Hippocrates, the true father of hand surgery

The methods used by Hippocrates for treating fractures and dislocations formed the basis for further development in operations performed upon the hand. He described the common distal radial fracture, and the method to reduce and immobilize it. Of carpal dislocations, he mentioned two patterns which are similar to the common "anterior dislocation of the lunate" and the "perilunar dislocation." He treated pressure sores and wound infection with frequent dressings, application of heat and mechanical debridement; limb necrosis was treated with delayed amputation, and tetanus, with immediate exploration and drainage of the wound. His general principles of fracture management include the value of early reduction, strict fluid diet after reductions of large joints, keeping sites of fracture warm and changing splints as the swelling resolves. It is obvious that many of the principles for the treatment of fractures and dislocations of the wrist and hand are still valid today. The genius of Hippocrates surpassed all those whom we know at a corresponding stage of civilization and for many years to come. The discovery of roentgenograms an antiseptics only furthered his established sound principles. On the basis of these principles, perhaps Hippocrates should be considered the true father of operations performed upon the hand.