Surgery under siege: A case study of leg amputation in 18th century Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada

Abstract

Objective: Paleopathological analysis of a below-knee amputation was conducted to explore the sociocultural reasons why the amputation took place.

Materials: Older adolescent male (18-21 years) from the New Englander mass burial at the 18th century Fortress of Louisbourg.

Methods: Macroscopic assessment and archival data.

Results: A surgical amputation of the right tibia and fibula, distal to the knee was identified. The cross-sectional diaphysis of the leg has kerf marks and a splinter (breakaway point) at the posterior-lateral border of the tibia suggesting the leg gave way from its own weight or was manually removed once most of the sawing was complete.

Conclusions: Archival records suggest frostbite from prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures and trauma from unsafe working conditions at the Fortress were the main causes that led to amputation.

Significance: This case study highlights the importance of contextualizing cases of amputation to understand factors leading to the amputation procedure and techniques used in the past, and the social and living conditions of the individual.

Limitations: Observations were restricted to skeletal material as soft tissue decomposed and there was no material evidence suggestive of amputation associated with this individual in their grave.

Suggestions for future research: Full trauma assessment of the Fortress of Louisbourg skeletal collection to provide additional insight into injury sustained at Louisbourg and 18th century surgical practices.

Keywords: Alcohol; Frostbite; Infection; Soldier; Trauma.