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report on the work of the
orthopædic clinic
Orthopaedic treatment in Barking provides massage, medical electricity,
plasters, splints, remedial exercises, including those for flat feet, etc., etc. In 1935
the old ultra-violet light apparatus was replaced by a modern duo-therapy lamp,
and this year I am able to report that an up-to-date therapeutic switch table has
been added to the equipment of the Orthopaedic Clinic. During the year also you
have employed two full-time masseuses, and altogether the work has enlarged in
scope. In one or two cases people have even been visited in their own homes to
complete some necessary treatment, and the work at the Orthopaedic Clinic has
been linked up with that of the Hospital—one of the masseuses attending at the
Hospital to treat cases of acute anterior-poliomyelitis, and to treat difficult posture
in cases recovering from diphtheria. It is well known that children recovering from
diphtheria are oftentimes very weak indeed upon their legs, and I am very
appreciative of the co-operation which has been achieved between the Hospital
Staff and the Orthopaedic Clinic.
The following tables, which are prepared on lines similar to those previously
used, show the work which has been carried out at the Orthopaedic Clinic amongst
toddlers.
No. of primary examinations by Orthopaedic Surgeon 102
No. of re-examinations by Orthopaedic Surgeon 145
The cases dealt with for the first time during 1936 were referred for the
following conditions:—
(a) Deformities of Bones and Joints.
(1) Congenital:
Rickets 1
Deformity—toes 3
Deformed digit 1
(2) Acquired:
Pes planus 10
Genu valgum 17
Bowed tibiae 30
Kohler's disease 1
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