Miscellaneous. Setting a Dislocated Neck.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1935, 29 November 1884, Page 2 (Supplement)

Miscellaneous. Setting a Dislocated Neck.

Reading, Philadelphia.— One of the most remarkable caaes on record came to light lately in Dover township. Edward Swartz, oC that place, was out in the woodland during the severe storm of last week, and could find no shelter except under the large trees. He was standing close to a large oak tree, and when the storm waa at its highest a -large limb was wrenched off a tree near by and precipitated across Mr. Swartz's neck, dislocating it. Physicians were at once summoned and made an examination of the injuries sustained by Mr. Swartz. They were satisfied that he could not live in that condition, and the only hope for him was to have the break set. The operation was a dangerous one. All present expressed their belief that the man would die. The doctors informed the unfortunate man of the dangerous condition he was in, and when asked if he was willing at once to have the operation performed, he replied in the affirmative. The family of the man were summoned to his bedside, and he bade good-bye to each one, expecting thai he would not survive the operation. The parting scene with the family was an affecting one, not soon to be forgotten by those present. Meanwhile Mr. Swartz was perfectly conscious and talked freely. He replied to the physicians when questioned about the critical nature of the operation, that he was in their hands and in the hands of God, and that they should do the best they could for him. It was found that the fourth joint of the neck had been fractured. Rev. J. C. Deininger was also called in. He held religious services in the room, committing the unfortunate man into the hands of the all- wise Father, and extending the blessing of God upon the work to be done, and praying for a successful result of the operation. One of the physicians took hold of the patient's head, two others at the neck and shoulders, and the fracture was successfully reduced. The patient said at once he felt better ; that he had more feeling in his body, which had been completely paralysed at this time. The doctor* cannot say what the result of the operation will be. If the spinal cord was not injured the patient, it is thought, will recover. He is doing as well as can be expected, and at last accounts hopes of his ultimate recovery were entertained. The case attracts considerable attention among the medical fraternity, owing to the nature of the injuries. — Special Chicago Times.