A CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF TUBERCULIN IN ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE

The Calmette Ophthalmo-Tuberculin Test.

1. By means of the opsonic index we have learned the importance of these small doses of tuberculin and the time at which they should be administered. But this having been learned, it is by no means necessary, nor is it practical to follow up the treatment with control indices.

2. For the diagnosis of tubercular bone and joint disease the opsonic index is of little practical value. (To this I add the conclusions enumerated in the report above referred to.)

3. Tuberculin in small doses at proper intervals is of undoubted value in the treatment of selected cases of tuberculous bone and joint infections.

4. The rise of the opsonic index is accompanied by an improvement in the local and general conditions of the patient, if no secondary infection exists.

5. While there are discharging sinuses and mixed infections, the opsonic index may be raised by the use of tuberculin without an accompanying improvement of the general or local conditions (specificity).

6. The opsonic index will prove of value in determining the advisability of discontinuing mechanical treatment.

7. The opsonic index is of value in determining the prognosis in tuberculous bone and joint disease.

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