By
August his appetite and general condition were much improved, and
his weight had increased to 125 pounds, his temperature being 99
degrees or less each morning, and seldom as high as 100 degrees
at night. The cystitis had entirely disappeared, and he was able,
with some effort, to pass his urine without the aid of a
catheter. Sensation in both extremities had slightly improved,
and he was able to slightly move the toes of the right foot. This
being his condition, an operation was proposed as the only means
of further and permanent improvement, and to this he eagerly
consented, and, accordingly, on the 25th of August, the 9th
dorsal vertebra was trephined.
"The cord was found to be compressed and greatly congested, but
there was no evidence of laceration. The laminae and spinous
processes of the 8th and 9th dorsal vertebrae were cut away, thus
relieving all pressure on the cord; the wound was drained and
sutured, and a plaster-of-Paris jacket applied, a hole being cut
out over the wound for the purpose of changing the dressing when
necessary. By September 1st union was perfect, and for the next
month the patient remained in excellent condition, but without
any sign of improvement as to sensation and motion.
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