The Early & the Modern Orthopedics

Orthopedic surgery has vast and rich history. While the historical term of orthopedics dates back to the primitive age, the modern term orthopedics stems from the older word orthopedia which is the title of a book published in 1741 by Nicholas Andry, a professor of medicine at the University of Paris.

The practice of orthopedics is an ancient art. Fossil evidence suggests that the orthopedic pathology of today, such as fractures and traumatic amputations existed in primitive times. It is important to identify the role of history in orthopedics with regards to progress and advancements for medical students and enthusiasts interested in mastering a particular medical area of expertise.

Early Orthopedics:

While the proof is limited, the practice of orthopedics dates back to the prehistoric era. The union of fractures in fair alignment has also been observed which emphasizes the value of non-operative orthopedics and suggests the early use of splints and healing practices. Many developments in orthopedic surgery have resulted from experiences during wartime on the battle fields of the middle ages the injured were treated with bandages soaked in horse blood which dried to form a stiff but unsanitary splint.

Later civilizations also developed ways to manage orthopedic injuries. For example, the Shoshone Indians, who were known to exist around 700-2000 BCE, made a splint of fresh rawhide that had been soaked in water. Similarly, some South Australian tribes made splints of clay, which when dried were as good as plaster of Paris. Furthermore, bone-setting was practiced as a profession in many tribes, underscoring the importance of orthopedic injuries in early civilizations.

Modern Orthopedics:

Hugh Owen Thomas and Sir Robert Jones can be credited as the pioneers of Modern Orthopedics. Thomas became interested in Orthopedics at a very young age & later went on to start his own practice.He advocated enforced rest as the best remedy for fractures and tuberculosis and created the 'Thomas Splint', to stabilize a fractured femur and prevent infection. He is also responsible for numerous other brilliant medical innovations. Though Thomas worked extremely hard; his efforts weren’t appreciated & it was only until the beginning of World War 1 his techniques came to be used for injured soldiers.

His nephew, Sir Robert Jones, had already made great advances in orthopedics in his position as orthopaedic Surgeon-Superintendent for the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal in 1888. He was responsible for the injured among the 20,000 workers, and he organized the first comprehensive accident service in the world, dividing the 36 mile site into 3 sections, and establishing a hospital and a string of first aid posts in each section. He had the medical personnel trained in fracture management. He managed to establish himself as a successful orthopaedic surgeon.

Did you know? The modern total hip replacement was pioneered by Sir John charley expert in tribology at Wrightington Hospital.