First World War

During the 1914–18 War the wound itself was treated on similar lines to wounds elsewhere in the body in the attempt to counteract infection. Excision, the application of antiseptics, and finally secondary suture, were carried out.

Operation on the spinal cord itself was recognised as of little or no avail and was seldom carried out, and that only for the relief of pain or for other special indications. Large metallic fragments were removed if possible. Suprapubic cystotomy was routinely carried out for bladder retention, and bladder lavage for urinary infection. Several patients are known to have survived for long periods, but urinary infection was a constant cause of death.