Otto Wilhelm Madelung

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

German surgeon known for Madelung's deformity



Otto Wilhelm Madelung

Otto Wilhelm Madelung (May 15, 1846 – July 22, 1926) was a prominent German surgeon renowned for his contributions to the field of orthopedic surgery. He is best known for identifying and describing Madelung's deformity, a condition affecting the wrist.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Otto Wilhelm Madelung was born in Gotha, Germany, into a family with a strong academic background. His father, Hermann Madelung, was a respected physician, which influenced Otto's decision to pursue a career in medicine. Madelung studied medicine at the University of Jena, where he was deeply influenced by the teachings of Ernst Haeckel and other prominent scientists of the time.

Medical Career[edit | edit source]

After completing his medical studies, Madelung worked in various hospitals across Germany, gaining extensive experience in surgical procedures. He became a professor of surgery at the University of Strasbourg in 1881, where he conducted significant research and published numerous papers on surgical techniques and orthopedic conditions.

Madelung's Deformity[edit | edit source]

Madelung is best known for his work on the wrist condition that bears his name, Madelung's deformity. This condition is characterized by a malformation of the wrist due to abnormal growth of the distal radius. Madelung's detailed description of the deformity in 1878 provided a foundation for future research and treatment options.

Contributions to Surgery[edit | edit source]

In addition to his work on Madelung's deformity, Otto Madelung made several other contributions to the field of surgery. He developed innovative techniques for the treatment of bone fractures and was involved in the early development of surgical procedures for joint repair. His work laid the groundwork for modern orthopedic surgery.

Later Life and Legacy[edit | edit source]

Madelung retired from active practice in 1919 but continued to be involved in medical research and education until his death in 1926. His legacy lives on through the many students he mentored and the surgical techniques he pioneered. Madelung's contributions to medicine are still recognized today, particularly in the field of orthopedics.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD