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The majority of the tuberculous bone and joint cases had
already undergone institutional treatment and ultra-violet light
was given to prevent relapse and to tide over the sudden change
from the ideal environment of a sanatorium to that of an urban
home.
Experience gained in the Solarium shows that there is no
doubt as to the value of ultra-violet light in non-pulmonary
tuberculosis, particularly in those cases where the part affected
has "broken down" with consequent abscess and sinus formation.
The following particulars of four patients are typical of the good
results which may be obtained in this class of case: —
E.H. (female, aged 21). Multiple tuberculous arthritis of
both hips and right shoulder, with discharging sinuses. Bedridden
in August, 1924. Ultra-violet light was started in January
1925 and in three months the patient was able to sit by herself on
the scales and menstruation started after five years amenorrhoea.
July 1925 —Sequestrum extruded from right shoulder.
December 1926—Shoulder sinus healed.
April 1927 —All sinuses soundly healed and patient able to
walk with a high boot.
This patient pigmented well and has kept well ever since. No
other treatment was given in this case.
S.M. (female, aged 34). Operation in April 1924 for tuberculous
abscess right hip. Sinus resulted. Another operation
in September 1927. Sinus still persisted and ultra-violet light
was started, at another institution, just after the second operation.
First attended the Solarium in May 1928, with sinus still discharging.
July 1928, sinus healed and patient has remained
well with no recurrence.
J.A. (male, aged 18). Operation in 1922 for excision of
tuberculous cervical glands. Remained well until November
1927, when there was a recurrence with the formation of three
sinuses. Ultra-violet light treatment was started in May 1928.
The sinuses soon began to close and after a further slight relapse
are now quite healed.