Journey in Orthopedic Science

Abstract

remarkable, and it coincided with the advancement of musculoskeletal research and further sprouting of orthopedic science. This field, from its beginnings in studies on the structure and nature of bone and cartilage, pathology, materials, and instruments, now covers a broader area, including biology, biomechanics, genetics, tissue engineering, stem cells, and even iPS cells. It also ranges from basic science to applied science, and further extends to virtual experimentation. Thus, orthopedic research now encompasses a variety of scientific disciplines. Across orthopedic science, basic research seeks to address fundamental questions, although young orthopedic surgeons may not recognize its specific value to patients. However, basic research is one of the most exciting fields of medical research, and contributes to the field of orthopedics in several ways. First, it provides important information and scientific knowledge. Because the spirit of inquiry and discovery are important driving forces behind most research, investigations of new facts about the musculoskeletal system and its disorders are important to orthopedic science. New discoveries, whether small or large, can increase our knowledge, modify our thinking, and change pre-existing theories. Second, basic research in orthopedics contributes to the development of therapies for patients with musculoskeletal diseases. It may not always be easy to apply scientific accomplishments directly to practical treatment matters within a short time frame, but basic research findings often become the basis of future therapeutic strategies. Although the precise goals of research may not always be clear, new findings may someday influence the specialty of orthopedic surgery and eventually benefit patients with musculoskeletal diseases. The orthopedic specialty itself is steadily advancing, based primarily on findings of and confirmation of prior research. In 1954, Dr. Shands wrote in Responsibility and The dawn of modern science in Japan can be traced back to the early cultivators of science in the mid-eighteenth century, during the Edo era, when changes occurred in the field of medicine. During those days, physicians began to show interest in accurate anatomical drawings in Dutch medical books and gradually embraced the ideas of trial and experimentation. Among such physicians were Toyo Yamawaki and Genpaku Sugita [1]. Yamawaki, who observed the first officially approved human dissection, published Zoshi in 1759. Subsequently, Sugita and a group of physicians translated the Dutch version of a German book, Ontleedkundige Tafelen, into Japanese, and published the notable textbook under the title of Kaitai Shinsho (A New Book of Anatomy) in 1774. Various medical terms, such as nankotsu (cartilage) and shin-kei (nerve), were coined at this time, and these physicians’ struggles to become cultivators of science are detailed in Rangaku Koto Hajime by Sugita. These publications undoubtedly became cornerstones of the development of science and medicine in Japan. After Kaitai Shinsho was published and the field of musculoskeletal research took root, scientific advancement occurred slowly. Occasional research and findings on diseases, including fractures/dislocations and deformities, pathology, therapies, and orthosis, were observed during this early period, but the start of scientific progression in Japan had to wait until the establishment of an orthopedic specialty at the beginning of the twentieth century. Subsequent progress of orthopedic clinical medicine was