Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
You can use this work for any purpose, as long as it is not primarily intended for or directed to commercial advantage or monetary compensation. You should also provide attribution to the original work, source and licence. Read more about this licence.
Credit
The Thomas Splint. Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). Source: Wellcome Collection.
With footage of North Wales, we learn about a dynasty of bone-setters starting with Evan Thomas and Hugh Owen Thomas who was the most famous creating the 'Thomas' or 'Bed Knee' splint. The family over several generations were famous for their extraordinarly bonesetting skill. The value of the Thomas Splint is described and illustrated using diagrams. The two competing forces which can lead to deformity are counterbalanced by the splint. The action of the splint is then seen in practice with an adult male patient detailing all the required hospital equipment. The patient is anaesthetised. After the splint is in position, nursing is important to maintaining recovery. A physiotherapist helps and the patient is served a nutrious meal in bed (together with a half pint of stout). To help with boredom, the patient learns basket weaving whilst smoking a pipe. The patient is assisted by two nurses as he weight bears on his leg. Later in physiotherapy, two men demonstrate their full recovery.