XVI. CONDITIONS INVOLVING THE HIP JOINT
Marshall433 presents a nonoperative therapy for tuberculous and other low grade inflammatory diseases of the hip joint. He believes that when there is roentgenologic evidence of disease either in the acetabulum or in the head of the femur the tendency to aim at ankylosis is wrong. During a ten year period he treated this type of infection of the hip in accordance with Rollier's method. The general principle of the treatment is rest and immobilization during the acute stage of the disease, followed by gradual resumption of movements with support. In cases in which erosion of the acetabulum or the femoral head develops, traction is continued for eighteen months to two years, with roentgen examinations at six month intervals. Weight bearing is then permitted, an appliance being used which is a Thomas type of walking caliper fitted to a pelvic belt of celluloid