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Treatments
As with other forms of tuberculosis, general sanatorium care was applied to those with spinal tuberculosis, including good diet, plenty of fresh air, sunshine and rest. However, in addition these patients were often completely immobilised.
The Bradford Frame was commonly used at Stannington as a means of immobilisation for patients with TB of either the spine or the hip. This consisted of a rectangular pipe frame over which pieces of canvas were attached to create a bed frame. These would have straps that kept the patient held in either a prone or supine position. Similarly, plaster casts was utilised for the same purpose. Patients in Stannington were often encased in plaster or fixed to a plaster boat. In many cases immobilisation continued for several years until the disease had reached quiescence.
There are also descriptions of patients being fitted with various types of splints and braces, such as Patient 17/1949 who was fitted for a plastic splint to fit:
"from the hips up the trunk extending over the neck to the occiput, reinforced with metal where necessary".
These braces were worn, not only whilst in Stannington, but once the patients had returned home as well. Many patients continued to be reviewed as out-patients even after discharge, some of which were still being seen many years later.
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