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63
Treatment.
Tonsils and Adenoids.
The same arrangements continue in operation for the treatment
of this condition. Most cases, however, were treated
at King George Hospital, Ilford, being detained overnight. During
the year, 42 cases were assisted at a cost of £43 2s. 0d.
Orthopaedic Treatment.
(a) Ascertainment Clinic. The Consultant Orthopaedic
Surgeon paid four visits to the district during the year, when 78
ehildren made 110 attendances at a cost to the Local Authority
of £13. Most cases attended the Clinic once only, 21 attending twice,
and 5 three times. The commonest disability for which children
were referred was flat foot, either alone or with some bowing of the
tibiae, or genu valgum. Of the 18 cases referred, 15 were ordered
wedges to their shoes. Of 13 cases of bowed tibiae, splints were
ordered in 6, wedges in 4, and in 2 operative measures were
required. Of 7 cases of genu valgum, 5 were ordered wedges
and one a brace and wedges. Three cases of torticollis due to a
ruptured sterno-mastoid were referred to the massage clinic for
treatment. Seven cases of congenital talipes were seen, for 3 of
whom wedges were advised, and splints in 4 cases. One of these
eases was subsequently admitted to hospital for osteoclasis. Two
eases of Erbs palsy were seen and 4 children suffering from
scoliosis were recommended to wear a back board.
(b) Massage Clinic. The massage and remedial exercises
clinic held at Ford Road is staffed by the Essex County Council,
during the year 42 children under school age received treatment
at a cost of £6 6s. 0d. 30 of these cases were treated for flat
foot, knock knee or bowed legs. There were under treatment 4
cases of congenital equinovarus. Three children suffering from
naematoma of the sterno mastoid received massage and were
discharged before the end of the year.
(c) Provision of Appliances. A member of the staff of a firm
of instrument makers attends, usually at the same time as the
Orthopaedic Surgeon, to take measurements of those children
requiring surgical appliances. The Local Authority assists in payment
of these according to the financial circumstances of the family.
During the year such assistance was given in 9 cases at a total cost
of £6 1s. 0d.
(d) Hospital Treatment. One child was admitted to hospital,
being in 5 weeks at a cost of £8 10s. 0d.