CHAPTER XVI 



DISEASES OF THE BONES AND JOINTS 

 INFLAMMATION OF BONE 



The different parts of a bone are so closely associated in nature 

 that it is difficult to determine whether the periosteum, the bone 

 substance proper, or the bone- marrow is involved in the inflam- 

 matory process. Although the principles of treatment are the 

 same for each, it is advantageous to know exactly where the in- 

 flammation is located. 



Periostitis is inflammation of the periosteum or sensitive tissue 

 covering the bone. It is the result of irritation in some form. 

 Pain is the chief symptom of periostitis, and is severe because 

 there is little opportunity for the tissue to swell as do the softer 

 structures of the body. Heat and swelling are almost or quite 

 imperceptible for the same reason. Treatment should be 

 given in the early stages to be of greatest benefit. Rest is the 

 remedy of most importance. The application of cold-water band- 

 ages, changed every hour or two, is an easy method of obtaining 

 moist heat which aids in hastening recovery. 



Ostitis is inflammation of the bone substance. The causes are 

 either mechanical or infectious irritants. Among the common 

 mechanical causes are injuries from blows, kicks, and other trau- 

 matisms. Not infrequently a non-infectious ostitis is converted 

 into the septic form by subsequent infection with microorganisms. 

 The chief symptom of ostitis is the appearance of a hard projec- 

 tion or bony swelling from the surface of the bone. Such a 

 growth is called an exostosis. Exostoses may occur anywhere 

 on the bone, but are most often seen in the region of joints where 

 they cause lameness. They nicely illustrate nature's effort to 

 repair the injured structures. One characteristic of exostoses 

 is slowness of growth. It may require years for them to reach 

 their full size. Sometimes they become reduced in size or entirely 

 disappear, but, as a rule, after an exostosis once develops it will 

 remain as a permanent blemish. When an exostosis .occurs at a 



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