Case of Fracture of both Clavicles. By Wm. Quail, M. D., of
Pittsburg. (Communicated by Prof. Mutter.)
On the 13th of last month I was called to treat a case of frac-
ture of both clavicles. The man, a stout, healthy Irishman, set.
54, in attempting to control a cart horse, was crushed between one
of the wheels and a bank, and the consequence was, fracture of
both bones at the scapular ends.
Not having previously seen or read of such an accident, my
embarrassment, as you can readily imagine, was great. All the
different methods suggested by surgeons for fractured clavicle, I
thought of at once. My embarrassment arose from the fact of not
having a sound shoulder to operate upon.
I finally concluded to try the simple and efficient apparatus of
Fox. I had two pads, and two elbow pieces prepared. I made
the two collars in the form of half rings, attaching each end to
the pad, thus serving the purpose of fixing the pads in position,
and as collars to which might be fastened the tapes of each elbow
piece. I applied the apparatus as thus modified, using the ordinary
sling to support the hands, and it has answered admirably ; indeed,
I cannot imagine how else it could be managed.
The patient walked about the house during the whole time, and
suffered comparatively little or no pain. To-day I removed the
apparatus. There is no deformity which time will not cure.
The case was seen the next day after reduction, by my friend, Dr.
Black, and by Mr. McDonald, one of my fellow students of Jeffer-
son Medical College.
What would 1 have done with Dessault’s three single-headed
rollers, eight yards long, &c., and doubled, too, in the hot months
of July and August ?