Civil War Washington

CASE 892.—Shot fracture of the os calcis.—Sergeant D. M. Tarrance, Co. B, 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, aged 24 years, was wounded in the right foot, at United States Ford, May 25, 1863, and entered Harewood Hospital, Washington, three weeks afterwards. On September 29th the patient was transferred to Mower Hospital, Philadelphia. Surgeon J. Hopkinson, U. S. V., reported: "The patient was wounded by a ball entering outside of the tendo-achillis, passing downward, forward and inward through the os calcis, fracturing the bone, and emerging at the inner margin of the sole of the foot. The heel became very much swollen and painful and pus continued to discharge from both the wound of entrance and exit, all the symptoms of necrosed bone being present. Flaxseed poultices were applied; iron and quinine with wine was administered. On December 1st, another examination having been made, it was decided to cut down and remove the diseased bone, and a crucial incision was made along the internal aspect of the bone, its length parallel with the axis of the bone being three and a half inches, in the opposite direction two and a half inches. The loose pieces were then removed and the necrosed bone was scraped with the gouge, after which the wound was closed with sutures and cold-water dressings were applied. The operation was performed by Acting Assistant Surgeon J. H. Jamar, the patient being in good general condition at the time. He did well afterwards. Small fragments of bone exfoliated and were removed at different intervals. By January 20, 1864, the wound was healing kindly and the patient was allowed to go to his home. About the end of February the wound had healed with the exception of a small point, and the patient dispensed with his crutches and used a cane. He was discharged from service July 8, 1864." Examining Surgeon W. Jewell, of Philadelphia, certified to the injury April 7, 1866, and described the wound as still suppurating. The pensioner was paid March 4, 1871.