Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

War Surgery and Medicine

First World War

First World War

In the First World War knee disabilities were common and were found very difficult to treat satisfactorily. Operation was not often carried out as results were not held to justify this treatment in the forces overseas. At the Convalescent Depot at Hornchurch particular attention was given to the rehabilitation of the chronic knee cases. Temporary plaster splinting associated with activity and strenuous physiotherapeutic measures were adopted, but with very little effect. It was found very difficult to render the men fit for further active service.

Between the wars orthopaedic surgery developed considerably, largely following the impetus given by the First World War. Operative treatment for the common semilunar cartilage injuries became the regular routine, and the results were generally satisfactory. Trained surgeons specialising in orthopaedic surgery were available for service in the Second World War.