The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.
The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: “Plaster technique at the Royal Cripples Hospital, Woodlands, Birmingham. Photo shows:- The application of a plaster jacket in suspension after treatment in a Thomas’s frame.”
Thomas frames and splints were used to treat paralysis and scoliosis; plaster jackets may have been used as part of a patient’s care following an operation or treatment for scoliosis, and in cases of sciatica. Guidelines in the 1920s advised that a plaster jacket should immobilise, rather than correct, spinal deformity – with the belief that the “contracture must disappear as the result of immobilisation”. Patients would wear the jacket for increasing periods of time until they were able to tolerate it continuously. See also MED01/01/2222-2226 and MED01/01/2228-2235. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.
This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited
Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley
Orthopaedic Hospital, People At Work, Women's History, Health And Welfare
Our website works best with the latest version of the browsers below, unfortunately your browser is not supported. Using an old browser means that some parts of our website might not work correctly.
