The human spine : an analysis of the comparative merits of the gypsum jacket and compound adjustable supports.

  • Banning, E. P. (Edmund Prior), 1810-
Date:
1881
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The human spine : an analysis of the comparative merits of the gypsum jacket and compound adjustable supports. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University Libraries/Information Services, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University.

    16/42 (page 10)
    lO ficial supports were (and still are) met by the very grave and reverend objection, or truism, that if you support a part that should support itself, it becomes weaker, and you will always have to support it ; and yet here the cure is attempted by a process which literally paralyzes muscular effort, and is a direct in- fringement upon the most vital functions. Notwith- standing this, I am convinced that force enough will straighten almost any spine (or a crowbar, even) ; but by this method how are you to keep it straight, and ^w^ permanent spinal and muscular vigor to the body? To me, it appears that reason should lead any one to these conclusions ; but they have been forced upon me by the observance of facts in the premises. These criticisms may be met by the citation of cases of complete success in cur\'ature and caries, and of complete restoration to muscular vigor, just as in the case of fractures, etc. To this I reply, first, that in fractures there is no vital function involved, or any danger to the muscles from their temporary confinement. Next, that the question does not stand as to what can be done, or borne, under an emergency, but rather, is there not a more excellent way, which is equally effective, and at the same time avoids the specified drawbacks ? We will now, in turn, consider the construction and working of the Revolving Spinal Prop (see Figs. 3 and 4, page 8). This appliance seems to consist,— First. Of a basic framework (or terrafirma), which fits so evenly just inside and above the edges of the innominatta as to make it immovable, and enable it to bear any amount of weight without gi\4ng pain.