The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1909-11-08
SURGEONS OPERATE
ON EARL D. WILSON
PreSSureOn Football Players
Spinal Cord Removed.
FATHERS APPROVAL IS GIVEN
Chance of Ultimate Recovery Greatly
Improved, and the Patient Passes
Through AnesthetIc successfully.
No Sign of Elimination of Paralysis
EvIdent-COrd Found Intact.

Annapolis, Nd, Nov. IA most delicate
operation was successfully performed
this afternoon upon midshipman Earl d.
Wilson, a vertebra OF whose neck was
broken during the football game on DC
tober l6. The lamlnae or outward cover
ing were cut away from four Of the YER
zebra of the neck in oruer to remove
pressure on the spinal cord, and the COW
ering OF the spinal cord was removed
and the cord thoroughly inspected.
Portions OF the fractured bone from the
fifth vertebra were removed. but It was
found that the greatest injury to the cord
had been occasioned by a dislocation OF
the fourth vertebra-
The cord was found 70 be intact. though
in very had condition at the point Of
injury.
It is believed that all pressure has
been removed and that Wilson's chance
OF ultimate recovery is greatly improved
In successfully passing through the
anesthetic. Wilson survived what was
considered one Of the greatest dangers
connected with the operation. The opera
ton began at about , o'clock and was
not completed until nearly o'clock
Soon Receivers Consciousness.
Within an hour Wilson had almost COM
pIetely recovered consciousness and was
talking intelligently.
The operation was performed by Surg.
G. +. stokes. assisted by Surgs. J. II.
Iden. f. L. Woods. and George F. Cottle.
all Of those present being members OF the
naval medical STAFF. The following bulle-
tin announced the result Of the operation:
'The operation was a success in every
way The laminae Of the sixth, fifth,
fourth. and third vertebrae were removed.
and the pressure due 10 tho fragments OF
the fractured fifth vertebra was relieved.
The covering Of the spinal cord was re-
moved and the cord inspected. 1t had
been dangerously compressed at the
fourth cervical vertebra, due TO the dis
location Of that vertebra. All indications
were carefully met. and patient left the
table I'm excellent condition and with his
chances decidedly improved. The out
come depends upon the extent OF the
original damage TO the spinal cord"
Consultation Is Held.
The operation took place after a con-
sultatlon held this morning. and with
the full approval Of Midshipman Wilson
himself and HIS father. West b Wilson.
Of Covington. KY. who IS here. Two
weeks ago it was agreed that Wilson
could not stand the anesthetic, but his
general condition has been so good that
the consulting surgeons agreed so-day
that an operation would DO justihable
That their judgment was correct has been
fully borne out by results.
Wilson's chances Of recovery are now
greatly increased. No signs Of a dimi-
mutton Of the paralysis have appeared
yet, nor are they expected until the spinal
cord will have sufficient time 10 resume
a more nearly normal condition Should
the paralysis leave. Wilson Will have no
bad effects from the accident, except
that the spinal cord viii not be so well
protected. He will not. however. have
10 use an artificial support for his neck
or head.
Wilson was Injured IN the game against
the Villanova team at Annapolis on Oc-
tober is. In making a tackle in the open
field HIS head was knocked sharply up
ward and 20 the side. After being re-
moved 10 the navai hospital It was found
that Wilson was completely paralyzed in
his limbs and body below the neck. and
there has been no lessening in the pa
ralysis since.
There was no chance OF improvement
but through an operation. and the danger
OF this was very great owing 20 the
nearness Of the seat Of injury to the
spinal cord, and also the danger in ad-
ministering the anesthetic.