On the Shoulders of Giants. Notable Names in Hand Surgery

Otto W. Madelung and the Recognition of Madelung’s Deformity

“…All of the German faculty members were replaced by French counterparts but Madelung was the last of the German professors to leave the university. 14,35 He was placed under house arrest for a short time before retiring to Göttingen, where his last major accomplishment was the publication of a book, Die Chirurgie des Abdominaltyphus, 36 in 1923. 24 Otto W. Madelung died of a stroke on July 22, 1926 at the age of 80.…”

“…24 Otto W. Madelung died of a stroke on July 22, 1926 at the age of 80. 24,27,29,35 He lived a long and successful life and his determination and dedication to science did not go unrecognized. Madelung exceeded his responsibilities as a physician by conducting in-depth research to explain rare medical abnormalities.…”

“…He made important contributions in the fields of gastrointestinal medicine, hand surgery, and plastic surgery. 35 Two disorders, Madelung's deformity and Madelung's disease, now bear his name. Dr. Madelung was well known in Germany and the rest of Europe during his lifetime and although many physicians do not recognize his accomplishments readily, the Madelung name still lives on today.…”

The historical importance of the hand in advancing the study of human anatomy

“…A number of anatomists from the Renaissance period extending to the present time have made eponymous contributions to the field of anatomy, particularly in the upper extremity (Table 1). 25,26 By the end of the 18th century, however, interest in gross anatomy had waned. Most scientists' attention had …”

On the shoulders of mortals

“…1 He borrowed his title from a quote attributed to Sir Isaac Newton, who is alleged to have said-about 300 years ago-"If I have seen further . .…”