Old-standing gunshot wound of the fibula

Object numberGC.13828
TitleOld-standing gunshot wound of the fibula
CreatorCharles Bell (originator)
DescriptionOld-standing gunshot wound of the fibula. Sketch in oil, glazed, in wooden frame. There has been a compound fracture of the fibula and infection has caused local swelling and ulceration. The leg was ultimately amputated.
One of Charles Bell's paintings of a casualty from the Battle of Corunna and the retreat between 24 December 1808-11 January 1809. Bell treated some of the force that landed back in Britain at Portsmouth. There are fifteen images in all.
Bell's notes: The leg fell at last into the state of scrophulous joint and was amputated. Sketch in oil of the (above) gunshot wound of the ankle, which degenerated into a scrophulous ulcer.
This is an unhealthy looking, infected, granulating and ulcerated wound. The ankle joint is swollen, and there may be septic arthritis. As this is unlikely to heal, amputation would be the best course.
Bell describes this as a scrofulous ulcer. Scrofula referred to tuberculous lymph nodes, which could come from acquiring the tubercular bacilis via the oral route through the oral route, usually drinking unpasterurised milk. However, at this time it was also used more loosely to describe a weeping ulcerated wound like this one
Production date c.post 1810-01-01
Object nameGunshot to the ankle
Object categoryAnatomical, artwork
Dimensions
- Framed Height: 45.5 cm
Width: 51 cm
Canvas Height: 28.5 cm
Width: 33.2 cm