Illustration: Fig. 6. Lateral curvature of the spine. E to F, the primary curve.
Fig. 6. Lateral curvature of the spine. E to F, the primary curve.

Illustration: Fig. 7. A mild case of lateral curvature of the spine.
Fig. 7. A mild case of lateral curvature of the spine.

This deformity appears more frequently in anÆmic persons, in whom the flexibility and elasticity of the muscles are weakened, than in those of a plethoric habit. It is generally contracted during youth, between the ages of twelve and eighteen. Persons of sedentary and indolent habits are especially liable to this deformity, hence, girls are most frequently its victims. It is never seen among the natives of tropical countries who habitually live in the open air, and seldom among the barbarous races of northern latitudes. A distinguishing feature of the American Indian is his erect carriage. The primary curvature is generally toward the right side, as represented in Figs. 6 and 7. Figs. 8 and 9 show the disease in a more advanced stage. The ribs are thus forced into an unnatural position, and the vital organs contained in the cavity of the chest are compressed or displaced, thus distorting the form of the whole upper portion of the body.

Illustration: Fig. 8. Lateral curvature in an advanced stage.
Fig. 8. Lateral curvature in an advanced stage.

Illustration: Fig. 9. Lateral curvature in an advanced stage.
Fig. 9. Lateral curvature in an advanced stage.

Symptoms. The first indication of lateral curvature of the spine is a marked projection of the right scapula, or shoulder-blade. It is sometimes first observed by the dressmaker, or, accidentally, while bathing. The right shoulder is slightly elevated, while the left hip is depressed and projects upward. If not corrected while in its earlier stages, it progresses very rapidly, and a second curvature is developed. The symptoms vary in different cases, and in the early stages are somewhat obscure and undefined, but generally the patient feels a sense of uneasiness, languor, stupor, and nervousness, loss of energy and ambition, general debility, poor appetite, gradually declining health, loss of strength and flesh, and, as the disease progresses, a slight elevation of one of the shoulder-blades is noticed, as well as the deviation of the spine to one side. The curve, or distortion, of the spine increases more rapidly as the body becomes heavier, the spine often assuming the shape of the letter S, and, from compression by torsion of the vertebrÆ and distortion of the ribs, the vital organs are encroached upon, causing serious functional derangement of the heart, lungs, liver, and stomach, producing, as its inevitable consequence a list of maladies fearful to contemplate.

Causes. In rare instances, the lateral curvature of the spine is due to defects of certain bones of the pelvis or limbs. Cases are recorded in which this deformity was caused by diseases of the abdominal organs, but, as we have intimated, it is generally due to a lack of tonicity of the muscles, or, as a late writer has expressed it, "Want of correspondence in the antagonism of those muscles which control the motions of the spinal column." Habitual sitting or standing in a leaning posture, or standing upon one foot, thus constantly using one set of the muscles of the back, while the other becomes enfeebled by the lack of exercise, is a common cause of this deformity. The habit which so many school-girls contract of drawing up one foot under the body while sitting, often produces a lateral curvature of the spine.

Treatment. No disease or deformity of the spine is so easily cured and perfectly corrected, if the proper plan of treatment is pursued. To correct this deformity, many ingenious forms of apparatus have been devised and invented by our specialists, which should be carefully adjusted to each individual case. In addition to this, our method of treatment by "vitalization," and by mechanical movements and manipulations, is almost indispensable in these cases. It never fails to give relief, and, if properly pursued, invariably results in a permanent cure.

DEFORMED FEET, HANDS AND LIMBS.

There are thousands whose feet, hands, and limbs are almost entirely useless, besides having an unsightly appearance. Their condition has been helpless so long, their treatment so varied, and their hopes of relief or cure have been so often disappointed, that few can believe the truth of our statement, when we positively assert that we can correct and cure nearly all cases of talipes, club, or crooked feet and deformed hands, and make them as perfect in appearance, and as useful in action, as feet and hands which have never been deformed. While this may seem miraculous, or even impossible, to those who are unacquainted with the wonderful improvements and rapid progress made in this department of surgical science, it is attested and verified by living witnesses whose feet and hands were once deformed and useless, but which have been made perfect by our new and improved method of treatment. We do not make these statements in a spirit of vain boastfulness, but having devoted many years to improving and perfecting surgical appliances and apparatus, and having had practical experience in the successful treatment of thousands of cases, we do say that our manner of treatment is original and employed only by us. We entirely ignore the ineffectual methods usually employed in such cases. Our treatment causes no pain, and little inconvenience, yet the curative results are speedy and certain, and a hundredfold more satisfactory than those obtained by any other course.

Illustration: Fig. 10. Talipes Equinus.
Fig. 10. Talipes Equinus.

Illustration: Fig. 11. Talipes Calcaneus.
Fig. 11. Talipes Calcaneus.

We have most thoroughly tested all the best forms of treatment heretofore devised and employed in this class of diseases, and have adopted the best features of all the various methods heretofore pursued. We have combined these with our own improvements and, as the result, we have perfected a thorough and efficient system of treatment, based upon scientific principles.

Illustration: Fig. 12. Talipes Valgus.
Fig. 12. Talipes Valgus.

Illustration: Fig. 13. Double Club-foot.
Fig. 13. Double Club-foot.

Illustration: Fig. 14. Bow-legs.
Fig. 14. Bow-legs.

Illustration: Fig. 15. Knock-knees.
Fig. 15. Knock-knees.

Illustration: Fig. 16.
Fig. 16.

Illustration: Fig. 17.
Fig. 17.

Illustration: Fig. 18.
Fig. 18.

Illustration: Fig. 19.
Fig. 19.

Illustration: Fig. 20.
Fig. 20.

Illustration: Fig. 21.
Fig. 21.

Illustration: Fig. 22. The above illustrations represent various Deformities cured by our Specialists at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.
Fig. 22. The above illustrations represent various Deformities cured by our Specialists at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.