Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World: Arm amputation

Doctor Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany) amputates a young boy’s arm.

Credits: © 2003 Universal Studios. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

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[davidmurray]

The key for a surgeon during this time when performing an amputation, was speed. Numbing the arm by constriction[also reduced blood flow to the area], heated blades and saw; the limb could be removed in less than thirty seconds. This would reduce shock and blood loss, both essential for the patient's survival.

[Sigma]

"Them his brains, doctor?"
"No, that's just dry blood. Those are his brains."
"(Whole crew leans forward with interest) Oh!"

[simonphoenix]

its crazy to think that they were operating in such conditions and yet there were still people who actually survived such procedures. No anesthetic, no clean room, nothing.

[briancooper]

I love this film as much for its historical realism as much as anything. I remember watching this amputation scene for the first time in the theater. Several in the audience near me gasped.
No, you didn't really "see" anything, but at the same time, you "knew" what was happening. Still, it is the whimpering cries and facial expressions of young actor Max Pirkis that sells this scene.

[AgentExeider]

Little detail most don't notice, the use of silver, the spoon the doctor used to scoop and the shaped coin he used as the plate. Silver has antibiotic properties and is used to reduce the presence of harmful microorganisms.

[zjones]

It really sucks they had to cut that boy's arm off to make this movie but it's a good movie

[randomguy-xpse]

03:14 bosun: back to work! Nuffin to see here

Also bosun: good lord, look at that!

[arlen_]

There're so many little details that foreshadow the future. At 1:51 Mr. Allen, the Sailing Master, tries to convince Captain Aubrey to fully replace the damaged mizzen mast. Pressed for time, the Captain opts to simply repair rather than replace the mast. Later on when the Surprise is rounding the horn, it's this damaged mizzen mast that breaks in the storm, killing William. Had the damaged mizzen been fully replaced, it probably wouldn't have broken during the storm. However, at the same time had the mast been replaced the Surprise would've never caught up to the Acheron. Subject to the requirements of the service.

[JnEricsonx]

The men are clearly like, "thank god we got a doctor THAT GOOD on this ship." Irony now how "surgeon" was a less-established reference for a doctor back then.

[thedoctor]

The guy at the end who ordered them all back to work probably did so just so he can could get a better view of the operation 😂

[bobholly]

One thing that is neat is that the men nit only respect the doctor for his capabilities, but also know his hobbies for insects and respect his education in it as impressive, even if it's something they wouldn't normally be interested in.

[chestersleezer]

They were very lucky to have a highly qualified Surgeon/Doctor on board, because most British Warships did not at that time.

[transvestosaurus]

The sailors looking down on the operation like an old-fashioned surgical theatre 👌

[bbbcid]

What a fine, engaging and subtle film. The arm amputation scene is so chilling and what do you really see? Anguish on a child's face, some people averting their eyes, and you hear a thump. All so suggestive that the audience squirms like they see the knife and bonesaw, severing the limb. Such an uncomfortable and well done scene.

[TheCoolProfessor]

It's interesting to note that screwing the coin onto his skull is identical to the way modern neurosurgeons close the opening today. The only difference is they use the patient's bone instead of a coin and titanium screws to hold in in place.

[neungryukjakimbungaechunsa]

no anesthesia during these times, only alcohol to keep you... "weary"
can't imagine the pain.

[Chreeeis]

2:27 I love that you can perfectly understand the level of fear he is experiencing just from a 2 second shot. Hold Fast!!!

[jacquedegatineau]

the bosun is the perfect blend of competence, humor, and disagreeableness.

[brandocalrissian]

Such an underrated movie. Top notch from casting and performances, to directing, photography, editing and score. All around a fantastic film.

[seanedwards]

This seems like a good place to share the story of Dr. Liston. Dr. Liston was renowned in his day for the speed at which he could amputate limbs. He worked in a time before anesthetics so speed was a very important factor in a successful amputation. However, it sometimes caused problems as well. During his one very famous operation to amputate a leg he accidentally cut off the fingers of his assistant who was holding down the patient, and when he drew back his knife it cut the coat of an observer who was standing nearby. The observer instantly dropped dead from shear fright with only his coat actually damaged. The assistant and the patient both died days later due to infection. Thus, despite Dr. Liston’s successes, he became the only surgeon in known history to have a 300% mortality rate from a single operation.