On Ankylosis; or, Stiff-Joint : a practical treatise on the contractions and deformities resulting from diseases of the joints / by W.J. Little.

  • Little, William John, 1810-1894.
Date:
1843
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On Ankylosis; or, Stiff-Joint : a practical treatise on the contractions and deformities resulting from diseases of the joints / by W.J. Little. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    ON ANKYLOSIS. limited mobility remains. This definition is anatomically correct; but if the apparent existence or non-existence of mobility were exclusively relied upon in diagnosis during life, serious errors would often be committed. Each of these divisions of ankylosis, according to chirur- gical phraseology, may be angular or straight,* {orthocolon, TO 6p%K(o\ov; opSo?, straight,- kwXov, a limhj) by which is meant that the joint may be ankylosed either in the bent or extended position of the part. Ankylosis may be simple or compound. In simple anky- losis, the rigid, more or less completely immovable articulation, has permanently assumed a position common in the natui-al temporary movements of the part. The ankylosis is com- pound when it is combined with a partial or complete luxa- tion, that is, an unnatural displacement of the articular sur- faces has also taken place. It will be hereafter shewn that this is, in some respects, an unfavourable complication. Causes of Ankylosis.—Inflammation is the cause of each variety and grade of ankylosis. Wliether we regard it in its mildest form, producing effusion of lymph into the cellular tissue around an articulation, or survey the chronic ravages of the scrofulous variety, or the fearful disorganisation of its acuter forms, we perceive the same chain of phenomena; of which one or more Hnks, according to the intensity and severity of the disease, may be absent; but the result, a greater or less degree of immobility or stiffiiess, is invariably present. In addition to the direct effects of inflammation in the production of ankylosis, a variety of other circumstances facilitate its progress and augment its severity. Among these are, the long-continued rest of the limb in one position, and the shortening of the muscular structm-es on the relaxed side of the member. Surgeons usually suggest, that during * The convenience, if not the necessity, of describing the ankylosis of a limb in the extended position as a straight ankylosis, may be conceded; but it is some- what tautological to speak of an angular ankylosis.