FACIAL SURGERY RECORDS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17711, 23 August 1919, Page 7

FACIAL SURGERY RECORDS

SET DESIRED FOR AUCKLAND

An elaborate set of reoords and exhibits <jonnec '' ol i with the work of restoring the features and facial contour of men disfigured by wounds is being collected and catalogued at tho Jaw Hospital in LXinodin. A correspondent, writing to Mr C. J. Parr, M.l'., suggests that an attempt should bo mado to obtain a duplicate set for tho Auckland Museum. Tho correspondent says;

' These reoords and exhibits wero commenced at tlio Queen Maj-y Hospital, Sidoup, England, where only facial and jaw cases wero treated. The skill of tho surgeons seemed to have no bounds, anil jt may bo said that complete new faces were made by means of grafting. Lieutenantcolonel H. P. Pickcrill was entrusted with tho car© of the New Zealanders, and is now carrying on his wonderful work at tho Dunedin Hospital. The New Zealand records war© stated to be the finest in England, and have proved invaluable to the medical officers.

_ When a man arrived from France the following details were taken :—Water-colour sketch, showing original wound; wax (afterwards coloured) and plaster cast of face, showing tho wounds; X-ray prints; photographs of • face from different angles, showing wound; diagrams and photographs of actual operations; special appliances such as are often used during treatment; notes of operations and results.

"Each stage of tho man's treatment is recorded in this manner, and when the treatment is complete tho result obtained may bo observed by comparing the 'wax models, showing the original and the finished condition. Without seeing' these records it is impossible to realiso the wonderful work that has been done in connection with theso cases."

The correspondent suggests that if Colojiel Pickcrill wero approached by tho museum authorities ho would give his consent to a duplicate set being made. Five men are engaged on the work at present, and it is anticipated that the collection will be completed _ within six months, after v.-hich the specialists engaged will be demobilised. Mr Parr intends bringing the matter before the museum authorities, with a view to obtaining duplicate sets as suggested.