In the Association Journal of August 28, 1899, I published a report of 17 cases of intracapsular fracture of the neck of the femur treated according to the method advocated and practiced first by Prof. T. J. Maxwell thirty years ago. It is what I have seen fit to denominate the anatomical method, and is the only method, to my knowledge, that entirely neutralizes the displacing tendencies of muscular action and weight.
Of the 17 cases reported 5 recovered with no discoverable shortening whatever on careful and repeated measurements, 7 gave one-half to three-fourths inch shortening, 3 with one inch shortening, and 2 cases with useless flail-like limbs in which the treatment was abandoned after a few days of trial for lack of co-operation on the part of patient and friends. One death occurred from complications after union had been secured.
Fourteen cases, ranging in age from 25 to 86