Pyretic treatment of rheumatism and allied and disorders / by Percy Wilde.

  • Wilde, Percy (Percy Roberts), 1856 or 1857-1929.
Date:
1928
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Pyretic treatment of rheumatism and allied and disorders / by Percy Wilde. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    to walk about and enjoy life and is only troubled by some nocturnal pains which are apparently rheumatic. We have to insist on a period of absolute rest, to be followed by a life on crutches over a long period. The only chance the patient has is to keep the weight of the body off the hip. For many years I tried appliances which I designed for this purpose, but finally concluded that crutches were more effective. It is very natural that patients should resent the proposed treatment, but they will learn that it is the only way to avoid freedom from pain, a pain which will steadily increase unless it is carried out. If the patient continues to walk on the diseased hip, the limb will gradually shorten and the foot become everted, but anchylosis will never take place. The rest required for the hip is not the same as if there was inflammation ; all that is required is rest from the pressure of the body on the head of the femur. When the patient is in the horizontal position, exercises of the hip should be encouraged. The patient may be taught to describe a circle with the foot, say, six times, and repeat this several times a day. Vibration over the third and fourth lumbar nerves will stimulate the nutrition of the joint. Ultra-violet rays to the lumbar region, and