Fractured humerus with healed amputation

Fractured humerus with healed amputation

Wounds, Gunshot

Aneurysm

Neuralgia

Wounds and injuries

Phantom limb

Amputation

Morphine

United States Civil War, 1861-1865

human remains

Case history: From an active, and powerful man who served as an artillerist in the American Civil War. In 1864, his hand was severely injured by the premature discharge of a cannon. It was amputated at the wrist joint. Subsequently, the forearm was amputated twice, and the arm twice. Much morphine was prescribed for the pain by John Homans, who had performed the surgeries. 1 year after the first operation, the humerus was fractured resulting in neuralgia. After the fracture, also, there appeared a pulsating tumor below the clavicle. John Homans found it to be ill defined, not far from the size of a small lemon, and situated beneath the pectoral muscle, but not rising above the clavicle. John Homans regarded it as an aneurysm, and thought that it might perhaps explain the pain. The stump was removed on April 5, 1870. 20 ligatures were required. The wound was washed with alcohol and dressed. Hardly a drachm of pus was formed. On the 6th day, the edges of the wound had united, except where the ligatures hung out. On the day after the operation, 7 grains of morphine were required for the pain, and were taken by the mouth. Afterwards only 1 grain of morphine per day was required more from habit rather than from the pain. The pain disappeared after approximately 3 weeks. The aneurysm gradually diminished in size and pulsation.

Proximal end of right humerus with healed fracture and amputated end. Sectioned sagittally. Both pieces mounted with wire to wooden base painted black.

Homans, John, 1836-1903 (physician)

Morrison, Paul (photographer)

The Harvard Medical Library does not hold copyright on all the materials in the collection. For use information, contact the Warren Anatomical Museum Curator at chm@hms.harvard.edu

Accessing collections in the Warren Anatomical Museum and the Warren Anatomical Museum archive requires advanced notice. Please submit a request to Public Services at chm@hms.harvard.edu to access the displayed item

Warren Anatomical Museum

model

Bone

physical object

03679

Donated to the Warren Anatomical Museum by John Homans in 1870.