Abulcasis (936-1013): his work and contribution to orthopaedics.

Abstract

The purpose of this historic review is to summarize the life and work of Abulcasis (936-1013) and his contribution to surgery and orthopaedics. We conducted an extensive search in libraries as well as online in PubMed and Google Scholar. Abulcasis in his work combines the knowledge of ancient Greek and Roman physicians and surgeons with the extensive knowledge of Arabic medicine and pharmacology. He also pioneered surgical technique with the invention of numerous surgical instruments and with several revolutionary surgical techniques. Abulcasis made an impact with his medical writings in which he summarized the works of ancient Greek and Roman physicians like Hippocrates and Galen with the influence of medieval authors and the knowledge of the Arabic medicine and pharmacology. His descriptions and innovations in his work remained a work of reference in the West and East for many centuries to come.