SECT. XCVII.—ON THE BONES OF THE HIPS AND PUBES.
The bones of the ischium or hips are rarely fractured indeed, but admit of the same varieties as those of the scapula. Their extremities, then, are sometimes broken off; there may be fracture along their length, and the middle may be fractured by expression. They are attended with a local pain, a pungent and throbbing sensation, and torpor of the leg on that side if from expression. It is to be set in the same way as that of the scapula, only it does not admit of the extraction of broken pieces by an operation on account of the external parts. If necessary, it is to be set by the fingers, and afterwards we must apply the other convenient treatment, using embrocations, and filling up the hollows of the loins with compresses, in order that the circular bandages which are put on may lie even. The same things may be said with respect to the bones of the pubes, for we have nothing more particular to say of them.
Commentary. The other authorities do not treat of these cases so minutely as our author, whose account of them is sufficiently accurate.
Celsus merely directs us to treat them upon general principles.
Albucasis recommends the same plan of treatment as our author, with the addition of splints made of wood or leather. These, however, cannot be very much required. He directs the patient to lie on his back or on the sound side.
Avicenna does not treat of these cases of fracture. Haly Abbas and Rhases abridge our author’s account.