Therefore if the cubitus is displaced forward, it is sufficient for it to be extended by two hands, sometimes assisted by two straps; then some round body must be put into the bend of the elbow, and upon that, the cubitus is to be suddenly forced towards the humerus. But in the other cases the best method is so extend the fore-arm in the same manner, as was directed in a fractured humerus, and then to reduce the bones.
The remaining part of the cure is the same as in the other luxations; only this must be sooner, and more frequently opened, also more plentifully fomented with hot water, and rubbed longer with oil, and nitre, and salt. For the cubitus, whether it remain displaced, or be reduced, is more quickly surrounded by a callus than another joint, and if this grows, while the arm is at rest, it afterwards prevents its flexure.
CHAP. XVII. OF A LUXATED HAND.
The hand too may be displaced in all the four directions. If it slips backward, the fingers cannot be extended; if forward, they cannot be bent; if on either side, the hand is turned to the opposite, that is, either toward the thumb, or the little finger, and may be replaced without much difficulty. The hand and fore-arm should be extended on something, that is hard and will not give way, the hand being prone, if the luxation was to the posterior part; and supine, if forward; if internally, or externally, it should be laid on one side. When the ligaments are sufficiently stretched, if the luxation was lateral, it must be repelled to the contrary side by the hands: but where it was forward, or backward, some hard body is to be put upon it, and pressed upon the prominent bone by the hand, which additional force pushes it more easily into its place.
CHAP. XVIII. OF LUXATIONS IN THE PALM.
The bones also in the palm are sometimes dislocated, and that either forward, or backward. For they cannot be luxated laterally by reason of the resistance from the parallel bones on each side. There is only one indication of it, which is common to them all: a tumour in that part, to which the bone comes, and a cavity in the other, from which it recedes. But the bone being well pressed by a finger, returns without extension to its place.
CHAP. XIX. OF LUXATED FINGERS.
In the fingers there are as many different cases, and the same signs, as in the hands. But an equal degree of force is not necessary in their extension; because the several bones are shorter, and the ligaments less strong. They ought only to be extended upon a table, when the luxation is forward or backward; and then compressed with the palm of the hand that thus the finger may be[(27)] restored to the place from whence it slipped.