14. Next to the acromion, the lower angle of the scapula is that portion of the bone most liable to be fractured. The usual causes of it are, falls on the side, or blows received on the part. It is characterized by a displacement which is always perceptible. On the one hand, the fleshy portion of the serratus-major, which is attached to the inferior fragment, draws it directly forward, while it is drawn upward by the teres-major, and some of the fibres of the latissimus dorsi. On the other hand, the body of the bone itself remains behind, being held by the rhomboid muscles. Hence arises a separation, which renders it difficult to mistake the fracture. Should any doubts still remain, let the shoulder be drawn backwards and the scapula along with it: let the fingers be, at the same time, placed on the lower angle, to ascertain whether or not it follows the motions of the bone; if it does, there is no division: but if, on the contrary, it remains stationary, the existence of the fracture is evident. § V. OF THE REDUCTION, AND THE MEANS OF RETAINING IT. 15. Here, as in all other fractures, the means of reduction must be founded on the causes of displacement. To effect the replacement, therefore, it is necessary, either to push backward and downward, the angle which is displaced in a contrary direction, in order that it may be brought into contact with the body of the bone, or else to draw the body of the bone forward and upward, that it may meet the displaced angle. It is thus, that in a fracture of the condyle, the body of the jaw, is drawn into contact with the fragment. 16. But the first mode of reduction is difficult, and the means of maintaining it impracticable. It is necessary, therefore to have recourse to the second, which is the more easily executed, as the scapula follows the movements of the arm, and as, by drawing this limb forward, and the elbow of it outward, that bone is removed from the spinous processes of the vertebræ, and directed in such a manner, as to be brought into contact with its inferior fragment. This situation possesses another advantage, as it throws into a state of relaxation the muscles which tend to displace the lower fragment. Hence it follows, 1st, That here, in like manner as in fractures of the clavicle, it is not on the fractured bone, that the force must act, but on the humerus. 2dly, That the humerus ought to be, during the whole treatment, immoveably fixed, because its motions, being communicated to the scapula, must soon derange the contact necessary to a reunion.