The German Orthopedic Society from 1918 to 1932. Developments and trends

Abstract

The German Orthopedic Society was founded in 1901. The period between 1918 and 1932 was characterized by the aftermath of World War I. Up to the middle of the 2nd decade, orthopedic surgeons mainly treated soldiers and civilians affected by the war. Almost every congress dealt with amputations and artificial limbs. At the same time, orthopedic surgery became a specialty at the German universities, legitimizing it as a subject of its own. Besides the large number of victims of the First World War who had to be treated by orthopedic surgeons, there was a second group of patients, the so-called cripples. These handicapped people had not previously been treated in general. A new law established in 1920 guaranteed the government's support for treatment and education of these patients. This law was called "Krüppel-Fürsorge-Gesetz," which entailed welfare but also resocialization of the handicapped, including their return to work. The German nation recognized the economic benefit of this law and accepted the financial burden. During this period, German orthopedic surgeons developed many important surgical techniques, diagnostic tests, and technical findings for the production of orthoses and artificial limbs. Some examples of techniques are described in the article: UVirradiation for the treatment of rickets according to K. Huldschinsky, Borggreve's rotationplasty of the leg (Umkehrplastik), hallux valgus arthroplasty according to Brandes, and Bragard's sign.

Georg Hohmann: A Life Dedicated to Innovation and Academia in Very Difficult Times

“…Figures 3 and 4 demonstrate how the retractor is used. Hohmann wrote that he and Dr. Lange successfully used this retractor in the practice of more than fifty osteotomies 6 . He recommended an initial price of 5.60 German marks (approximately $1.50 at the time) and requested additional assessment of the usefulness of the retractor by orthopaedic colleagues.…”

“…In 1920, a law had been passed that guaranteed patient care, including assistance with medical care and reintegration into society, for people with physical disabilities. This law prompted the field of orthopaedics in Germany to expand from treating mainly military injuries to treating physical deformities and congenital disorders 6 . The national socialist government, however, did not consider these people to be worthy of treatment, and they mandated sterilization.…”

“…The complete Disclosures of Potential Conflicts of Interest submitted by authors are always provided with the online version of the article. protection for the tissues, vasculature, and nerves surrounding the bone that was to be resected 6 . He emphasized that such an instrument was especially sought after in orthopaedics because the bones were often of abnormal textures and required additional protection from the drill used in osteotomies.…”