Part 45
In certain cases the process of the ulna (
olecranon?) behind the humerus
is broken; sometimes its cartilaginous part, which gives origin to
the posterior tendon of the arm, and sometimes its fore part, at the
base of the anterior coronoid process; and when this displacement
takes place, it is apt to be attended with malignant fever. The joint,
however, remains in place, for its whole base protrudes at that point.
But when the displacement takes place where its head overtops the
arm, the joint becomes looser if the bone be fairly broken across.
To speak in general terms, all cases of fractured bones are less dangerous
than those in which the bones are not broken, but the veins and important
nerves (
tendons?) situated in these places are contused; for the risk
of death is more immediate in the latter class of cases than in the
former, if continual fever come on. But fractures of this nature seldom
occur.