History of rheumaorthopaedics in Poland.
Rheumaorthopaedics evolved as a division of orthopaedics in the sixties, when new methods of treatment of the RA were developed and introduced into clinical practice. A pioneer of rheumarthopaedics in Poland, also renowned in the world, was Prof. S. Jakubowski. After his training in Heinola he, in 1964, became a head of the Rheumaorthopaedic Department at the Rheumatological Institute in Warsaw. This center, dedicated for rheumatic diseases, serving the whole country, has been a place, where numerous methods and treatments against the disease have been introduced. There were also numerous original methods conceived in this center (e.g. Jakubowski MCP prosthesis, postoperative steroid prevention of stiffness, operative wrist stabilization). Also, hip and knee prosthetic replacement were brought there for clinical use in the R.A. Experience, gathered for years, fruited in obtaining of basic rules of surgical care and treatment of the rheumatoid patient. Second important center for rheumaorthopaedics has been founded in Ustronie - Zawodzie. Rheumaorthopaedic surgeons have been attending international courses, visiting foreign centers, publishing scientific papers and supporting international cooperation. Rheuma-surgeons have been, moreover, active in educational field, organizing courses, lectures and conventions for the colleagues, and also active in social professional organizations, like Polish Orthopaedic.
Małdyk
Paweł
P
Klinika Reumoortopedii, Instytut Reumatologii, Warszawa.
Michalak
Cezary
C