A Study of the X-Rays of Cases of Fracture of the Long Bones at the Massachusetts General Hospital

Abstract

any perforation of any kind of the gastro-in testinal tract, and I feel that it is a great pit; that it is allowed to remain as one of the possi bilities of diagnosis."In discussing this point, Dr. A. D. Bevai said:-"You cannot wait to find free air in th peritoneal cavity obscuring liver dulness. have never seen a perforating gastric or duo denal ulcer with that sign."Dr. Cubbins stated that this sign was presen only in moribund cases with greatly distendei abdomen and paralytic condition of the abdom inal muscles.Dr. Deaver also states that this sign possessei little practical merit, and it is unfortunate tha it is mentioned as a diagnostic sign.These statements should not be allowed to g< unchallenged. While it is indisputable tha too much stress has been placed on the import anee of this sign in the past, it does, however possess real value and is worthy of considera tion and study.