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; the other,* 1.1 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 joined together, that they can by no means be separated; but in children they may be separated without much ado. This bone may be bro∣ken in any part thereof, either by a stroak, or by a fall from high upon any hard body.* 1.2 You shall know the fracture by the same kind of signs, as you know others, to wit, pain, pricking, a depres∣sed cavity, and inequality, and also a numness of the leg of the same side.* 1.3 The splinters of the bones (if quite broke off) must by making incision, be taken away at the first dressing; in per∣formance 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 leg. On the contrary, such fragments as are not broken or severed from their periosteum, shall be 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.