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Of Medicine, in Eight Books

Chapter 202: CHAP. XVI. OF A LUXATION OF THE CUBITUS.
By Aulus Cornelius Celsus
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Health & MedicineHistory - Ancient

About This Book

It gathers medical knowledge into eight concise books that combine clinical observation, diagnosis, prognosis, and practical treatment. Chapters cover diet and regimen, descriptions of internal diseases and external injuries, medicinal preparations, and operative techniques with instructions for wound care and minor surgery. The text emphasizes careful observation and clear symptom description, pairing theoretical causes with hands-on remedies and measurements. Explanatory notes and technical detail support immediate clinical use, making the collection a practical reference for assessing, managing, and treating a broad range of conditions.

CHAP. XVI. OF A LUXATION OF THE CUBITUS.

From what has been said in the first part of this book, it may be understood, that three bones meet together at the elbow, the humerus, radius, and cubitus. If the cubitus, which is fixed to the humerus, separates from it, the radius, which is contiguous to it, is sometimes dislocated, and sometimes remains firm. Now the cubitus may be luxated in all the four different ways. If it be displaced forward, the fore-arm is extended, and cannot be bent; if backward, the fore-arm is bent, cannot be extended, and is shorter than the other; sometimes it brings on a fever and bilious vomiting; if externally, or internally, the fore-arm is stretched, but is a little bent to that part, from whence the bone has receded.

Whatever species it be, the method of reduction is the same (and not only in the cubitus, but in all the larger limbs, which are joined in the articulation by a long process) to extend both limbs different ways, till there be a void space between the bones; and then to thrust the luxated bone from that side, into which it has prolapsed, to the contrary. However the methods of extension are various according to the strength of the ligaments, and the position of the luxated bones. And sometimes the hands alone are used, sometimes other means.

Therefore if the cubitus is displaced forward, it is sufficient for it to be extended by two hands, sometimes assisted by two straps; then some round body must be put into the bend of the elbow, and upon that, the cubitus is to be suddenly forced towards the humerus. But in the other cases the best method is so extend the fore-arm in the same manner, as was directed in a fractured humerus, and then to reduce the bones.

The remaining part of the cure is the same as in the other luxations; only this must be sooner, and more frequently opened, also more plentifully fomented with hot water, and rubbed longer with oil, and nitre, and salt. For the cubitus, whether it remain displaced, or be reduced, is more quickly surrounded by a callus than another joint, and if this grows, while the arm is at rest, it afterwards prevents its flexure.