Ambroise Paré (1510-1590) and His Contribution to the Treatment of Scoliosis

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to summarize the treatment options for scoliosis and spine deformities from Antiquity through Medieval Times up to the Renaissance. Furthermore, it is to present the contribution of “the Father of Modern Surgery", Ambroise Paré (1510-1590), to this field. Paré was a distinguished surgeon of the Renaissance with many contributions to surgery, including war trauma, obstetrics, forensic medicine, and Orthopaedics. He was the first to recognize the importance of bracing for the treatment of scoliosis, inventing his famous metallic brace with holes to reduce weight. In conclusion, it is noted that up to the time of the Renaissance traction and exercise were the main treatments of spinal deformities, especially scoliosis. The pioneering work of Ambroise Paré, “The father of Modern Surgery", suggested the use of a metallic brace during adolescence in order to correct spine curvature of scoliosis. Besides that, Paré never rejected more traditional treatment options, like traction and exercise. He just suggested continuous bracing in order to add to the already existing conservative therapeutic options.