A probationary essay on amputation in cases of external injury : submitted ... to the examination of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh ... / by Alexander Watson.

Watson, Alexander, 1799-1879.

Date:: 1821

Credit: A probationary essay on amputation in cases of external injury : submitted ... to the examination of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh ... / by Alexander Watson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$4 The dange? attending compound fractures of the thigh, when the bone is shattered, or when they are combined with injury of some of the other important parts, is equally great, in whatever manner they are caused. When such cases of injury occur therefore, immediate Am¬ putation should in general be performed, as another oppor¬ tunity for operating may never occur ; and if it does occur, it will generally be performed under the most unfavourable circumstances. According to Mr Guthrie, more than one half of those died, who underwent the secondary Amputation. A far greater number, therefore, of lives and useful men have been saved who suffered such injuries, by the primary, than the secondary operation; one or other of which seems to be indispensably necessary, t Injuries of the large blood vessels, and laceration of the muscles of the thigh, likewise require the same operation. Immediate Amputation at the thigh is also frequently ne¬ cessary, from injuries of the knee joint, and those high up in the leg, which have always been observed to be attended with the most imminent danger, as was formerly mentioned. Amputation at the thigh then, is necessary, 1. In cases of severe compound fracture at or below the middle of the thigh bone. 2. When the integuments and muscles of the thigh are ex¬ tensively injured, laying bare the bone, or accompanied wisHi injury to a principal blood vessel or nerve, 3. When the knee joint is so much injured that it is laid 9pen, and its component parts lacerated or contused. D$