A local anaesthetic being injecting into a patient's wrist between the ends of a Colles fracture

Date:: 25 Jun 1942

Reference:: MED01/01/2955

Type:: Photograph (Print)

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Description

The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.

The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: “Modern anaesthesia. Picture shows a local anaesthetic (novocaine) being injected into the haematoma between the ends of the fracture (a Colles). The trace of blood stain in the barrel shows that the point of the needle is in the haematoma.”

Novocaine, or procaine, was first produced in 1905 and remained an important anaesthetic drug until the 1940s. It was non-addictive and safer than cocaine, but could trigger severe allergic reactions. It was replaced with lidocaine in 1943. A Colles’ fracture is a fracture of the radius close to the wrist, in which the broken end of the radius is bent backwards. See also MED01/01/2956-2957. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.

Content

This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection

Rights

Source: Historic England Archive

People & Organisations

Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited

Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley

Keywords

Hospital, Health And Welfare