The evening times., 1899-09-07
LIVING WITH A BROKEN hacK.
\ Surgical Operation That Physi-
clans Consider a Success.

NEW YORK, Sept. Modern science
will probably accomplish the recovery OF
Walter Duryea thirty years old. the only
son of Edgar Duryea, wealthy manufac-
turer Of Glen Cove. l.. l., after his long
battle against death with neck broken and
body paralyzed. The young man. who was
an athlete, dislocated his spine while diving
in shallow water one month ago today.
Photographs taken with the x-ray have
revealed the fracture. His physicians be-
lieve that by another operation his life
may ultimately be saved
Unusual vitality. supplemented by the
greatest skill and care of physicians in
Roosevelt Hospital. made possible Duryeas S
interesting struggle for life 1t is being
closely watched by specialists in this and
other cities. No sooner was one crisis IN
the young mans condition successfully net
than another equally serious confronted
the physicians. Everything known TO sci
ence was done for the young man. and he
revived sufficiently under the treatment to
enable the surgeons now 10 prepare for
The operation which they believe will de-
eide his fate.
After Duryea was drawn unconscious
from the three feet OF water al Oyster Bay,
DR.. Fuller who was the first 10 examine
him, despaired OF his life Duryea later
recovered his full senses, but was aral-
yzed from his chin down. DR.. Bull, of
his city, who was summoned from New
port, arrived with corps of trained nurses
out could do little.
Money was no object TO the young man 5
father if life could be saved. Durysa was
taken 10 Roosevelt Hospital. The dislocated
bones were set by delicate surgical opera
ton. and the head and shoulders encased il
a mold of plaster -of-paris. The elder Dur
yea scarcely left the bedside.
Although the patient was reported 70 be
dying when received a. the hospital, he raj
lied for a time under the care Of Dr. Rob-
ert Able and Dr. Arthur Fisk. Of No. Is
West Fiftieth Street. On the night of Au-
gust IA he became very weak and was again
thought 10 be dying. II was then learned
that the injury TO the spine was located
very rear the base OF the brain, and all
hope OF saving the young mans life wa.
given up.
To the surprise OF the physicians. Dur
yea again showed signs OF Improvement
Although his condition remained critical
| there appeared 10 be a change for the bet
| ter.
Dr. Able yesterday announced the las
and greatest impToyement>in Duryea's con
dit!on. Though still paralyzed from hi
| chin down. Mr.. Duryea's prospects are still
| favorable" said DR.. Able. We succeeded
l
| in obtaining several excellent X-Fay Pho
| tographs of the fractured verJabra- know
| ing the exact location OF the break We ar
| able TO prepare for an operation as sooi
rs tie condition of our patient is sufficient
F, improved. He is gaining strength very rap
| idly and IS. | believe. out OF danger OF col
lapse.
The lungs filled Up more or less and n
action of the heart was irregular during IN
early course OF the struggle. but the lung
are again clear a2d the action OF tAe hear
regular l am very hopeful that he vi
live.
DR.. Arthur Fisk also said he believed tha
DURYEA'S condition was very fayoraD.e- \
Roosevelt's Hospital it Is sald that DGfys
Tras i1fnroying. II was said by physician
trsre who have followed the case clossl
that there were few instances on reeor
where patients recovered from a broke
neck.