Karl Ludloff (1864-1945): An Inventive Orthopedic Surgeon, His Work and His Surgical Technique for the Correction of Hallux Valgus.

The purpose of this article is to summarize the work and pioneering achievements in the field of orthopedic surgery of the German orthopedic surgeon Karl Ludloff. Ludloff had an impact in the diagnostics, physical examination, orthopedic imaging, and orthopedic surgical technique of his era. He was a pioneer in the surgical treatment of dysplastic hip, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and hallux valgus. His surgical technique for the correction of hallux valgus, initially stabilized with plaster of Paris, remained unpopular among other orthopedic surgeons for decades. In the 1990s, the advent and use of improved orthopedic materials for fixation attracted the interest of numerous orthopedic surgeons in the Ludloff osteotomy for its ability to correct the deformity in all 3 dimensions, its anatomic outcomes, and its low recurrence rate and patient satisfaction.

Treating the incurables: Cancer asylums in 18th and 19th century.

For centuries several hypotheses were formulated on cancer's pathogenesis such as contagiousness, melancholy, heredity and sexuality. In the 18th and 19th century, despite the advent of medical thought and practice, cancer was considered an incurable and contagious disease. Hospitals were refusing to treat cancer patients while the social stigma which followed the disease made primordial the need for the establishment of special institutions. In our article we will present the cancer asylums which counterbalanced the prejudices of the time and contributed to the establishment of modern cancer hospitals.

Salvage options for peroneal tendon ruptures.

Reports have demonstrated that peroneal tendon tears can be successfully treated by direct repair or debridement and tubularization, based on the extent and nature of the pathology. Irreparable peroneal tendon tears or completely unsalvageable tendons after failure of previously attempted repairs are rare, and as a result there is a lack of high-level evidence to guide the management of these complex injuries. When irreparable tears are encountered the salvage options include tenodesis, bridging of the defect using allografts or autografts, and tendon transfers. The choice of treatment strategy depends on the presence of a functioning tendon or tendons and the viability and excursion of the peroneal musculature.