PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS THROUGH THE CEN TURIES - SOME FUNCTIONAL AND AESTHETIC ASPECTS

A few famous historical examples of prosthetic and orthotic treatments of the upper and lower limbs are studied from the point of view of th eir function and aesthetics. For a long period the main emphasis was p ut on function. Since Ambroise Pare (1510-1590) aesthetics has been ta ken increasingly into consideration. In order to satisfy the growing f unctional and aesthetic expectations of our patients a close collabora tion between physician and craftsman is essential. A hundred years ago Albert Hoffa (1859-1907) insisted that mechanical workshops be set up in Orthopaedic University Clinics. His demands are as actual as ever.