Trench foot
- Series Title(s):
- Medicine in action
- Contributor(s):
- Byron Motion Pictures. United States. Navy.
- Publication:
- [Washington, DC] : The Navy, 1944
- Language(s):
- English
- Format:
- Moving image
- Subject(s):
- Immersion Foot -- etiology Immersion Foot -- prevention & control Immersion Foot -- therapy Military Medicine
- Genre(s):
- Instructional Film and Video
- Abstract:
- This film, once shown only to authorized personnel, is an overview of the causes, treatment, and prevention of trench foot. A narrator presents the information over footage of soldiers marching in mud, rain, and snow; of feet afflicted with trench foot in mild, moderate, and severe degrees; and of patients undergoing various treatments for trench foot. In the ischemic phase of trench foot, the peripheral vessels are constricted and oxygen deficiency in the capillaries leads to increased permeability, exudation, and edema. The hyperemic phase occurs when the feet are exposed to warmth, the vessels dilate, and excessive vasodilatation is not controlled because the nerves have been injured. Plasma pours into tissue interstices and the resulting pressure causes pain, anesthesia, and pseudomotor disturbances. In severe cases, gangrene may occur. Surgical disarticulation of the toes in a severe case is shown. Treatment of trench foot is outlined over footage of patients being treated in the field and in a hospital. Amputation is done as late as possible after clear demarcation has been established except in cases of infection, in which case amputation must be done early. During recovery, careful attention must be paid to diet and physical therapy. Sympathectomy may have to be performed. This procedure is shown. Sequelae that may last for years are discussed over shots of recovering soldiers walking. Trench foot can be prevented by reducing exposure to cold and moisture, keeping the feet dry, and maintaining good circulation in the feet. Prevention requires cooperation among medical officers, unit commanders, and individual soldiers.
- Copyright:
- The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information)
- Extent:
- 011 min.
- Color:
- Black and white and Color
- Sound:
- Sound
- Provenance:
- Received: Sept. 12, 1968 as a donation from the U.S. Navy.
- Technique:
- Live action
- NLM Unique ID:
- 9200220A (See catalog record)
- OCLC no.:
- 31669349
- Permanent Link:
- http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9200220A