Part 13
In those cases where the acromion has been torn off, the bone which
is thus separated appears prominent. The bone is the bond of connection
between the clavicle and scapula, for in this respect the constitution
of man is different from that of
[p. 221] other animals; physicians are particularly
liable to be deceived in this accident (for as the separated bone
protrudes, the top of the shoulder appears low and hollow), so that
they make preparations as if for dislocation of the shoulder; for
I have known many physicians, otherwise not inexpert at the art, who
have done much mischief by attempting to reduce such shoulders, thus
supposing it a case of dislocation; and they did not desist until
they gave over mistake of supposing that they had reduced the shoulder.
The treatment, in these cases, is similar to that which is applicable
in others of a like kind, namely, cerate, compresses, and suitable
bandaging with linen cloths. The projecting part must be pushed down,
and the greater number of compresses are to be placed on it, and most
compression is to be applied at that part, and the arm being fastened
to the side is to be kept elevated; for thus the parts which had been
torn asunder are brought into closest proximity with one another.
All this should be well known, and if you choose you may prognosticate
safely that no impediment, small or great, will result from such an
injury at the shoulder, only there will be a deformity in the place,
for the bone cannot be properly restored to its natural situation,
but there must necessarily be more or less tumefaction in the upper
part. For neither can any other bone be made exactly as it was, which
having become incorporated with another bone, and having grown to
it as an apophysis, has been torn from its natural situation. If properly
bandaged, the acromion becomes free of pain in a few days.
