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Biomedical subjects

B Rüttimann

Publications and source records attributed to B Rüttimann.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

[Aneurysms from the viewpoint of medical history].

The history of arterial aneurysms dates back to the old Egypts, Byzantines and Greeks. Vesal 1557 and Harvey 1628 introduced the disease into modern medicine. They diagnosed a pulsating tumor intra vitam and confirmed the aneurysm at autopsy. Further corner stones during the 18th and beginning of the 19th century were the monographs of Lancisi and Scarpa, the latter beautifully illustrated. The first effectful therapy was external compression, the second ligature of the artery proximal to the aneurysm, which was pioneered by John Hunter in 1785. Endoaneurysmoraphy (Matas) and wrapping by cellophane were performed, before diagnostic ultrasound and bypass surgery became routine procedures and improved dramatically the survival of the patients. The diagnostic and therapeutic problems in the middle of the 20th century are illustrated by the fate of two prominent patients, Albert Einstein and Thomas Mann, who died both of a ruptured aneurysm in 1955.

Aneurysm↗
PubMed2000

[Crooked and short legs. Historical retrospect].

In the past rickets, poliomyelitis, and tuberculosis of the knee joint were the main causes for deformities and shortening of the children's legs. Orthotics played a major role in treatment and rehabilitation, and they were often used for life. In the nineteenth century orthopaedic surgeons developed procedures such as tenotomy, osteoclasis, osteotomy, excision of joints and arthrodesis, combined with conservative therapy or instead of it. In an incessant attempt to control wound suppuration--before Lister's antiseptic principle and aseptic practices were available--the "subcutaneous" approach was inaugurated for tendon and bone surgery.

Arthrodesis↗
PubMed2000

The "galloping" history of intermittent claudication.

Intermittent claudication (IC) due to arterial occlusive disease was first diagnosed by the French veterinary surgeon Jean-François Bouley jeune in a horse drawing a cabriolet in the streets of Paris as early as 1831. The animal was repeatedly exercised and always started to limp with the hind legs at similar work loads. Autopsy revealed partially thrombosed aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and occlusions of both femoral arteries which were correctly identified as the cause of IC. In 1858 the famous neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot working at the Salpêtrière in Paris first discovered the condition in a patient, who was wounded by a bullet during the conquest of Algery and developed iliac artery aneurysm obliterated by a thrombus. He was aware of the first description in veterinary medicine. In Germany IC was also first mentioned in horses (Rademacher, 1838). 13 reports of patients were contributed by the neurologist Heinrich Erb in 1898 and 1904. Some interesting features of the phenomenon of IC like the amount of exercise necessary to provoke it, localization, social relevance, prolongation of the Achilles tendon reflex, decrease of maximal plantar flexion force of the foot and production of "Lewis factor p" are summarized. In human patients arteriosclerosis is the well recognized principal cause of arterial obstructions, in horses, however, the lesions are due to infection by the roundworm Strongylus vulgaris. In the fascinating life cycle the larvae migrate into the intima of small and large arteries and provoke aneurysms and intravascular thrombosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

[Orthopedics and time].

We can see into the future because we stand on the shoulders of giants. Descartes thought that the human body functioned like clock-work, but orthopaedic surgeons today know better. Man's life expectancy has increased, but has quality of life kept pace? The right moment is only a short instant. To await and then grasp it is part of the art of orthopaedics. But to reduce time to the present moment is to annihilate it. Time is the all-important fourth dimension which allows for change and thus for life.

Humans↗
PubMed1994

Jean-André Venel.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

History, 18th Century↗
PubMed1992

[The long road to the fever chart].

Temperature and pulse measurement have a central position in the history of medicine in the 19th century as well as the medicine of today. Its beginnings can be traced back a long way; naturally, they are closely linked to the development of the thermometer and the watch, but their long paths also touch on the history of science and culture. Knowledge and teachings of pulse and fever certainly did not develop simultaneously and in mutual agreement, but crossed one another's paths on two occasions: in the work of Boerhaave in the early 18th century and with the introduction of thermometric analysis into the clinic from the middle of the 19th century. Individual milestones are selected and described.

Documentation↗
PubMed1992

[My practice in 1891].

A short visit to a medical consulting room as it may have looked one hundred years ago, illustrates some aspects of medical practice of this time, outlines in scraps and fragments an idea of this medicine and tries to encourage reflexions about contemporary and timeless problems of medical practice.

Family Practice↗
PubMed1991

Fibular aplasia. Early surgical correction in two cases.

Two infants with bilateral fibular aplasia are described. They were operated on at 1 1/2 years and 8 months respectively in order to obtain a stable axial position of the foot beneath the tibia. The procedures consisted of soft tissue releases together with angulation osteotomies of the tibiae in one, and splitting the distal tibial epiphysis in the other. Both patients are now able to walk well barefoot or in custom-made shoes; no orthotic devices are needed. This type of conservative approach should be considered rather than amputation in selected cases.

Fibula↗
PubMed1991

[Medical museum--museum medicine].

The author gives a short survey of the beginnings of the Museum of the History of Medicine at the University of Zurich, created by Gustav Adolf Wehrli, MD (1888-1949), and of its further development. He insists on the present-day interest of such a museum: the study of ancient tools of the art of healing may elucidate complex problems that still defy the profession, and the presentation of such objects in a wide cultural and historical context may lead the attentive visitor to a better understanding of modern medicine.

History, 19th Century↗
PubMed1990

[A historical approach to herniated disk].

It is not more than sixty years ago that a relationship between rupture of an intervertebral disk and possible involvement of the spinal canal with its nervous structures had first been established. However, our knowledge of the intervertebral disk on the one hand, and of myelo- and radiculopathies on the other, is much older. Some of the steps leading to the 'discovery' of disk herniation are pointed out and illustrated.

Back Pain↗
PubMed1990

[Orthopedic technical and surgical measures in the diabetic foot].

This is a short survey of orthotic and surgical possibilities as preventive measures and as used in the therapy of foot disorders in diabetic patients. Ample photographic illustrations point out especially the different orthotic devices and procedures.

Diabetes Mellitus↗
PubMed1988

[Acro-osteolysis syndrome: is a synthesis in view?].

The clinical phenomena of "acroosteolysis" means progredient destruction starting at metatarsal bony structures on primarily neurodystrophic mechanisms. A long-term case report illustrates clinical features and actual possibilities and limits in treatment. The current conceptions since the classic descriptions are resumed by large overview of literature. Open questions in current genetic and structural hypothesis show the difficulties of any nosologic classification. Common features with other neurodegenerative syndromes are more and more evident.

Adult↗