Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/P 943
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionHunterian
CategoryDry preparations
Object nameBones of Upper Extremity, Ankylosis, Morbid Anatomy of the Joints - Ankylosis, Un-mounted dry bone
DescriptionThe bones of a left arm, showing ankylosis of the elbow joint.
This preparation is figured in William Cheselden's 'Osteographia' (1733), where it is described as a congenital malformation sent to him by Mr Goodwin (probably John Goodwynn) of King's Lynn. Bony deposits have ankylosed the radius and ulna to the distal humerus in a flexed position. The bone formed between the radius and humerus is smooth and compact, appearing to be a natural continuation of the bones, and in which the point of union is no longer apparent. The ankylosis of the ulna to the humerus is not so smooth, and the ends of the bones are still recognisable. All the bones appear to have atrophied, presumably through disuse, with the shafts being small and flattened.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
Owner/user
Surgeon/clinician
presented
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 1: Surgery and Anatomy
Physical Information
Physical descriptionDry preparation of bone un-mounted.
Dimensions
whole weight: 170 g
Bibliography
SourceProger 1966-1972
Vol. 2, page 101.
TranscriptA left humerus, radius and ulna. The radius and ulna are completely ankylosed by bone to the humerus, at about a right angle. The radius is semi-pronated; its shaft is flattened laterally and at its upper part is 1 inch in width, where it is continued on to the anterior surface of the lower end of the humerus without any differentiation into head, neck and tuberosity. At the junction of the two bones the lower end of the humerus is laterally flattened and presents a prominent crest continuous with the outer border of the radius. The upper extremity of the ulna is abnormally small and both the trochlear and capitular portions of the humerus are very defective. There is no evidence of disease of the joint and the deformity is probably developmental.
SourceCheselden 1733
Tab. 45, Fig. 2
NotesThis specimen is figured, albeit reversed in the engraving.
TranscriptBones of a person who was born with an anchylosis, communicated to me by Mr Goodwin an eminent surgeon at Lyn.
