72. A third obstacle, common to the reduction, of every kind of luxation, is the muscular force, increased by the irritation of the displaced bone, beyond its natural degree. So great, at times, is this force, that the head of the bone cannot be moved, even by the strongest efforts. What means should then be employed? 1st, Those which diminish general irritability, such as blood-letting, bathing, a relaxing regimen, &c. 2dly, Those which act locally, in diminishing the irritability of the muscles of the shoulder. For example: the application of emollient cataplasms or fomentations to the part; or, what is still better, a powerful extension, continued for some time. In consequence of such extension, the muscles of the part become fatigued, whence their contractions are succeeded by a state of atony, of which advantage may be taken to replace the bone. Frequently this extension ought to be continued for a very long time; and we have known Desault not to complete the reduction in less than half a day, or even a whole day, the limb being suffered to remain all that time in the apparatus for fractures of the clavicle, which draws the shoulder and muscles outwards. Thus, in fractures of the thigh, where muscular contraction prevents the contact of the fragments, permanent extension previously employed, assists in producing this contact. § IX. OF ACCIDENTS CONSEQUENT TO REDUCTION. 73. It is rare that any serious accident follows the reduction of a luxation of the humerus. A swelling, more or less extensive, sometimes shows itself around the joint, particularly when extension has been forcible and long continued; but this, being, in general, easily removed, by means of discutients, does not demand particular attention.