There are instances, however, where the muscles cannot act properly in consequence of the long standing or age of the luxation, and in consequence of adhesions, more or less strong, having taken place between the surrounding parts. In such cases it is necessary to employ proper measures to force the head of the bone into its cavity, as it cannot be carried thither by the muscles. 64. Reason concurs with experience, which is on all subjects the best authority, in establishing the truth of this doctrine, respecting the reduction of luxations of the humerus. In this operation, Desault employed, in general, nothing but extensions, varied according to circumstances, until the muscles thrown into a favourable state, were themselves enabled to accomplish the reduction. The most immediate success constantly crowned his practice on this point. This success was, no doubt, owing to his judiciously remaining inactive himself, and suffering the muscles to do the work, after the necessary extensions had been made. 65. When the reduction is accomplished, if the arm, in consequence of being very moveable, appears likely to be displaced again, it is necessary, for a few days, to fix it in such a manner as to prevent all motion; an object which may be effectually attained by Desault’s bandage for fractures of the clavicle. All writers recommend, for this purpose, the use of the _Spica_ bandage.[17] But what service can this render? It does not restrain the motions of the humerus, which, hanging down the side, may move forward, backward, &c. and produce a new displacement; an accident that may be always prevented by the bandage proposed. [17] With the particular mechanism and mode of action of this bandage, I am unacquainted. Nor are these matters of much moment, as the bandage is, I believe, entirely out of use. TRANS. § VIII. OF CIRCUMSTANCES RENDERING REDUCTION DIFFICULT. 66. I will close this memoir by an examination into some circumstances, which may either prevent reduction or render it difficult, and into certain accidents that sometimes accompany it.