Citation

Deshaies EM, DiRisio D, Popp AJ. Neurosurg. Focus 2004; 16(1): E3.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York 12208, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, American Association of Neurological Surgeons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15264781

Abstract

In recent decades there have been revolutionary technological advances in the management of traumatic spinal column injuries. Despite these advances, the basic principles of reduction and stabilization of vertebral fractures and dislocations remain similar to those proposed by ancient and medieval physicians. Theodoric of Bologna, in his text Chiurgica de Theodoric (ca. AD 1267), described an extracorporeal approach to the management of traumatic spinal column misalignments. Surprisingly, his techniques are still used in many instances by contemporary spine surgeons, despite the availability of a more advanced technological armamentarium than that existent in medieval times.

Language: en