336 
CASES OF WOUNDS OF THE JOINTS. 
the bloodvessels are closed when their parietes have been 
wounded. A portion of the contained fluid coagulates in the 
opening, adheres to its edges, becomes organized, and forms a 
part of the wall of the vessel. 
Compression favouring the formation and retention of the 
clot, must necessarily hasten the healing of the wound. 
We often see synovial fistulse heal spontaneously ; but, if we 
pay attention, we shall recognize the synovia arrested by the 
roughened edges of the fistula. The cauterization of wounds 
of this kind, causing enlargement of the parts, likewise intercepts 
the passage of the synovia sufficiently long for the clot to 
adhere to the parts with which it comes into contact. Cauteri¬ 
zation produces this effect only when it is confined to the open¬ 
ing of the fistula; it will certainly be followed by an altogether 
opposite result if it reaches the divided capsule. 
The following principles, then, may be applied to the treatment 
of synovial wounds: — 
First, to abate imflammatory appearances by means of emol¬ 
lients, or to prevent it, if possible, by proper measures, when the 
accident is altogether recent. 
Secondly. Appropriately to treat the injuries that may occur 
to the bony parts concerned in the articulation. 
Thirdly. The pain being removed or relieved, to employ gra¬ 
duated compression. 
Fourthly. To assist that compression by slight caustics,which 
will repress too luxuriant granulations, and produce swelling 
favourable to the closing of the fistula. 
Fifthly. Where compression is difficult, or impossible, we 
should produce swelling by irritating frictions, or by the appli¬ 
cation of the hot iron to the fistula. 
Sixthly. To limit, as much as possible, the action of the part 
until the healing of the fistula is complete. 
Recueil de Med. Vet. Aout 1833. 
A Case of Dilatation of the Heart, and the Fokma- 
^ tion of Fibrinous Masses in the Vessels. 
By M. U. Leblanc. 
About the middle of May, 1831, I was consulted by M. M. 
Landormy, a horse-dealer at Paris, respecting a Norman horse, 
about five years old, which had had an oedema of the scrotum 
for a long time. They attributed this to the horse not having 
sufficient exercise, for the stable-boys seldom took him out, 
