Volkmann's contracture / by Leonard S. Dudgeon.

  • Leonard Dudgeon
Date:
1902
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Volkmann's contracture / by Leonard S. Dudgeon. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    this scar begins an abnormal bony prominence on the inner edge of the humerus, half an inch above the front of the internal condyle which appears to be in the normal position. A sharp ridge runs upwards from this bony point which is just beneath the skin. Complete flexion of the forearm is prevented by this bony prominence. Movements of pronation and supination cannot be performed actively and only to a slight extent passively. The head of the radius appears to be in the normal position, likewise the head of the ulna. The hand cannot be moved voluntarily. The interossei act fairly well. The fingers are flexed on the palm. Sensation of hand and forearm is normal; the hand cannot be extended.” Dr. H. G. Turney, physician to the electrical department, reported that the electrical reactions were Fig. 1. Showing condition of hand and forearm in Case 1 on Nov. 22ud, 1901 normal. The diagnosis of ischaemic myositis was made. The treat- ment adopted was massage twice daily. On Oct. 15th the following note was made : “ There is some improvement of the movement of the fingers, otherwise the condition practically remains unchanged, despite the massage twice daily.” The patient left the hospital on Oct.. 25th, 1897. On Nov. 22nd, 1901, the child was (brought up to St. Thomas’s Hospital at my request (Fig. 1). The fore- arm was extremely wasted, more so if possible than before, except at the upper end of the forearm, where the muscles were more bulky and firm and hard. The forearm, which wr strongly pronated, was considerably shorter than its fellow, and the bones—i.c., the radius and the ulna—were much smaller in every way. The hand was flexed and could not be extended, neither could pronation or supination bo performed, while the lingers were more pliable than they usually are