CASE 18.—Private
J. W. Young, Co. E, 137th New
York, aged 27 years, was wounded at Gettysburg, July 2,
1863, and, admitted to Harewood
Hospital, Washington, three weeks afterward. Acting Assistant Surgeon T. H. Elliott reported:
"Gunshot wound of right leg. Ball entered through upper portion of gastrocnemius
muscle and emerged near the head of the fibula. The foot, immediately after the
injury, dropped to full extension; all of the muscles of the leg paralyzed from
division of nerves; flexors of thigh contracted, causing the heel to be raised
from the floor three inches in the erect posture. Patient is unable to bear any
weight on the limb. August 6th, wound unhealed; paralysis of extensor muscles
complete. Patient discharged from service August 16, 1863." Examiner J. G. Orton, of Binghamton, New York, September 15, 1866, certified: "The power of
flexion of the foot upon the leg is impossible in consequence of injury to
flexor muscles; walking is performed with much difficulty and not without
assistance." On February 29, 1876, he reported: * * "The power of flexion of the
foot is entirely gone. It is at present almost worthless, the foot being
swollen, and drags when he walks; he cannot walk without assistance." The
pensioner was paid March 4, 1876.