Of dislocation inwards, Paulus Ægineta says that if it be not reduced after trying with the patient on his back and using the upright perineal prop:
“The erect piece of wood ([Fig. 18]) is to be removed, and two other pieces, i. e. the perineal prop of wood fixed on either side, like posts, not more than a foot in length, and let another piece of wood be adapted to them like the step of a ladder, so that the figure of the three pieces of wood may resemble the Greek letter H, the middle piece of wood being fixed a little below the tops.
“Then, the man being laid on the sound side, we bring the sound leg between the posts, underneath the piece of wood corresponding to the step of a ladder, while the injured one is brought above it, so that the head of the thigh is upon it; but a folded garment is to be first wrapped about it to prevent the thigh from being bruised. Then another board of moderate breadth and of such a length as to extend from the head of the thigh to the ankle, is to be bound along the inner side of the thigh to the ankle.
“Then extension being made, either by the pestles mentioned in treating of the dislocation of the vertebra or some such instrument, the leg is to be pulled downwards along the board which is fastened to it, so that by the force exerted on it the head of the thigh-bone may return to its proper place.”
Fig. 18. The scamnum in dislocation inwards of the thigh. Counterextension maintained by the horizontal bar.
Fig. 19. Shows the ambè, fitted into a specially prepared upright supported on an ornamented base. After Scultetus.
