[Historical development of sports orthopedics]

The history of German sports medicine was decisively influenced by the surgeon August Bier at the beginning of the twentieth century. Initially, general medical and physiological problems were emphasized. Individual treatment of injured athletes played an increasing role at the end of last century. Operative treatment of injured athletes and earlier rehabilitation has changed therapeutic standards of orthopedic treatment. During critical discussion of the historical development of the treatment of ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments and meniscal tears, it becomes evident that treatment methods once rejected may now prove to be useful and correct.