A NEW OPERATION FOR SPASMODIC WRY NECK. NAMELY, DIVISION OR EXSECTION OF THE NERVES SUPPLYING THE POSTERIOR ROTATOR MUSCLES OF THE HEAD

Abstract

ABOUT three years ago, in studying carefully a case of spasmodic torticollis with Dr. Mitchell, he asked me. in view of the implication of the posterior muscles of the neck which rotated the head, as well as of the Sterno-Cleido, whether it would not be possible to do an operation for dividing or excising their nerves, similar to neurotomy or neurectomy of the spinal accessory nerve.I made a number of careful dis¬ sections to determine the feasability of the operation, and as a result of it, 1 formulated the steps of an operation which I have repeatedly done to the cadaver, but only once have I had the opportunity of doing it on the living.That case, Dr. Dercum who kindly referred her to me at the Woman's hospital for operation, will report fully to the Society this evening.-Imay add, that the only difficult)-of the operation was the depth of the wound, which made it troublesome to get a good light, and, therefore, the mechanical steps of the operation were sometimes a little difficult.An electric light (which I did not then have) would have facilitated its steps very much.The hemorrhage was quite free, but easily controllable ; the drainage was perfect, and the recovery of the patient from the operation a speedy one.Dr. Dercum will report upon the results, so far as the disease ls concerned.