Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 376
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionHunterian
CategoryDry preparations, Models and casts
Object nameLeg Bones, Fractures, Diseases of Bones, Skeleton, articulated
DescriptionBones of the lower leg, mounted with springs to illustrate the separation of a fractured patella.
This preparation was used by John Hunter in his lectures to show how the extensor muscles of the upper leg act on the two halves of a fractured patella (kneecap), pulling them apart, and how they can adapt after the portions of the patella have been united.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 6: Leicester Square
Physical Information
Physical descriptionDry preparation of bone mounted in a cuboid perspex container.
Materialperspex
Dimensions
whole height: 219 mm
whole width: 907 mm
whole depth: 192 mm
whole weight: 4200 g
whole width: 907 mm
whole depth: 192 mm
whole weight: 4200 g
Bibliography
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 1, page 251.
NotesText taken from Stanley & Paget (1846-9), and Paget (1882-5).
TranscriptThe bones of a lower extremity, with an apparatus of springs, &c., attached to the femur. These were used by Mr Hunter, in his lectures, to show how the extensor muscles adapt themselves, after a fracture of the patella has been united by a long band of ligament.
SourceHunter 'Works'
Vol. 1, pages 512-3.
NotesAlso in Proger 1966-72.
TranscriptWe have reason to believe that the greatest contraction in a muscle is somewhat greater than the joint will allow of...Thus the upper part of the patella is always drawn up when the bone is broken. While the union is taking place, the muscles are accommodating themselves to the great length of the bones...the patient will be enabled easily to bend the limb. Extension will not be so easy; but still by perseverance it may be acquired, as the following case will show.
I called with a friend to pass a day or two with a family in the country. The lady of the house had had her knee fractured, and had been treated according to the maxims the surgeon had learned while attending the London hospitals, which at that time were to leave the whole unconfined, and take no measures to bring the portions of bone together. She recovered from the accident, but was totally unable to use the limb, and had to be wheeled about in a chair. Her leg was made to swing backwards and forwards, as she sat on a high table or chair, but still she had no power of contracting the rectus muscle, and as soon as the force that gave the motion ceased, the motion ceased with it. It was not until several years after the accident that I saw her; and, having spent a whole night in considering the probable cause of her loss of power, it appeared to me that the space between the two attachments of the rectus being much shorted, while the muscles continued of the same length, the utmost degree of its contraction would scarcely be able to straighten itself, much less move the patella and leg also. I advised her to sit as before, but instead of having her leg moved, to move it herself. This she could not in the least effect at first. I considered, however, that the power of contraction which the muscles possess beyond that necessary for the mere purpose of extending and flexing the limb, as mentioned above, is probably obtained by the mind's influence on the muscles; and that, in this case, if the influence of the mind was frequently exerted on the muscles, it would gain this power of contraction, in which it would probably be aided by the intersitital absorption taking place, and actually shortening the muscle and suiting its length to the office it was to perform. I therefore advised her ladyship to repeat her exercise, as often as she could, every day for a month, assuring her that if at the end of the month she had obtained the least power of motion, I had not a doubt that she would again be enabled to walk by a regular exercise of the muscles. The event proved as fortunate as I could wish: the lady, at the end of three or four months, being able to walk, although she had not walked for years.
SourceHunter 'Works'
Vol. 1, pages 512.
NotesJohn Hunter taught that in fractures of the patella and olecranon, the fragments should be brought together as closely as possible.
TranscriptWhen union is formed it would be proper to give some passive motion; but voluntary motion is always better, because the will is always sensible how far the powers of a part extend, and will attempt no more.
SourceClift 1830 Part 2
NotesCatalogue number is 71.
TranscriptAn apparatus of steel springs attached to a femur and tibia, to explain how muscles adapt themselves to the shortest distances, where ligamentous union has taken place, in cases of fractured patella.
