Injuries and diseases of the spine in the ancient times

Abstract

Spinal injuries and diseases have been diagnosed and treated since antiquity. We attempt to record any available information in this area, starting from the prehistoric period and going up to Roman times. Thus, the main focus is on Hippocrates and Galen, who as the most eminent physicians of the ancient world, are presented through their work on spinal pathology. The epitome of their wisdom is to be found in Galen's works made available via Khun's edition (Leipzig, 1829) written in both ancient Greek and Latin. Galen not only presents the Hippocratic knowledge and comments on it, but adds his own opinions and thoughts.