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67
Since this Report was submitted the Committee have appointed
a second whole-time dentist who will not only be able to cope
with arrears of treatment arising in 1929 but also meet the increasing
demand of the children of the rapidly growing areas of Greenford
and Northolt.
(i)Orthopaedic Treatment.—During the year the Orthopaedic
Surgeon saw for the first time, on the occasion of his monthly
visits, 73 school children suffering from crippled conditions,
lateral curvature and round shoulders. There were 138 reinspections
of these or other children already undergoing treatment.
Some of the cases of lateral curvature and round shoulders were
only mildly affected and were completely cured after treatment
lasting but a few months. Four children were advised and received
operative treatment at the National Orthopaedic Hospital and 67
were advised massage and special exercises. The attendances for
massage numbered 888. Four children were supplied with surgical
appliances which were ordered by the Surgeon.
In addition to the school children, 87 children under five
years of age were submitted for a first examination by the Surgeon,
145 re-inspections being necessary. The attendances of those
requiring massage numbered 582. Three operations were advised
for, and performed at the Hospital on children under school age.
The large number of children under school age dealt with under
the scheme is indicative of its success. It may be said that
practically all the crippled children attending the public elementary
schools are receiving treatment under the scheme, and the time is
fast approaching when it can be said that all the children under
five years of age, who will later attend public elementary schools,
are similarly receiving treatment. The earlier the children
receive treatment, the better will be the results and the less the
treatment will be called for in later life; so that as time goes on
and the scheme develops fewer children of school age will require
to be dealt with.
So much has the work of the Orthopaedic Clinic extended
that the accommodation at the Mattock Lane Health Centre has
proved insufficient and an addition to this Centre is being constructed
primarily to facilitate this branch of treatment.