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.

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    is made to support the axilla; then put the patient in the prone position, and observe the difference that takes place in the curvature : if it can be nearly or quite redressed by either of these means, the case ought to be curable. The more the spine yields by artificial pressure being applied to it, the more amenable it is to treatment. The other rule is founded on the fact, or not, of the curvature in- creasing, either in a rapid or slow degree,—for as a general rule, if it will yield in one direction it may be made to do so in the opposite direction to a certain extent, though not sufficiently to bring it into the straight line. Another reason for treating these, and indeed all cases, is to prevent them get- ting worse, which can always be done, even if no marked improvement can be gained. The remaining points to be considered, are, the perseverance and attention of the patient, and having the treatment properly superintended, to see that the instrument is in constant and effective action ; for it is quite obvious if the instrument be not constantly worn and constantly pressing in the right direction, no benefit can be gained. The support should never be removed except to change the clothes, and then the patient should lie down and put it on directly. By not paying attention to this point, a great deal that may have been gained