediate and complete rest, for 

 weeks if necessary, and if there be much swelling, or con- 

 tinued pain, medical advice should be obtained. An im- 

 properly cared-for sprain is the cause of many a useless 

 ankle or kn^e. 



