LUXATION OF THE FEMORO-TIBIAL ARTICULATION. 61 



Eeduction being effected, the whole region of the stiile joint is covered 

 with burgundy or ordniary pitch and the bandage then appHed. The 

 patella projects through the central opening. The end A is passed 

 backwards around the thigh, and through the aperture B ; the two cross 

 ends are then brought forward, crossed again at the end, the loop over 

 the patella carried a second time backwards, again crossed, and finally 

 fixed m front under the patella. The bandage should be firmly applied, 

 without, however, being so tight as to interfere with circulation, and must 

 be left m place from eight to ten days. 



Van Denmoegdenberg recommends placing the patient on an inclined 

 plane, with the hind quarters a foot higher than the front, so as to cause 

 permanent contraction of the anterior muscles of the quarter, and thus 



Fig. 23. — Backward luxation of the femoro-tibial joint. (From a photograph 

 by Professor Besnoit.) 



immobilise the patella. Simple cold baths, frequently repeated, friction 

 with camphorated alcohol or essence of turpentine, complete this original 

 but somewhat questionable treatment, and are said to result in recovery 

 in a fortnight. 



LUXATION OF THE FEMORO-TIBIAL ARTICULATION. 



This form of luxation is rare, a fact explained by the strength of the 

 lateral ligaments of the joint, and of the cruciform interosseus ligaments. 

 It mav assume different forms, according as the head of the tibia is dis- 

 placed in front of, behind, to the inside, or to the outside of the lower 

 extremity of the femur. In all, therefore, it may appear in four different 

 forms. The commonest is backward luxation. 



