The ball lies in the axilla, behind, not close to, the plate, because the density of the shadow is not very great and the size is slightly enlarged. The distance from the plate is probably that of the mid-axillary line.
The wound is not infected. Pain and impaired movement of the arm suggested localization of the missile and indicate removal in the subsequent course of treatment.
Plate 114.
Shrapnel—Plate 114.
CHEST.
Gunshot Wound of the Chest, with the
Lodgment of the Missile in the Axilla.
The posterior chest wall lay next to the plate.
The almost normal size of the shadow of the ball indicates that it lies near the plate, and the blurred outline shows that it has moved with the chest in respiration. The ball lies, therefore, in the posterior axilla near the middle of the outer border of the scapula, imbedded in the thoracic muscles.
The treatment is expectant. Such wounds are rarely infected. Pain or impairment of function only would indicate removal of the missile from a clean wound.