Title: Rawlins, I. H.

Source text: The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion. (1861-65.), Part 2, Volume 2 (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1876), 929.

Keywords:wounds and injuries of the upper extremitieswounds and operations in the forearmshot wounds of the forearmshot fractures of the forearmshot fractures of the forearm treated by expectationfractures of the radius treated by expectationsuccessful cases of shot fracture of the radiusgunshot wound of forearm, fracture simpleshell entered far enough to break the radius above wristtendons of extensor muscles injured, strength of arm and hand impairedoriginal wound reopened by exfoliation of bonepronation and supination impaired, wrist functionally impairedextended necrosis of diaphysis

Civil War Washington ID: med.d2e31312

TEI/XML: med.d2e31312.xml


CASE 1876.—Corporal I. H. Rawlins, Co. E, 76th Pennsylvania, aged 20 years, was wounded at Pocotaligo, October 22, 1862. Surgeon R. B. Bontecou, U. S. V., in charge of Hospital No. 1, Beaufort, noted: "He was admitted, October 24th, with gunshot wound of right forearm, a portion of shell having entered far enough to break the radius two inches above the wrist, and not tearing the coat. The fracture was a simple one, and the wound slight. A straight, splint to the palmar aspect of the forearm was applied, and lint with cerate to the wound. December 1st, the patient has required very little attention, the injury of the arm not disturbing his general health nor creating much local disturbance. He has been dressed and about the ward nearly all the while since his admission. December 20th, arm sound; bone a little enlarged by callus, but the patient is considered well, and sent to-day to his regiment." Surgeon M. A. Withers, 6th Connecticut, recorded this man's admission and treatment for nearly three weeks at the regimental hospital during the following month January, 1863. On November 28, 1864, Corporal Rawlins was mustered out of service and pensioned. Examiner J. Phillips, of Washington, D. C., May 16, 1867, certified: " * * Fracture of radius; the tendons of the extensor muscles injured; the strength of the arm and hand somewhat impaired." Examiner D. S. Hays, of Hollidaysburg, Pa., certified, March 12, 1872: " * * The original wound has recently reopened, caused by exfoliation of bone, and presents an unhealthy, dark, inflamed appearance, surrounded by a large purple areola. There is considerable suffering, and the applicant is unable to use the arm to any extent. A partially detached spicula can be felt." An Examining Board, consisting of Drs. Hays and G. W. Smith, certified, September 4, 1873: " * * Necrosis of bone and loss of pronation and supination," etc. The same Board reported, July 1, 1874, that they found "the cicatrix red and somewhat tender; some enlargement of joint; pronation and supination somewhat impaired though tolerably good; wrist not as strong as natural, and functionally impaired. The wound reopened some months ago, but is now well. There is no evidence of its reopening." This pensioner was paid September 4, 1875.