Studies of old case-books / by Sir James Paget.

  • Paget, James, Sir, 1814-1899.
Date:
1891
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Studies of old case-books / by Sir James Paget. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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

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    mismanagement. 1 Fitting exercises and well-propor- tioned restings will prevent any permanent deformity. They must vary according to the error in each case, but one general rule may be given, and it is good for many cases besides these, namely, that all exercises and habits, postures, games, drills, and the rest, should be such as may best conceal the defect; for such con- cealment is one of the best ways towards cure. The muscles which can conceal a defect are those which most need exercise, and which, being strengthened, may most help to a cure. Such concealment of defect may be hard for children and others like them; but with care even these may be taught, and for a very large number of drooping and tilted shoulders, and limp spines, and other such imitations of deformity, the cure by concealment is sufficient. It is thus that strict drill often teaches soldiers to conceal such defects as an unequal length of hmbs, ill-made feet, partial stiffness of a joint, and by con- cealment to diminish some of them. Of the cases in which deformity of the spine is feared on account of some more abiding unusual shape, some are associated with inequality in the lengths of the lower limbs. In the most marked of ^ If tliere be doubt when this test hy stooping is appHed, it is often useful to see the spine while the patient sits on the ground and then bends down.