WEMJ Volume 115 No. 3 - September 2016
Introduction
Three articles from our regular correspondent Professor Peter Dunn, one historical article from our Canadian friend, Professor Thomas Baskett,
book reviews, student articles and more.
WEMJ Volume 115 No.3 September 2016 Article 1
Congenital Postural Scoliosis. Peter M. Dunn.
At least 2% of infants exhibit postural deformities at birth such as talipes, C.D.H., scoliosis or sternomastoid torticollis. The great majority of these deformities either resolve spontaneously or respond to early postural correction after birth.
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WEMJ Volume 115 No.3 September 2016 Article 2
Observations on the third stage of labour. Peter M. Dunn.
There is a need to rethink and hopefully discontinue the various interventions that contribute to the current problems of the third stage. The dorsal recumbent position and early cord clamping create a problem, and cord traction and the use of oxytocic agents, while seeking to solve it, often make matters worse
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WEMJ Volume 115 No.3 September 2016 Article 3
Congenital postural deformities of the lower limbs: a case history. Peter M. Dunn
Congenital postural deformities affecting the musculo-skeletal system usually arise in late pregnancy as the fetus grows, the volume of amniotic fluid diminishes and the baby becomes constrained and moulded by extrinsic forces within the uterus.
Some 2% of all newborn infants exhibit signs of deformation at birth, though most deformities are mild and resolve spontaneously.
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WEMJ Volume 115 No.3 September 2016 Article 4
Should arthroscopic lavage and debridement be performed for osteoarthritis of the knee? Sebastian Green.
One of the surgical options for mild to moderate OA of the knee is arthroscopy, where an endoscope is placed inside the knee joint under general anaesthetic. The procedure can be both diagnostic, offering detailed imaging of joint damage, and therapeutic, where the joint may undergo lavage or debridement.....I wish to discuss whether these operations should continue considering the plethora of evidence against them.
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WEMJ Volume 115 No.3 September 2016 Article 5
Book Review: The Inner Physician: Why and how to practise ‘big picture medicine’ by Roger Neighbour, RCGP. Reviewed by Dr Paul Main
There are some learning experiences that at the time are so novel that they remain with you forever. The subtitle of Roger Neighbour's latest book is ‘why and how to practice big picture medicine’. The author’s thesis is that every doctor has, as an untrained, ordinary human being, the insight, empathy, perceptiveness and judgement to consult more effectively. This is the Inner Physician.
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WEMJ Volume 115 No.3 September 2016 Article 6
Book Review: National Elf Service - a tragicomedy in several parts, portrayed in cartoon form by Paul R Goddard. Reviewed by Dr. Stefan Cembrowitz.
For those who do not know him, the author Prof Goddard is one of those highly irritating people who never give up making annoying observations, but that’s only if you’re a pompous, overinflated Health service administrator. He is a thorn in the side of the top-heavy bureaucracy that clogs the wheels of our NHS.
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WEMJ Volume 115 No.3 September 2016 Article 7
Bristol Medico-Historical Society Proceedings The Pill and the Pope. Thomas F. Baskett
This talk outlines the development of the oral contraceptive pill and the roles of the individuals involved. The pill stimulated the Catholic Church to confront its position on contraception, and in 1963 the Pontifical Commission on Birth Control was established to advise the Pope. The recommendations of the commission and the Pope’s response will be discussed.