Primary diseases of the liver will invariably present osteopathic
lesions from the fourth or fifth dorsals to the eleventh or
twelfth. The ribs on the right side are commonly involved. These
lesions probably disturb the liver by way of the vasomotor fibers.
Displacements of the duodenum, of the hepatic flexure and transverse
section of the colon and displacements of the right kidney are frequent
sources of liver disorders. Care should be taken in differentiating
primary from secondary diseases, for naturally the relative importance
of the various factors in treatment will vary. In many secondary
diseases there will be found predisposing osteopathic lesions, and
these secondary disorders and degenerations can at least be palliated
and occasionally the degeneration retarded or stopped by persistent
osteopathic treatment, diet, and hygienic measures.