From the Confederate States Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 1, No. 1 (Jan. 1864). Richmond: J. B. McCaw, Ed., p. 8

ART. IV. – Case of Tetanus – Recovery. Reported by Surg. W. A. DAVIS, Chimborazo Hospital.

Serg't M. J. Dunkum, company "D," 21st Va. Infantry, admitted in Chimborazo Hospital, No. 4, Nov. 10th; was wounded on the 26th October by a cannon ball, and on 27th October right thigh was amputated, lower part of upper third by a circular operation. Symptoms of tetanus appeared about 6th inst. When admitted the tetanus was marked; lower maxilla fixid, but no titanic convulsions; able to take nothing by the mouth except fluids; posterior muscles of neck also rigid, and painful twitching of stump; profuse perspiration; pulse 110; some appetite, and bowels regular. Stump in an unhealthy condition; a large slough, some three inches deep, separating on the external side, the line of demarcation being very plain; bone protruding about an inch, and a fungus growth from the medullary canal.

Treatment. – Cleaned the wound, and drew it together by adhesive plaster as well as possible; milk-punch, soup, eggs, &c., ordered; cit. iron and quinine and morphine, to procure sleep and rest (grains ii. To iii. Daily); Labarague's disinfectant used.

Nov. 15th. General symptoms rather better; perspiration continues; sleeps well, and eats moderately.

The sloughing mass has dropped off, and the stump looks better and granulating.

Nov. 20th. – Tetanus slowly passing off; good appetite; sleeps well after taking i/ grain morphine at night; stump doing well.

Nov. 26th. – Improving in every way.

• Prev
• Next