Adolf Lorenz and the Lolita Armour Case
Gerold Holzer1, Lukas A Holzer2
1Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria. gerold.holzer@meduniwien.ac.at.
International Orthopaedics
|June 5, 2020
Summary
In 1902, surgeon Adolf Lorenz treated Lolita Armour
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Medical history
Background:
- Congenital dislocation of both hips diagnosed in Lolita Armour.
- Previous treatment by an American surgeon yielded unsatisfactory results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the 1902 medical intervention by Adolf Lorenz on Lolita Armour.
- To analyze the media spectacle surrounding the procedure.
Main Methods:
- Historical analysis of contemporary newspaper reports.
- Focus on the "bloodless" treatment method developed by Lorenz.
Main Results:
- Adolf Lorenz performed a "bloodless" operation on Lolita Armour's hips.
- The procedure in Chicago on October 12, 1902, was a significant media event.
Conclusions:
- The case highlights historical orthopaedic surgical practices.
- The event underscores the intersection of medicine and media in the early 20th century.
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