The Perils of Misdiagnosis

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I enjoyed the company of two podiatry students who inadvertently attended one of my gigs recently, so much so that we generously improved the prospects of a small brewery surviving the present depression by a considerable contribution to their coffers. Exmoor Gold is a wonderful concoction to promote goodwill. Upon leaving the hostelry in the small hours last Saturday, we encountered a rather unfortunate elderly gentleman, shuffling with a noticeable limp down the street. The delectable Millicent observed his predicament and offered a diagnosis of spondylitis adding by reinforcement, his increasingly precarious pelvic tilt. Jasmine, however, was sceptical; and was convinced his problem was primarily foot-related - and he did have a grossly supinated left foot which was almost subluxing has ankle.

As luck would have it, he stopped for a rest after a bit and we caught him up and the girls, emboldened by now, asked if he was okay. After a few pleasantries and a reassurance that he was, Jas then said that they were podiatry students and they were having a discussion about his disability (honestly!) and as they were in disagreement, perhaps he could enlighten what the problem was. She said, "I think you've got an ankle problem and it's caused a leg length difference and my friend thinks you've got spondylitis. Who's right?"

The old chaps then informs us that he's a retired GP from Inverness - down visiting some relative in Lancashire - replied; "Well lassie, you think I've got an ankle problem and I'm sorry to say you were wrong. Your pal thinks I've got spondylitis and I'm sorry to tell her that she's wrong too. Because I'm very sorry to have to tell you both that I thought it was a fart - and I was wrong too..."

I always think a considered, reflective approach works best in gait anomalies.

Thanks for a good evening girls!