Chapter LII

.)

It will thus be seen that embolism constitutes often a distinctly surgical condition for which unfortunately only radical measures are suitable. Many cases of gangrene of the toes and feet, extending to the legs, are produced by embolism of the femoral and popliteal arteries, similar conditions being noted less often in the upper extremities. Amputation offers the only resource in such instances, at the same time affording no guarantee against any similar embolic disturbance elsewhere. In only most exceptional instances is it possible, by resorting to moist heat, position, etc., to encourage circulation to such an extent as to obviate the necessity of amputation. (See