AFFECTIONS OP JOINT/.
White swelling attacks the larger articu lations most frequently. It consists in an indolent tumour of the part, without affec tion of the skin, impairing the motions of the joint ; arising from a diseased state of the bones and ligaments, which causes a general thickening of the superincumbent parts. The ement proceeds, the joint becomes and abscesses form; the patient at last dying hetic. The treatment consists in subduing comRletely all increased action in the part by leeches, cupping, cold washes, &c. continued while there is any remains of pain or heat; and afterwards in keeping a drain from the skin by means of caustic issues ; or, what seems to be more advantageous, by Mr. Crowther's plan of blistering, and dressing the surface with unguentum sa bine. These drains should be continued for six, twelve, or eighteen months. Per fect rest is indispensable. The constitu tion of the patient, which is frequently of the scrofulous kind, demands the greatest care : bark, sea air, &c. are therefore par
ticularly proper in such cases. Where the joint is too thoroughly diseased, and the constitution is sinking, amputation must be performed.
Loose cartila ginous substances are most frequent in the knee, where they excite inflammation, and are very troublesome when they get between the ends of the bones. They mast be removed by means of an incision over the inner surface of the internal condyle, where they can be easi ly fixed by an assistant ; the wound should be closed instantly, and every attention paid to keep off inflammation.
Hydrops artica occurs after inflamma tion or injury, and may be dispersed by blisters and savine ointment ; or by friction with camphorated liniments or mercurial ointment, united with mercurial purges.