Slings and roundabouts

doi:10.1136/bmj.325.7378.1448

BMJ 2002;325:1448 ( 21 December )

Filler

Slings and roundabouts

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I had the misfortune of experiencing the disability caused by a fracture near the shoulder joint. Playing my favourite instrument,the clavichord, became impossible, as raising my hand to the keyboardcaused severe pain $---$ until I thought up a solution. I suspendeda sling with an elasticated cord from a conveniently positionedhook in the ceiling. The sling was adjusted so as to preciselycounterbalance the weight of the forearm on the affected side.It was so comfortable that playing the clavichord actually relievedthe pain. If one of your patients with a fracture of the humeralgreater tuberosity wishes to continue exploring Bach's "GoldbergVariations" on a clavichord, you know what to recommend.

George Debono, retired physician.