The Classic

Abstract

George T. Aitken graduated from Indiana University, School of Medicine, in 1933, held the position of instructor in Anatomy at the University of Michigan, served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre of Operations in World War II, became clinical professor of surgery (orthopedics) at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and was elected President of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Charles H. Frantz graduated from the University of Michigan in 1932, served in North Africa in World War II, and practiced orthopedic surgery alongside Dr. Aitken in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They shared a keen interest in the problems of crippled children, and were encouraged to set up a specialized juvenile amputee clinic for the children of Michigan. The clinic attracted world-wide attention and received children from all over the United States, its territories and possessions. The program grew from an interest in children with acquired amputations and extended to the treatment of children with skeletal limb deficiencies, with or without adjunctive surgery. Today, the work continues in the Area Child Amputee Center, located in the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Center. The pre- and postoperative fitting and training activities can be seen at the Center. The surgical procedures are performed at St. Mary's, Blodgett, and Butterworth Hospitals of Grand Rapids. Aitken and Frantz provided not only extraordinary energy and surgical talent, but also a divine spark that will illuminate the whole field for a long time.