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78
With regard to treatment of enlarged tonsils by
operation, I remarked previously on the opinion now
commonly held determining whether or not surgical
interference was indicated. It would appear that during
the period that has elapsed since writing my last report,
reluctance to operate, except where there is clear
indication to the contrary, persists.
Orthopaedic Treatment.
(a) Ascertainment Clinic.—The Consultant
Orthopaedic Surgeon paid five visits to the district
during the year, when 98 children made 141 attendances.
Most children attended once only, 26 attended
twice, four three times and three four times. The
commonest conditions for which children were referred
were genu valgum, pes planus, bowed tibiae and talipes.
The cost allocated to this Council was £12 8s. 5d.
(b) Massage Clinic.—The massage and remedial
exercises clinic was held twice weekly at the Ford Road
and Becontree Clinics. During the year, 145 children
under school age received treatment at a cost of
£57 6s. 0d., making a total of 562 attendances. Most
cases were referred on account of flat foot, knock knee
or bowed legs.
(c) Provision of Appliances.—A member of the staff
of a firm of instrument makers usually attends on the
Monday following the visit of 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. Three appliances were supplied at a total cost
of £9 7s. 6d.
(d) Hospital Treatment.—Five children were sent
to hospital for operative treatment at a total cost of
£92 8s. Od. It will be observed that there has been a