Old standing gunshot fracture of the shaft of the humerus
Object numberGC.13834
TitleOld standing gunshot fracture of the shaft of the humerus
CreatorCharles Bell (originator)
DescriptionSketch in oil of the state of the arm of an officer two years after the gunshot fracture showing chronic sepsis.
In the words of Bell: "When a case like the preceding is left without proper surgical assistance, necrosis takes place and the arm presents this appearance. First ulcerations and exfoliations continue to take place as in this Gentleman, according to my experience for seven and ten years during all that time he is subject to fever and irritation, not only from the wound, but from any occasional cause which deranges the system, so that he drags on a very weary and uncomfortable existence. These two were Corunna cases, and the first that suggested to me, the improper rule upon which our surgeons were proceeding."
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.
The patient had tolerated chronic sepsis of the wound for two years. These types of injuries would be prone to infection as the projectile would frequently carry bacteria into the wound. Treatment would usually be either disarticulation at the shoulder or trans-humeral amputation. Whether this hadn't happened in this case due to refusal by the officer or another reason isn't known. What can be seen is that two years after injury the patient is still suffering a chronic discharging wound, causing pain and weight loss. The arm is decreased in circumference and has many sinuses on its lateral aspect surrounded by skin reddened by inflammation.
Production date c.post 1810-01-01
Object nameGunshot wound to the humerus
Object categoryAnatomical, artwork
MaterialCanvas
Dimensions
- Framed Height: 51 cm
Width: 45.5 cm
Canvas Height: 33.9 cm
Width: 28.7 cm