Of the Dislocation of the Bones.
What are the Diseases incident to the Bones?
They are five in number, viz. Dislocation, Fracture, Caries or Ulcer, Exostosis, and Nodus.
What is a Dislocation or Luxation?
It is the starting of the Head of one Bone out of the Cavity of another, with an
Interdiction of the proper Motion of the Part: Or else it is the disjointing of two Bones united together for the Motion of a Part.
How many causes are there of Dislocation in general?
Two, that is to say, one violent, and the other gentle; thus the Dislocation is made violently in Falls, Strains, Knocks, and Blows; but it is done gently and slowly in Defluctions of Rheum; as also by an insensible gathering together of Humours between the Joints, and upon the Ligaments, the Relaxation or loosening of which gives occasion afterward to the Head of the Bone to go out of its place; whence this Consequence may well be drawn, viz. that a violent Dislocation usually depends upon an external Cause, and a gentle Dislocation upon an internal.
After how many manners doth a Dislocation happen?
Two several Ways; viz. the first is called compleat, total, and perfect; and the second incompleat, partial, and imperfect: But both may happen before, behind, on the inside, and without; and may also be simple or complicated.