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.
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