TREATMENT OF INJURIES DURING THE ACUTE STAGE BY DIATHERMY

Abstract

The work reported in this paper was prompted by the desire to give greater relief to minor injuries not requiring hospitalization. The early cases consisted principally of sprained wrists and ankles. Previous to November, 1923, these ankles and wrists were treated about as follows: Roentgen ray examination ruled out fractures; rest was given to the part; immobilization by casts or splints was employed where pain persisted; the patients were given three 1 grain (0.065 gm.) tablets of powdered opium to be taken at night; codein sulphate, one-half grain (0.03 gm.) was given if the patient was still losing sleep after the second day. The patient was advised to apply ice bags for from twenty-four to forty-eight hours, after which soaking the foot or wrist in hot water was recommended. It was noticed that several patients disobeyed, and stated that greater relief was obtained during the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours