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Updated: May 7, 2026
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Orthotopic Hind Limb Transplantation in the Mouse
Published on: February 12, 2016
An orthopaedic conquest: the first inter-human tissue transplantation
Berardo Di Matteo1, Vittorio Tarabella, Giuseppe Filardo
1Biomechanics Laboratory, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Via di Barbiano n. 1/10, 40136, Bologna, Italy, berardo.dimatteo@gmail.com.
Summary
Scottish surgeon William Macewen pioneered the first living donor bone allograft in 1879. This groundbreaking procedure for a child with severe humeral bone loss laid the foundation for modern bone grafting techniques.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Musculoskeletal Medicine
- Transplantation History
Background:
- William Macewen, a 19th-century Scottish surgeon, was a pivotal figure in surgical innovation.
- His work occurred during a period of significant advancements, including Lister's antiseptic principles and the development of anesthesia.
Discussion:
- This paper details Macewen's pioneering 1879 inter-human living donor bone allograft procedure.
- The case involved a 3-year-old boy with extensive humeral bone loss, showcasing Macewen's surgical skill and research acumen.
Key Insights:
- Macewen's procedure represents the first successful living donor bone transplantation in medical history.
- The study highlights the rarity of surgeons who excel as both basic researchers and clinicians.
- Original surgical descriptions and clinical evolution images from Macewen's 1881 publication are included.
Outlook:
- Macewen's innovative approach to bone grafting is recognized as the origin of a common and vital orthopaedic procedure.
- His legacy underscores the importance of integrating research and clinical practice in advancing musculoskeletal medicine.
