The surgical treatment of anterior poliomyelitis

Summary

A plea is made for the intelligent use of simple splints. Three standard splints are described. In the absence of a surgical instrument maker, the splints can be fashioned from Cramer wire and plaster of Paris. A firm mattress over fracture boards can be substituted for the Bradford frame, where this is unobtainable.

The value of muscle charts is stressed, especially in the case where patients are transferred from one doctor to another.

The need for instruction of the parents in the care of paralysed children returning to their home is emphasised.