Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1883-05-17
Gard.
MCCLURE, May IL, /,

ED. NoRTHwEsT.--Dedr iSir:-Your ar
ticle headed "Malpractice'' in this weeks
issue OF your paper deserves a reply from
me, and since you have inserted that arti-
Gle without knowledge ofthe facts in the
case, you viii only do me justice to insert
my reply.
On the 27th Of February, about midnight,
Ireduced an oblique fracture of the body
Femur for James Collins, left the frag-
ments in perfect opposition, and took ey-
cry precaution to prevent shortening or
any other ofthe deformities that are Of so
common occurrence from this fracture.
The result has not been favorable, and
why? In the first place. be it understood
that this man had some time ago suffered
fracture Of the same leg, which had al
ready left marked shortening of his limb.
In the second place, be it understood
that my directions were at no time carried
out, which same 1 am il a position to
prove by my own testimony, and by the
testimony ofothers. In addition to this
the seat of fracture was examined by va
rious visitors, and handled by them.
In the third place, be it understood that
the circumstances under which the man
was situated, the lack OF anything that was
necessary for the successful career o such
case, the want of proper bed for him.
to lie on, all these went towards causing
the case to progress unfavorable.
Tn fho ~ x1ln
that without my approval land by chance,
my knowledge) a few weeks after the ac-
cident the man was moved about a mile
and a-half. Now I ask any intelligent
person how could have secured favor
able result under such circumstances.
Now, Mr.. Editor, wish to in form you
that oblique fractures of the Femur are at
all times difficult ones in which to secure
good results. They are fractures in which
not only surgical treatment Is necessary,
but require every care and attention by
attendants co secure good results. 4
ask any disinterested party acquainted
with the facts Of this case whether this
man received that care.
Drs. Hamilton and Sayre, brother sur
geons well known to the regular medical
fraternity, state that there is invariably
shortening in this fracture. I could quote
authority of eminent surgeons to substan-
tiate what I have stated, and Furthermore
wish to state that can show If called upon
that my treatment in this case was based
on sound and scientific principles, the lat-
ter will prove to the satisfaction OF any
one interested, and remember that the re.
newalofthe agonies suffered by that poor
man referred to in your paper and so
graphically portrayed there were not oc.
casioned by my ignorance, inexperience
or bungling as stated there.
In conclnsion / would ventnrat 10 suaaBst
that it would have been judicious on yonr
part to have heard both sides of this case
before making statements derogatory to
my professional interests, but in writing
this letter I have given you an opportuni-
ty to vindicate these obligations by pub
lication OF this. #1"
l am young man and though age has
not yet enfeebled me, still you will find by
enquiring that my experience has been
sufficient to justify my good success in
my professional avocation, and have thus
far been so fortunate as to give satisfac-
ton enough to the community in which I
reside as to warrant my constant employ
ment.
l
1t certainly is not difficult matter to
injure the reputation ofa young physician,
and it is well-known fact that there are
many ever ready to do this, but I am sat
isfied that the regular medical fraternity
of Napoleon would vindicate me if in pos
session of the true facts of this case.
Trusting that you will insert this at your
earliest convenience, I remain one who has
been grossly misrepresented.
| J. W. SHARP.