After the tissue destruction has been limited, and the deformity corrected as much as can be, an ankylosis should be secured if possible. Promotion of ankylosis depends altogether upon the preceding treatment—rest and an improved nutrition of the parts. A truss or brace, if correctly applied, is often beneficial in such cases. The treatment of spinal abscesses is entirely in accordance with surgical treatment. In all cases the general health of the patient has to be well taken care of. The osteopath must not be over zealous for quick results. It takes many months to perform a cure; however, there is always a tendency toward a cure. Treatment of the spinal muscles and of the limbs, and pure air, sunlight, massage and good food are very necessary. SPRAINS AND FRACTURES SPRAINS The osteopath is often called upon to treat sprains of various sections of the body as well as to relieve after effects of fractures and restore function to the part. The osteopathic treatment is very effectual; therefore, an outline of the purpose and method is given. Sprain is defined by Dorland as “the wrenching of a joint with partial rupture or other injury of its attachments, and without luxation of bones.” From an osteopathic viewpoint the above definition is not fully explanatory, for there is in most cases a partial luxation of the bones. The most common cause of a sprain becoming chronic is the presence of partial bony displacements. Rupture of tissues may be the cause of a chronic state but is not nearly so frequent as the bony dislocation. In most sprains, the wrenching causes a displacement of the bony tissues, which may or may not return to normal position and relation. The function of the muscles is not primarily to hold the bones in place; this is left to the ligaments, so when a wrench of a joint is so severe as to cause rupture of muscles or tearing of ligaments, partial luxation of the bones is almost certain to follow; and even where such damage does not occur a change in the relation of the bones is a frequent occurrence. Unless a sprain can be seen very early it may be difficult to detect just what has happened; whether it rests with a rupture of the areolar and connective tissues, a displaced cartilage, tendon, or bone, a torn ligament, or ruptured muscle. Hemorrhage and swelling take place so rapidly that no time should be lost in critically examining the joint. When in doubt as to the structural disturbances, particularly in acute cases if there is a possibility of a fracture, and in chronic cases any supposition that tubercular involvement is present, have a radiographic examination.