The alleged malpractice suit : Thompson vs. Smith. Statement of experts and surgeons / Evidence reported by R.J. Hammond, reported for the Circuit court Nov. term, 1874, for Madison county, Iowa.

Smith, A. B. (Arthur B.)

Date:: 1875

Credit: The alleged malpractice suit : Thompson vs. Smith. Statement of experts and surgeons / Evidence reported by R.J. Hammond, reported for the Circuit court Nov. term, 1874, for Madison county, Iowa. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

18/78 page 12

$Spinatus muscles, thej being attached to the great tuberosity of the humerus. The Teres Major and Latissimus dorsi muscles, both arising posterior to the slioulder and attached to the bicipu- tal ridge of the humerus, draw the humerus backward and would be serious imj)ediments to bring the arm in front or placing it across the breast. And the bringing of the arms straight out in front of the body would produce all the rotary motion of the heard of the humerus that would be necessary in bringing the hand to the 02:)posite shoulder. This being another proof that there was no dislocation. From the history of the case of Thompson vs. Smith, from the symptoms as detailed above, there can be no doubt but Dr. Smith's diagnosis was correct and his treatment eminently fto. Kespectfully, M. A. McClelland, M. D. I hereby certify that I have read the foregoing questions sub- mitted to Dr. M. a. McClelland, and most heartily concur in his answers and statement in the case in every respect; and in the case of Thompson vs. Smith, there can be nothing more positive and clear than the fact that no dislocation ever existed in plain- tiff's shoulder. John M. Nultz, M. D., Med. Director U. 8. A., Mem. Path. Soc'y, Per. Mem. A. M. A. The same questions were submitted to D. A. Stanton, M. D., of Mo, The following are his answers: It would be impossible for a dislocation to exist with the symptoms detailed. In a subcoracoid dislocation the elbow can- not be brought to the side with the forearm across the breast. If there was a dislocation of the head of the humerus of any kind., the deformity could not be removed, or the rotundity of the shoulder restored by any support or pressure to the elbow. The deformity of a dislocation is only removed by reducing the dis- location. The symptoms given are the symptoms of fracture of the acromion process, as in this case there would be a drooping, and the deformity would be removed and the rotundity of the shoulder restored by support or upward pressure to the elbow. In the case of Thompson vs. Smith, the manner in which Thomp- son carried his arm, and the manner in which it was dressed, was sufficient evidence that there was no dislocation. A demonstra- tion with the skeleton will certainly satisfy any intelligent jury of that fact. Trusting that science and right may assert lier- self, I am Fraternily, D. A. Stanton, M. D.$