Spinal fusion surgery: A historical perspective

J Orthop. 2016 Nov 9;14(1):134-136. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2016.10.029. eCollection 2017 Mar.

Abstract

The vast majority of technological advances in spinal fusion surgery have occurred within the past 50 years. Despite this, there existed a rich history of innovation, ingenuity, and resourcefulness among the spine surgeons of centuries before. Here, we pay tribute to this history, highlighting the important characters, their devices, and their thoughts, as they sought to alleviate human suffering from spinal deformity.

Keywords: History; Scoliosis; Spinal fusion.

Publication types

  • Review