On the restoration of motion by forcible extension and rupture of the uniting medium of partially anchylosed surfaces / by Bernard E. Brodhurst.

  • Brodhurst, Bernard Edward, 1822-1900.
Date:
1858
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the restoration of motion by forcible extension and rupture of the uniting medium of partially anchylosed surfaces / by Bernard E. Brodhurst. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    acutely, and unable to change his posture during the early period of his illness. A large bed-sore formed over the sacrum, and effusion was so great around the hip that suppuration was feared. Happily, how- ever, swelling subsided; but it was found when motion was at length attempted that the hip was fixed and immovable. Several months elapsed before he was able to resume his regimental duties, and then he found the fatigue of walking excessive, and his seat in the saddle most insecure; he also suffered excruciating pain on dismounting. These circumstances induced him to return home, for which he obtained leave. March 5th, 1857.—lie walked into my room, leaning on a stick. I found the thigh fixed in the extended position, and immovable at the hip-joint; the extremity was of the same length as the sound limb ; the pelvis was slightly oblique. I proposed to give chloroform, and to proceed to rupture the adhesions at the same time, should they be found to be fibrous. To this he assented, and the following day was appointed for the examina- tion. The full effect of chloroform having been obtained, the pelvis was firmly fixed by an assistant, when it was immediately apparent on endeavouring to raise the leg from the bed that the adhesions were fibrous. A jerk in the direction of flexion was sufficient to separate them, and the rupture took place with an audible snap. The motions of the joint were immediately free. The limb was then bandaged, and encased in a splint, and thus it was allowed to remain undisturbed for five days. Very slight pain was felt after the rupture, so that 2