Chapter XII

.)

_(g) Ostitis and Caries of the Os Pedis_.--Injuries to the os pedis are met with in the anterior zone of the foot. Evidence that the bone has been injured is not usually forthcoming until after the lapse of some days. One is led to suspect it by the fact that there is no indication of the suppurative process extending further upwards, coupled with the facts that great pain, high fever, and extreme lameness persist, and that there is a continuous discharge from the wound of a copious blood-stained and foetid pus. Used now, the probe reveals the fact that the bone is bared, and conveys to the hand that is holding it a sensation of crumbling fragility.

_(h) Wounding of the Lateral Cartilage and Quittor_.--This occurs as the result of a deep stab in the posterior zone. Ordinarily, wounds in this position are unattended with serious consequences, and the prick has to be a deep and a severe one before the cartilage is reached. What then happens is that a spot of necrosis is formed round the seat of puncture in the cartilage. This, unless met with surgical interference, is sufficient to maintain the wound in a septic condition; it takes on a fistulous character, and a quittor is formed. (See