A probationary essay on dislocation of the processus dentatus : submitted, ... to the examination of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh,... / by William Howison.

Howison, William, 1793-1872

Date:: 1819

Credit: A probationary essay on dislocation of the processus dentatus : submitted, ... to the examination of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh,... / by William Howison. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$. - •• SECTIO CERVICIS. The body being now laid upon the abdomen in the extended state, an incision was made from the occiput along the spinous processes of the superior cervical vertebrae, and the integu¬ ments and muscles occupying the back part of the neck, were dissected down so as to expose the upper part of the spine \ which being done, the second bone of the neck was found to be much more moveable than when in its natural state. On removing the cerebellum from the skull, and attempting to thrust the finger into the spinal canal, through the foramen magnum of the occipital bone, when the head was bent for¬ ward,great resistance was given to it. On moving the head backwards, however, the resistance was removed, and the finger passed easily into the vertebral canal; but on again bringing the head forwards,when the finger was in the above men¬ tioned position, it was very forcibly squeezed, and forced out from its situation betwixt the back part of the foramen magnum, and what %$