Max Schede

German surgeon and professor

Max Schede

Max Schede (7 January 1844 – 31 December 1902) was a prominent German surgeon known for his contributions to the field of surgery and his innovative techniques in orthopedic surgery. He was a professor and a pioneer in the development of surgical methods that significantly improved patient outcomes during his time.

Early Life and Education

Max Schede was born in Arnsberg, Province of Westphalia, Kingdom of Prussia. He pursued his medical studies at the University of Bonn, where he developed a keen interest in surgery. Schede furthered his education at the University of Berlin, where he was influenced by leading surgeons of the time.

Career

Schede began his medical career as an assistant to the renowned surgeon Bernhard von Langenbeck in Berlin. His early work focused on the treatment of bone and joint diseases, which laid the foundation for his later innovations in orthopedic surgery.

In 1875, Schede was appointed as a professor of surgery at the University of Basel, where he continued his research and teaching. He later moved to the University of Bonn and then to the University of Hamburg, where he became the director of the surgical clinic.

Contributions to Surgery

Max Schede is best known for his development of the "Schede's method" for the treatment of tuberculosis of the bones and joints. This method involved the removal of diseased tissue and the application of antiseptic techniques to prevent infection, which was revolutionary at the time.

Schede also made significant contributions to the field of thoracic surgery. He was one of the first surgeons to perform successful operations on the pleura and lungs, which paved the way for modern thoracic surgical techniques.

Innovations and Techniques

Schede introduced several innovative surgical techniques, including the use of plaster casts for immobilizing fractures and the development of new methods for amputation. His work in aseptic techniques helped reduce the incidence of postoperative infections, improving patient survival rates.

Legacy

Max Schede's contributions to surgery have had a lasting impact on the field. His methods and teachings influenced a generation of surgeons and helped establish modern surgical practices. Schede's emphasis on antiseptic techniques and careful surgical planning are principles that continue to be fundamental in surgery today.

Related Pages

• Surgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Thoracic surgery
• Aseptic technique