CHAP. XVII. OF A LUXATED HAND.
The hand too may be displaced in all the four directions. If it slips backward, the fingers cannot be extended; if forward, they cannot be bent; if on either side, the hand is turned to the opposite, that is, either toward the thumb, or the little finger, and may be replaced without much difficulty. The hand and fore-arm should be extended on something, that is hard and will not give way, the hand being prone, if the luxation was to the posterior part; and supine, if forward; if internally, or externally, it should be laid on one side. When the ligaments are sufficiently stretched, if the luxation was lateral, it must be repelled to the contrary side by the hands: but where it was forward, or backward, some hard body is to be put upon it, and pressed upon the prominent bone by the hand, which additional force pushes it more easily into its place.