Hyphenated history: the Sever-L'Episcopo procedure

This article offers historical highlights regarding the 2 men from whom the Sever-L'Episcopo procedure takes its name. James W. Sever and Joseph B. L'Episcopo were both orthopaedic surgeons who were dedicated to improving the care of patients experiencing the ill effects of neonatal brachial plexus palsy. They developed techniques aimed at enhancing shoulder function compromised by paralytic contracture and, as a consequence, became linked in orthopaedic hyphenated history. The Sever-L'Episcopo procedure (along with its variations) has been an important part of the treatment of children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy for nearly 90 years.