When the Luxation is on the outside, and happens in the upper Ribs, the Patient's Hands are to be hoisted upon the top of a Door, to raise up the Ribs, whilst the Surgeon presseth the Prominence of the Rib to restore it to its place.
When the lower Ribs are luxated, the Patient must be oblig'd to stoop, laying his Hands upon his Knees, and the Prominence of the Bone is to be thrust back.
If a Rib be luxated on the inside, an Incision is to be made to draw it out with the Fingers.
The Dressing and Bandage
Are the same with those that are us'd in the Fracture of the Ribs.
C H A P. VIII.
Of the Sinking of the Xiphoides, or Sword-like Cartilage.
To raise up the Xiphoid Cartilage, it must be fomented before for some time with Oil of Turpentine, or other Fomentations, made with Aromaticks; then the Patient is to be laid upon his Back, with a Convex Body underneath, and the Shoulders, and Sides of the Breast are to be press'd, to lift up the Cartilage. When this Operation is not sufficient, dry Cupping-Glasses are usually apply'd, till the Part be elevated, and a strengthening Plaister is afterward laid upon it.