When we examined these patients, we usually found that the rupture had pushed the pads aside and worked out above or below them.
Sometimes we found that the pads had worked away from the rupture opening, worked down against the pelvic bone. And the ruptured parts had slipped out and were being squeezed between the pads and the bone. A condition apt to result in strangulation.
Some of these patients came to us suffering intense torture from the terrific pressure of such trusses—pressure perhaps ten times greater than needed—and this cruel pressure is exerted from the wrong direction, in the wrong place.
Perhaps merely a slight sneeze or cough is enough to push the pads out of position. And then the pressure of these pads forces the ruptured parts out, instead of holding them in.
Sometimes the pads had slipped down so far on the pelvic bone—or had been pulled down by the leg-straps—that there was no support for the rupture whatever.
And this constant pressure against the pelvic bone saps the vitality. Often causing sexual weakness and mental failing. For between this bone and the outer skin is the sensitive life-giving spermatic cord.
Ordinary Trusses May Bring On Other Ailments
Also, we have found in hundreds of cases that these belt and spring trusses press against the femoral artery so severely that heart disorders result. Causing dizziness, headaches, irritability, etc. Yet the patient seldom associates his truss with these troubles, seldom knows their cause.
And constipation and stomach troubles are often brought on by these trusses. Gas on the stomach is a common result.
These troubles can be remedied only by removing the cause—only by discarding the harmful truss.