DISLOCATION OF SHOULDER. 317 



SYMPTOMS.— There will be marked deformity of the point of 

 the shoulder, as may be seen if it be compared with the other 

 side. Although the masses of muscle about the part make it 

 difficult to determine the exact way in which the dislocation has 

 occurred; if the head of the humerus has been carried to the 

 front, it may be felt as a rounded protuberance with a depression 

 behind it; which symptom would be reversed, if the head of the 

 humerus be behind the shoulder blade. The dislocated limb will 

 be incapable of almost any movement, and only the toe will touch 

 the ground. When the head of the humerus is pushed forward 

 and outwards, the elbow will be turned in, and the toe pointed 

 out. 



Fig. 127. — Clove hitch." 



This dislocation is frequently complicated by a fracture of the 

 head of the humerus, or by a fracture, at the end of the shoulder 

 blade, passing through the cavity which serves as the shallow 

 socket in which the head of the humerus moves. The fact of 

 fracture of the head of the humerus having occurred, can be 

 distinguished, with or without dislocation, by observing that the 

 part has got shorter and its mobility has increased, and by noting 

 the grating together of the ends of the fractured bone. In 

 dislocation without fracture, there is always unusual stiffness of 

 the limb. 



CHANCES OF RECOVEKY.— If a dislocation of the shoulder, 

 uncomplicated by fracture, be undertaken early, and properly 



