Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
Published on: April 18, 2011
[Alberic Pont, the great war and the "broken faces"].
N Sigaux1, M Amiel2, S Piotrovitch d'Orlik3
1Chirurgie maxillo-faciale, stomatologie, chirurgie orale et chirurgie plastique de la face, hospices civils de Lyon, centre hospitalier Lyon-Sud, université Claude-Bernard-Lyon 1, 165, chemin du Grand-Revoyet, 69310 Pierre-Bénite, France.
Alberic Pont pioneered maxillo-facial surgery during World War I, establishing specialized trauma centers for facial injury victims. His work with over 7000 soldiers advanced surgical techniques for "broken faces".
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Surgical Innovation
- Trauma Care
Background:
- The First World War necessitated specialized trauma centers due to a high incidence of facial injuries.
- Alberic Pont, with a background in both medicine and dentistry, founded one of France's earliest specialized wards in Lyon.
- This ward treated over 7000 soldiers, addressing the critical need for advanced facial injury care.
Discussion:
- Alberic Pont's leadership, expertise, and innovative spirit positioned him as a key figure in the nascent field of maxillo-facial surgery.
- His contributions highlight the significant impact of WWI on the development of specialized surgical fields.
- The establishment of dedicated trauma centers proved crucial for managing complex battlefield injuries.
Key Insights:
- Alberic Pont is recognized as a pioneering figure in maxillo-facial surgery.
- The Lyon ward under Pont's direction became a vital center for treating severe facial trauma.
- His dedication and skill underscore the importance of specialized care for soldiers with facial disfigurements.
Outlook:
- Commemorating the centenary of WWI offers an opportunity to recognize Pont's legacy.
- Further research into the early development of maxillo-facial surgery can illuminate historical medical advancements.
- The experiences from WWI continue to inform modern trauma care protocols and surgical training.
Related Concept Videos
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Major Losses in Pipes
Fluid flow can be classified as laminar or turbulent, primarily based on the Reynolds number. This dimensionless number reflects the relative influence of inertial to viscous...
Traumatic Memory
Amnesia
The severity and duration of memory loss vary depending on the type and underlying cause. Amnesia is classified into two main types: retrograde and anterograde.
Retrograde amnesia is marked by the loss of memories formed before the onset of the condition. Patients may recall distant past events but often forget those occurring shortly before the incident.
Anterograde...
Dissociative Amnesia
Healing II: Complications

