Authors described the figures of outstanding German orthopaedists and the influence they exerted on the development of Polish orthopaedics. Their biggest achievements for the European and global orthopaedic are clarified. The particular attention was devoted to these luminaries of German orthopaedics at whom Ireneusz Wierzejewski, author of modern Polish orthopaedics, began studies, undertook the clinical practice as well as developed his professional interests.