542
CHAPTER 31
FIG. 224.
take up work and, as shown in Fig. 224, even stand and walk a short distance in parallel
bars or on long crutches assisted by the physiotherapist.
Mention may also be made here of the segmental innervation of the extensor carpi
radialis longus and flexor carpi radialis. As a rule, the extensor carpi radialis longus is
found to be functioning in lesions below C6 and is particularly strong in lesions below Cy,
producing radial abduction of the hand. As the extensors and flexors of the fingers are
paralysed in these lesions, the unrestrained action of the extensor carpi radialis longus
may lead to extension and radial abduction contracture of the wrist, with consequent
flexion contractures of the fingers.
The most deleterious type of contractures due to plaster beds, in which the patient
had lain for months, has already been mentioned. Men, who had recovered from cord or
cauda equina symptoms, were frustrated for many months or years, because of the super
imposed contractures of the joints and of the distorted pelvis, developed as the result of
this enforced fixation. But, even such severe contractures can be overcome by well-
