Laceration of the Left Thumb

The thumb was completely torn away on the palmar surface, so much so that the joint was freely exposed. The parts were much lacerated and bruised, and the extent of the wound was five inches. No bleeding of any c'onsequence occurred. The case was one for removal of the thumb, but the difficulty was how to form a flap, owing to the shape and extent of the wound. Eight sutures were put in, and constant coldwater irrigation applied. This was used with the happiest result, not a single bad symptom appearing, and there being but little constitutional disturbance. On the 4th day after the injury a portion of the wound had healed by the first intention. On the 12th. day the whole of the wound had healed, and tW patient could flex and rotate the thumb. From the time of the injury up to the 6th day the man had no sense of feeling whatever in the part. The patient