Fig. 338
Fig. 339
Reduction of dislocation of lower jaw.
There is a condition of relaxation of the capsule and elongation, with abnormal loosening of the interarticular fibrocartilage, peculiar to this joint, by which it has too free play, to such an extent that a clicking sound in its movements may be frequently heard by others than the patient. This condition is either congenital or the result of previous injury, and is one for which little can be done, although this explanation should be afforded to all who suffer from it.
DISLOCATIONS OF THE LARYNX.
The cartilages of the larynx are sometimes displaced as the result of direct violence applied to the anterior region of the neck. Almost any lesion of this character may take place between the independent cartilages of the larynx or the attachments of the larynx to the hyoid. The injury may simply give rise to pain and soreness, or may cause so much interior damage as to be quickly followed by edema of the glottis and suffocation. If the latter be impending a quick tracheotomy should be done, after which time may be afforded for such replacement as may be required, by manipulation, and subsidence of swelling with relief from occlusion of the respiratory tract.
DISLOCATIONS OF THE STERNUM.
The various portions of the sternum, especially the upper and the lower, may be displaced as the result either of direct violence by forcible backward flexion, or by muscular action accompanied by flexion of the trunk and neck. When the latter, it is usually forward; when produced by violence, it is usually backward.