A dissertation on diseases of the joints : read to the Massachusetts Medical Society, at the request of the Council / by Aaron Dexter, M.D.

  • Dexter, Aaron, 1750-1829.
Date:
1813
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A dissertation on diseases of the joints : read to the Massachusetts Medical Society, at the request of the Council / by Aaron Dexter, M.D. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    could bear no lateral motion for several months. With the aid of a crutch and an high heeled shoe, in autumn, he could walk the streets perfectly free from any uneasiness; and at this time has recovered his usual strength in that limb, though shortened and distorted about the pelvis, which will probably always remain. After the seton was worn out, I caused two ulcerations to be formed and kept open with the savin cerate, for about three months, on the sides of the enlarged joint. The restoration was slow, but appears to be perfect. He is in a store, in this town, and as able to do the business of it as any young man of his age. In every case of diseased joints, that have fallen under my care, from experience in the first case, I have considered twelve months strict attention requi- site to complete the cure, which I have explained to the patient, or if a child, to his parents; and that without a cure the loss of limb or life must ensue. This I would recommend to every medical man. Without this full explanation, and an agreement on the part of the patient, I would never advise the severe external stimulating process; but where the parties will pursue the directions with resolution, and no appearance of matter having been formed, I have the highest confidence in the practice. During the stages of inflammation, which sometimes occur, an application of leeches and saturnine preparations is certainly adviseable ; after which, if the joint con- tinues swollen, with pain and debility, I think no time ought to be lost in pursuing the stimulating process.