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Dislocation of the Knee-joint.By dislocation of the knee-joint we understand a displacement of the tibia, which is dragged away from its natural position against the lower end of the thigh-bone. Although this joint is a very shallow one - that is, the sockets at the upper end of the tibia are very shallow, in order to permit the extensive motion of the limb-yet dislocations are quite rare. This freedom from displacement is due to the firm ligaments by which the bones are bound together, as well as to the protection afforded by the tendons or sinews of the large muscles. The displacement can, therefore, be caused only by extreme violence; hence, a dislocation of the knee is usually accompanied by extensive injury to the tissues of the leg. Dislocations of the knee are occasioned by direct or indirect violence ; among the common causes are blows upon the leg and twisting of the limb by false steps during rapid walking. It is sometimes occasioned also by falling down stairs. Signs. - A simple dislocation of the tibia can be easily recognized by the evident deformity of the limb. If the tibia be displaced forward, there is a swelling at the back of the knee and a disappearance of the knee-pan, which falls into the depression at the upper end of the tibia. The large blood vessels and nerves which run to the leg and foot lie just behind the end of the thigh-bone, at the knee-joint. By a displacement of the bones, these vessels and nerves are sometimes injured, as a result of which there may be numbness and paralysis of the foot. If the upper end of the tibia be dislocated backward, it forms a prominence at the back of the knee, which is readily recognized as the end of the bone. The front of the knee, meanwhile, consists of the two large projections which belong to the thigh-bone. The knee-pan is very prominent, and is bounded by a deep depression on either side. In a complete dislocation of the knee the limb is shortened. Treatment. -If there be no laceration of the flesh, a dislocation of the knee can usually be reduced without much difficulty. If the upper end of the tibia be dislocated forward, the leg should be straightened as far as possible; an assistant then pulls the leg away from the thigh, while the operator presses the displaced end of the bone back into its proper position. If the head of the bone be displaced backward, the knee is bent forcibly over the thigh of the operator, while an assistant pulls as before. In some cases the dislocation can be reduced after previous failures by using a rocking motion from side to side while the limb is being pulled upon. The injury is followed by great pain and swelling of the knee. It is necessary to place the leg upon a splint, to which it is fastened by means of bandages so as to secure perfect repose. The knee is then covered with hot fomentations and surrounded with oiled silk or rubber cloth. After the swelling has subsided and the injury seems to have been repaired, extreme care must be taken to protect the knee from violent straining of all kinds. The patient should not stand or walk upon the limb until he has been provided with a strong knee-cap of leather or with a bandage. 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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