Observations on the treatment of lateral curvature of the spine : pointing out the advantages to be gained by placing the body in a position to produce lateral flexion of the vertebral column, combined with the after application of firm mechanical support / by Edward F. Lonsdale.

  • Lonsdale, Edward F. (Edward Francis), -1857.
Date:
1852
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations on the treatment of lateral curvature of the spine : pointing out the advantages to be gained by placing the body in a position to produce lateral flexion of the vertebral column, combined with the after application of firm mechanical support / by Edward F. Lonsdale. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    82/144 (page 70)
    backwards and downwards obliquely, and curved so as to stand out from the ribs, to leave a free space beneath it; for the obvious reason of avoid- ing all pressure on the left side of the thorax, (which, as already stated, is the contracted side,) and to admit of the expansion of the ribs, which could not take place were pressure made against them. The curve and length of this part must be sufficient to support the shoulder with ease, and to make slight traction backwards at the same time; a force that is wanted and wffiich will act benefi- cially, by tending to relieve the left side of the thorax of the superincumbent weight of the upper extremity. The remaining points to be considered, with re- gard to this part of the apparatus, are, the fixing the vertical bar which connects the crutch, and the means of raising it at pleasure, which will be required, as the cure advances. I believe the best situation for doing this, as already stated, is, to the centre of the posterior part of the pelvic hoop, for the pressure then tells on a point which guards against all lateral tilting of the instrument; at the same time that it leaves the whole of the left side open and uncompressed, it moreover leaves the waist free, and allows the dress to fit more closely. In all the instruments I have hitherto seen, the