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Dislocation of the Cartilages of the Knee-joint.The cartilages in the knee-joint, however, are sometimes torn away from the bone. This is particularly true of the two disks of cartilage which rest upon the upper end of the large bone in the leg - the tibia. It sometimes happens that violence applied to the knee or to the foot causes a tearing off of one or both of these pieces of cartilage from the tibia. The piece escapes into the cavity of the knee-joint, and not only interferes seriously with the movements of the joint, but occasions such pain as to render the limb practically useless. Signs.-This is an accident which is rarely recognized by non-professional persons, because it may not be accompanied by any change in the form of the limb. It is indicated by the occurrence of a sudden agonizing pain in the joint, aggravated by any attempt at motion. The leg cannot be straightened, but remains in a slightly bent position. After the acute symptoms have subsided, there remain pain and tenderness in the knee; by feeling the joint we can usually detect an especially painful spot. In many cases this condition is not regarded as very serious by the patient, and the limb is not submitted to the inspection of a surgeon. In such cases there usually remains a permanent disability of the limb. It is important that the case be treated at once, since by reducing the dislocation of the cartilage the usefulness of the leg can be entirely restored. Treatment.-The patient is placed upon his back, the thigh being bent at the hip and the leg at the knee. The operator places one hand upon the ankle and supports the knee wjth the other hand. He then bends the knee suddenly and forcibly, and immediately straightens the leg, making at the same time a twisting movement of the joint. It sometimes happens that the first attempt at reduction is successful, as is indicated by the perfect restoration of the movements of the limb. In most cases several efforts are required before the reduction is accomplished. Indeed it often happens that all attempts to reduce the dislocation are unsuccessful until ether is administered, when the cartilage is replaced with ease. It has also happened that after several attempts have been made unsuccessfully, and the undertaking is abandoned, the patient has unconsciously succeeded in restoring the cartilage to its position by movements of the limb. After the dislocation has been reduced, it becomes necessary to envelop the knee in hot fomentations, and to place it on a long splint, which shall secure perfect rest for the joint, for two weeks. After the splint is removed, a knee-cap made of leather or strong elastic should be worn, since the dislocation is very apt to recur. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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