CHAPTER VI. 
APONEUROSIS. ’ 
Solutions of continuity of the aponeurosis—wounds or ruptures—ordin- 
arily heal without complication where care is taken to prevent infection. 
Aponeurotic dieresis, which are necessitated with median or sciatic 
neurotomy, cicatrize rapidly. Muscular hernias may take place in some 
regions; at times an opening, buttonhole-like, remains in the aponeu- 
rosis; at others a fibrous band attaches the muscle to the edges of the 
torn membrane. 
The retraction of the aponeurosis of legs has been the object of numer- 
ous observations. Most commonly, it is due to-secondary phenomena 
brought about by various morbid conditions. After Delafond, some 
authors, Eichbaum and Dieckerhoff among them, considered this retraction 
as the producing cause of various affections ; retraction of the tibial aponeu- 
Tosis gave rise to springhalts ; that of the band of the coraco-radialis to 
spring knee; that of the reinforcing bands of the aponeurosis of the per- 
forans plays a part in the development of Anuckiing and clubfoot. Some 
jameness of the anterior or posterior extremities, as well as some anom- 
alies of action, are produced by the same causes. Gavard has related the 
observation of a mare that was very lame and which was cured by the 
subcutaneous section of the aponeurosis of the fascia lata. One morning, 
this animal, which had already had several slight attacks of lameness, 
was found unable to move; “ the right leg, stiff as an iron bar, did not 
rest on the ground; . . . it is impossible to move the leg or any part of 
it, and the manipulations made to that effect are very painful to the 
animal.” In front of the thigh was observed a wide ribbaneous band, 
stretched to excess, and above the stifle there was a painless, soft effusion. 
This band was divided transversely in about its middle, the animal stand- 
ing. “Immediately, the animal recovered the freedom of his movements ; 
he walked without difficulty.”’ ’ 
On account of their inextensibility and great resistance, aponeurosis 
often give a peculiar aspect to the inflammation existing in the tissues that 
they cover. Preventing their development, they give rise to violent pain, 
interfere with the circulation and produce an ischemical condition which, 
if continued, promotes gangrenous accidents. When suppuration occurs 
1 Gavard, Journ. de Med. Vet., 1893, page 584. 
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