Orthopedic and Physical Therapy Objectives

The problem of poliomyelitis treatment in the early stages of the disease and in the later stages of convalescent care is a complex one. Cases vary in severity of symptoms, extent of paralysis, and rate and degree of recovery to the extent that no two are alike. Individuals who treat the disease are handicapped in their understanding of the entire problem because few, if any, have the time and experience which permit them to follow through the day by day care of cases from time of onset to final recovery. . Yet one must see clearly some objedtives in his treatment, or he is lost in the confusion of what should be done for the patient. I t is the purpose of this paper to present some simple objectives in a common-aense approach to the problem of poliomyelitis treatment. To discuss treatments relating to poliomyelitis and to evaluate results in the final stages, there must be a common denominator. Correct terminology and a uniform understanding of the descriptive words employed is essentially the common denominator we need. We cannot add together'the number of patients who show paralysis unless we agree on what the term paralysis means; nor can we add together the number of patients who have slight weakness, unless tve agree on what constitutes such weakness. We cannot add together the number of patients who have "spasm" unless we aW agree on what the term "spa~m'' means. Two things must be carefully analyzed in preparing correct terminology for a condition: (1) The established meaning of the term. (2) The exact condition of the patient to which the term is being applied. Many terms are used and loosely applied in relation to poliomyelitis. In defining terms in regard to muscles, the term "affected" must be clarified. At the onset of poliomyelitis the involvement may be so extensive that the entire musculature is "affected". Any muscle which