An Overview of the History of Orthopedics. (With Animations)

Video Description

An Overview of the History of Orthopedics. (With Animations).
Orthopedic surgery, though formally defined in the 18th century, has roots extending back to primitive times. The term “orthopedics” was coined by Nicholas Andry in 1741, combining Greek words meaning “straight child,” symbolizing the correction of pediatric deformities. However, evidence from fossils and ancient tools shows that treatment of fractures, amputations, and skeletal deformities existed even in prehistoric societies.

Ancient Contributions:

Egyptians used splints and crutches (as early as 2830 BCE), and the Edwin Smith Papyrus described orthopedic procedures like fracture reduction and management of osteomyelitis.

Greeks & Romans brought scientific methodology. Hippocrates detailed joint reduction, traction, and clubfoot treatment. Galen, a Roman-era Greek surgeon, advanced anatomical knowledge and coined terms like scoliosis.

Middle Ages:

Medical progress stagnated under religious restrictions.

Universities like Bologna revived surgical teaching; Guy de Chauliac advocated ethical and methodical orthopedic care.

Renaissance & Modern Era:

Advances in anatomy (Leonardo da Vinci), antisepsis (Lister, Pasteur), and imaging (Röntgen’s X-rays) revolutionized care.

19th-century figures like Virgil Gibney established training programs; James Knight founded the first U.S. orthopedic hospital (now HSS).

The 20th century saw technological leaps in internal fixation, arthroplasty (Austin Moore, John Charnley), and spinal surgery.