Selections from the clinical works of Duchenne / Translated and edited by G.V. Poore.

  • Duchenne, G.-B. (Guillaume-Benjamin), 1806-1875.
Date:
1883
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Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Selections from the clinical works of Duchenne / Translated and edited by G.V. Poore. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

    493/502 (page 465)
    This statement rests on the following facts :— (a) When the flexors of the lumbar vertebrae (abdominal muscles) are wasted, the pelvis bends forward during standing and walking, so as to throw all the weight of the trunk on the extensors of the lumbar vertebrae, which, in order to bring the centre of gravity of the trunk within the basis of support, pull up the spinal column in its lumbar section, causing a lordosis (lumbo-sacral curve). This curve is the more marked, the buttocks are the more prominent, and a vertical line let fall from the most prominent dorsal spine falls far in front of the most backward part of the sacrum, in proportion to the amount of wasting of the abdominal muscles. (b) When the extensors of the spine are wasted while the abdominal muscles remain sound, the pelvis is placed in the greatest extension possible, so as to throw the trunk back and cause its weight to be supported by the abdominal muscles. Hence results a kind of lordosis very different from the last, for the buttocks are flat, and a plummet let fall from the most backward dorsal spine falls far behind the sacrum (see figs. 12 and 13, p. 55). 6. A physiological saddle-back, or lumbo-sacral curvature, with very pronounced inclination of the pelvis, far from being rare or exceptional, are ethnological characteristics of some races. They give a graceful form to the body, as in the Iberian races, or they cause a sort of deformity, as in some African and Indian races. The opposite characters, i.e., a straight stiff spine without apparent lumbo-sacral curve, is seen in the Anglo-Saxon race and other races of Northern Europe. 7. The above clinical facts show that physiological saddle-back is due to relative weakness of the abdominal walls. This is confirmed by the development of the belly during pregnancy, and the looseness and weakness of its walls after delivery; so that in women with slight lumbo-sacral curve, the abdominal wall by its force offers more resistance to the development of pregnancy, and it recovers and remains firm and tense even after many pregnancies. Women with natural saddle-backs are liable to deformity of the belly, and sometimes other troubles, after pregnancy. The H H