Henry Ivanovich Turner - founder of pediatric orthopedics in Russia

Abstract

This study presents the organizational, clinical, and scientific activities of Henry Turner, the founder of pediatric orthopedics. In 1910, Henry Turner presented a report to the All-Russian Congress about the “Basic principles of care for cripples, which are subject to obligatory care on the part of the state.” He pointed out the deficits in the activities of charitable shelters, where there was neither treatment nor education, and he advocated for main organizational principles for institutions for crippled children. Counseling and medical aid for children in the “Shelter for cripples and paralytics,” organized under the leadership of Henry Turner, facilitated the conversion of the shelter into an “Institute for vocational rehabilitation of physically handicapped children,” with 200 beds, in 1932. In connection with the 50th anniversary of the scientific and medical work of Professor Henry Turner, the Institute was named after him. The plight of pediatric patients was the subject of his constant care and attention; it was his lifework. The Institute’s staff continue Henry Turner’s vision of “orthopedics of the soul,” and not only treat but also teach and nurture children, to help form their personalities and to give them a joy and sense of life.