Lectures on fractures and dislocations : explaining new modes of treatment founded on anatomy, physiology, and the laws of mechanics : together with concise instructions in the use of the adjuster / by George O. Jarvis.

  • Jarvis, George O. (George Ogelvie), 1795-1875.
Date:
1848
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Lectures on fractures and dislocations : explaining new modes of treatment founded on anatomy, physiology, and the laws of mechanics : together with concise instructions in the use of the adjuster / by George O. Jarvis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    on each side of it. Thus, by making extension with the in- strument, the upper portion is only acted upon, and may thus be brought in contact with the lower, without applying the least force to the inferior portion—a point much to be de- sired, if we must needs have recourse to mechanical means. I here close my remarks on fractures; and will again call your attention to dislocations. This evening particularly, to dislocations of the knee and ankle, beginning with the knee. The knee is subject to luxations every way, though fortu- nately, they are not frequent. When they do occur, the in- jury is apt to be so extensive, that amputation is required ; yet, in general, it is in those cases where reduction is most difficult, that the surgeon should by all means in his power endeavor to save the limb. It is not my business, however, to lecture either upon diagnosis or pathology,—mine merely relates to treatment. I will at once, therefore explain the method of reducing a luxation of the knee by this appara- tus. There are two ways, and the surgeon is to select that one which applies best to the kind of luxation which he has to reduce. First method.—Let a belt be applied immediately above the knee, with a loop low over the patella; another belt round the ankle, armed with strong cords, the instrument being arranged as in fractures of the leg. Pass the arm of the jointed fork through the lcop above named, and tie the foot of the rack, crossing the sole of the patient's foot, to the lower belt. Make extension and free motion if necessary. Second method.—Apply a large silk handkerchief, by a clove-hitch, immediately below the knee, the knot lying on the tibia in front ; put the instrument on the limb as in frac- tures of the thigh, except that the foot of the instrument is to be securely fixed to the limb by the silk handkerchief;— apply extension, motion, &c. To reduce a dislocation of the ankle, buckle a belt round the leg, immediately below the knee, with one loop in front,