CHAP. XVI. Of the fracture of the Hip, or Os Ilium.
THe Hip consists of three bones: The first is named Os Ilium, the Haunch-bone; * 1.1 the other, Os Ischion, the Huckle bone; the third, Os pubis, the Share-bone. These three bones in men of full growth, are so fast knit and joyned together, that they can by no meanes be separated; but in children they may be separated without much adoe. This bone may be broken in any part thereof, either by a stroake, or by a fall from high upon any hard bodie. You shall know the fracture by the same kinde of signes, as you know others, to wit, * 1.2 paine, pricking, a depressed cavitie, and inequalitie, and also a numnesse of the legge of the same side. The splinters of the bones (if quite broke off) must by making in∣cision * 1.3 be taken away at the first dressing: in performance of which operation, you must have a care, that you hurt not with your instrument the heads of the muscles, nor any vessels, especially which are great; nor lastly, that large nerve which is sent into the muscles of the thigh and legge. On the contrary, such fragments as are not broken or severed from their periostium, shall bee smoothed and set in order with your fingers, as is fitting. Other things shall be done according as art and necessity shall perswade and require.