A Treatise on Fractures, Luxations, and Other Affections of the BonesDesault, P.-J. (Pierre-Joseph)
Science
A Treatise on Fractures, Luxations, and Other Affections of the Bones
Desault, P.-J. (Pierre-Joseph)
Dislocations; Fractures; Surgery
The following was then the state of the parts. A considerable swelling
around the joint; a projection of the malleolus internus, with a
depression underneath it; a preternatural direction of the tibia
before, and of the os calcis, behind; a depression near the lower
end of the fibula; a crepitation readily perceived, on moving the
fragments; a large tumour on the outside of the foot: with a depression
and mobility of the malleolus externus.
The luxation was immediately reduced. Extension made on the foot and
leg brought the parts into their proper situations, where they were
retained by means of the bandage for fractures of the leg, and four
compresses well secured by the bandage. One of these compresses, being
placed on the malleolus internus, another on the outside of the foot,
a third on the anterior and lower part of the tibia, and the fourth
under the os calcis, prevented these different parts from being again
displaced.
As soon as the apparatus was applied, the pupils remarked with
astonishment, that the restlessness of the patient ceased, that his
pains were relieved, and his delirium disappeared; he expressed his
surprise at the state from which he had just recovered, and was now
able to give an accurate account of his fall. He was scarcely put to
bed, when he fell into a tranquil sleep, which lasted three hours. For
six days previously he had not slept a moment.
In the evening, the patient was free from pain, and perfectly tranquil.
Diluting drinks were prescribed, with twenty-five drops of Hoffman’s
anodyne liquor: the apparatus was wet from time to time with
vegeto-mineral water: the patient slept well throughout the night.
Next day, the apparatus renewed: the parts perfectly in place: swelling
diminished; same means continued. Sixth day, the anodyne discontinued.
Tenth day, swelling still less; echymosis gone; a yellow colour in the
skin, an evidence that resolution is going forward. Twentieth day,
swelling gone.
Thirtieth day, the fracture of the fibula healed; that bone slightly
separated from the tibia: the circular roller drawn tighter; and a
thick compress placed on the external malleolus, to bring it to its
proper place. Forty-fifth day, the apparatus for a fractured leg
removed, and a simple roller substituted in its place: the motions of
the foot painful and contracted; a small gangrenous spot appeared on
the heel. Fifty-fifth day, the ulcer which proceeded from this spot
healed: motions of the part more free and extensive. Sixty-first day,
the patient able to walk without assistance, though not without pain.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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