38. The ulna is surmounted, at its upper end, by a considerable
appendix, curved before, where it corresponds to the articulation of
the fore-arm, and is covered with cartilage; convex behind, where
there is nothing to separate it from the external integuments, and is
attached at its upper end to the strong tendon of the triceps muscle,
which appears to be incorporated with it. This appendix resembles
greatly, in its structure, form, and uses, the rotula, from which it
would differ in nothing, if the inferior ligament of the latter were
ossified, so as to form a bony continuity between it and the tibia. It
is exposed to fractures, perfectly similar to those of the rotula, but
which differs so essentially from the other fractures of the ulna, as
to call for a separate examination.
39. The ancients appear to have had but little knowledge of fractures
of the olecranon, respecting which they have transmitted nothing to us,
unless with Dalechamps, we find cause to recognize a reference to this
affection in the following passage of Paul of Egina: _Cubitus frangitur
... circa partem ad cubiti gilbum_.
Most of the moderns have spoken of it only in a vague manner; no one
has described with accuracy the signs which characterize it; and few
have given satisfactory ideas on its treatment. Petit has not spoken
of it separately, and Duverney, who concludes with it his article
respecting fractures of the fore-arm, has but imperfectly described for
it a bandage which is in itself equally imperfect. Bell does not give
us, on this point, an exposition of either his opinions or his practice.
Yet this fracture is by no means so rare as to justify the silence of
authors, and its treatment merits a degree of attention beyond that
which is requisite in most other fractures.
§ XIII.