Orthopraxy : the mechanical treatment of deformities, debilities, and deficiencies of the human frame / by Henry Heather Bigg.

  • Bigg, Henry Heather, 1826-1881.
Date:
1869
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Orthopraxy : the mechanical treatment of deformities, debilities, and deficiencies of the human frame / by Henry Heather Bigg. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

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    the gutta-perclia back-splint with steel head band and arm supports^ as by its means the whole spinal column is relieved from mischievous movement and placed in a state of perfect rest^ whilst the weight of the head is trans- ferred to the splint. It may be mentioned in relation to these (cerebro-spinal) cases that a spastic contraction of the heel tendons is invariably present. To prevent structural shortening of these it is necessary in conjunction with the head rest and back-splint to adapt a vulcanized india-rubber spring to the foot of the child,, by means of which all chance of talipes equinus occurring is re- moved. On the spinal cord recovering its natural state, and the patient gaining the power of walking, no foot deformity will then be found to exist to interfere with general locomotion. 3. Angular Curvature.—This deformity may be induced in the cervical spine either by relaxation of the vertebral ligaments, or disease in the bodies of the vertebras. The latter is of most frequent occurrence, and is generally the sequence to a fall or blow. As, however, cases arise without either of these exciting causes, it is more probable that the blow simply developes a latent constitutional pre- disposition of which the diseased spine which results affords an evidence. Whatever may be the originating cause, the distinguishing feature of angular curvature resulting from caries of the cervical vertebrae is a sharp knuckle-formed prominence. Great pain is felt by the patient upon this being pressed with any degree of hardness. There is also an indisposition to rotate the head. In an advanced stage, owing to absorption of one or more of the spinous processes, a deep indent can be felt at the upper part of the cervical spine, which also is painful upon pressure. The only position in which there is freedom from pain is that of entire rest, the movement of the head and neck being prevented.