Fractures of the Spine. 65 



fracture for which leeches and setons were applied, without much benefit. 

 Afterwards he had a sharp attack of pleurisy, followed by severe hydro- 

 thorax and general cedema, from which he died. From first to last there 

 was no evidence of aifection of either motion or sensation. (See Medico- 

 Chirurgical Transactions, London, vol. xx. p. 78.) 



The remarkable escape of the spinal cord is explained by 



the fact that the posterior part of the arch of the atlas remained 



in position while the rest of the bone was dislocated forwards, 



carrying with it the odontoid process, which was at the same 



time snapped off. This accident seems to be unique. 



G. C. 2782. 



3. 66. Fracture of the Fourth Cervical Vertebra.— Axis 



and five succeeding cervical vertebrae, with the spinal canal 

 laid open ; muscles dissected off — in spirit. 



The right vertebral artery was torn, and severe bleeding took 

 place into the spinal canal and compressed the cord. The nerves and 

 membranes were found perfectly natural and undisturbed. 



There is an oblique fracture through the upper jjart of the 

 body of the fourth cervical vertebra, which extends into the 

 left transverse process. 



The articular processes between the third and fourth vertebrae 

 have been dislocated on the left side. G. C. 909. 



Presented by William Newbigging, F.R.C.S.E., 1827. 



3. 67. Dislocation between the fourth and fifth Cervical 



Vertebrae. — Cervical and first dorsal vertebrae, with the 

 muscles dissected off — in spirit. 



A fishwife, apparently in good health, was being pulled out of 

 bed, in a frolic, by companions. It is uncertain whether the accident 

 occurred when the head alone rested on the edge of the bed, or when 

 it reached the floor. The limbs and trunk were paralysed. Breathing 

 was carried on by the diaphragm for a day or two, until death took 

 place. 



There is no appearance of fracture, and the dura mater appears 

 to be drawn out between the separated vertebrae. G. G. 3456. 



Presented by Professor John Steuthers, 1893. 

 E 



