12 



Indiana University Studies 



condition results in deformities of various parts of the body — 

 enlarged ankles and wrists, ''rosary" of ribs, pigeon breast, 

 bow legs, knock knees, flat feet, etc. Proper feeding and 

 hygienic care bring favorable results if the patient is treated 

 early in the course of the disease. 



5. Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine, 

 occurring more frequently in girls than boys between the ages 

 of ten and sixteen years. This spinal deformity is caused 

 sometimes by paralysis, by rickets, by faulty ''positions of the 

 body increased by the superincumbent weight of the head and 

 body"^ in industry and school, or by inequality of the limbs. 

 Treatments for scoliosis are gymnastic exercises in mild cases 

 and corrective plaster or leather jackets for the more ad- 

 vanced cases. Scoliosis in the majority of cases is a prevent- 

 able condition. If children are watched closely, with the first 

 sign of a spinal curvature corrective exercises can be given 

 to prevent faulty positions in standing and sitting and the de- 

 velopment of deformity. 



6. Kyphosis. Kyphosis is the typical "hunchback" con- 

 dition — a backward curvature or knuckling of the spine, 

 usually following Pott's Disease. Round shoulders are com- 

 mon and are best treated by gymnastics and the avoidance of 

 heavy clothing hanging fom the shoulders. Shoulder braces 

 are to be avoided. 



7. Poliomyelitis. Anterior poliomyelitis, poliomyelo ence- 

 phalitis, both are synonymous with the more commonly known 

 term — infantile paralysis, which is responsible for such a large 

 per cent of deformity among children. This is an acute con- 

 tagious infection, most prevalent in summer, which attacks 

 children almost exclusively. There are three stages to the dis- 

 ease: (1) febrile symptoms and development of paralysis; (2) 

 full development of paralysis and a stationary period ; (3) atro- 

 phy of muscles and wasting of limbs followed by about a six 

 months' period of gradual slight improvement. During the 

 acute stage cf the disease the patient's general condition 

 should be stimulated to further resistance, and the weak 

 muscles should be protected from sustaining weight, in order 

 to prevent development of deformities as far as possible. De- 

 formities result from bone shortening in some cases, but more 



Quotation from Dr. John H. Oliver. 



