The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1915-02-06

According 20 DR.. Cornet, the bacilli
possibly gain entrance TO the bone
structure through the lymphatic and
the vascular system, and as suggest
ed by noted authorities may remain
dormant, or not exhibit evidence of
their presence until an injury has oc-
Cured. Many patients date their
disease to a fall or blow, which was
followed some months later by mani
festations of inflammation, i. e., pain,
swelling and stiffness close to the seat
of the injury, differing from any or
binary inflammation by the tendency
TO become chronic. The treatment
for these conditions consist of abso-
lutte rest in the early stages while the
acute Inflammation exists, and this is
to be followed later by extension,
which has for it's object the separa-
ton of the bones that form the joint.
This treatment applies to the bones
of the spine as well as to the struc-
lures of other joints. The enforce
ment of rest in the early stages is
important; for by rest only can the
disease be limited. It's purpose is to
lessen the irritation, prevent the null
tiplication of the bacilli, and diminish
the blood supply. If the disease is
recognized in the early stages it is
possible to effect a cure, or if not,
lessen the destruction and following
d~eformity.
Hip disease is divided into three
stages. The first and second stage
indicate the invasion of the bacilli
and the subsequent destruction, and
the third period is known by the re-
sulting deformity. The early symp-
toms are often overlooked, there is
not sufficient evidence to alarm the
parents. The pain is not very severe
and is often referred to the knee as
well as the hip. The child will often
tire easily and will stop in the midst
of play. There is a slight limp, and
the little one will drag the affected
leg in walking.
When the parents notice these
symptoms they should at once consult
their family physician. This sugges-
ton is of prime Importance, as thus
may be saved years of suffering and
prevention of a crippled child.
In spinal disease the early signs
are misleading, although the pains
may be referred to the back, yet they
are more often felt in the chest or alb
domen. They may be associated with
l 0IlSilJ AOuSA, l1IlldIlOll vi IilC DOHtl
or bladder. Later the position of the
child is suggestive. There is an in
clination to be round shouldered, it
will be impossible for him to sit or
stand erect without becoming tired,
and he will obtain support for the
back by resting the arms on the ia
BILE or desk. The most characters
tic symptom, is the amer in which
the child attempts to pick up an OBJ
ject on the floor. He stoops by bend
ing the thighs upon the trunk and
! the knees upon the thighs. The pain
prevents him from bending the spine;
likewise, for this reason, he moves
his whole body in turning round.
| Special mechanical appliances are
used to treat these cases, yet the rules
that have been given for tuberculosis
in other parts of the body apply here
as well.
The skin, like other tissues, is also
subject to the invasion of the tuber-
Gle bacillus, and the lesion so produced
is the result of the bacilli gaining an
entrance into the structures of the
skin through an abrasion. The dis
ease has a tendency to become chronic
and may develop into a condition call
ed"Lupus," so designated by the early
writer's on account of its fancied re
semblance of the attack of a wolf.
Prior to the advent of the X-rays
and high power electric lights, the
treatment of tuberculosis of the skin
was attended with frequent failures.
We are indebted to Prof. Finsen of
: Denmark for the invention of the
! Finsen lamp, an apparatus that utili-
yes the actinic rays from a specially
devised arc lamp for the treatment of
Lupus.