University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Diagnostic & Treatment Artifacts
Military Medicine
Classification
Neurosurgery
Military Medicine
Skull
Accession Number
1973.9.2
Description
Two crossed S-shaped pieces held by a screw where they cross and ending in sharp points that go into the skull; the other ends are held by a set screw for adjustment; resembles a pair of ice tongs.
Two crossed S-shaped pieces held by a screw where they cross and ending in sharp points that go into the skull; the other ends are held by a set screw for adjustment; resembles a pair of ice tongs.
Number Of Parts
1
Provenance
Acquired from the Academy of Medicine; source: Dr. T. P. Morley of Toronto General Hospital.
This is Dr. E. H. Botterell's modification of the McKenzie model; in 1938, Dr. Botterell modified McKenzie's tongs; Joseph Sachetti was the first patient they were used on; (1) the locking device controlling penetration of the points was unchanged; (2) the points were greatly shortened and the shoulders were enlarged; in sum, it then became easier for the patient to lie on his side; penetration of the dura was more difficult; the points continued to be inserted into the skull at right angles to the line of traction; these tongs were taken overseas and used during the war in the Basingstoke Neurological and Plastic Surgery Hospital, RCAMC; has a shoulder on the pointed post to limit the penetration into the skull; incision in skin required; shoulder was not always effective; not in use in 1976.