Friedrich Trendelenburg: historical background and significant medical contributions

Abstract

Friedrich Trendelenburg's name is widely known today because it is associated with the Trendelenburg position. However, Trendelenburg made many other valuable contributions to the field of medicine, including a test, a gait, and a sign. A historical review of his life helps to elucidate the factors that contributed to his innovative approaches and techniques. Both Trendelenburg's mentors in his early years and the influences upon him throughout his professional career contributed to his development as a pioneer of surgery, anesthesia, and clinical diagnostics.

Keywords: Bernhard von Langenbeck; Friedrich Trendelenburg; Joseph Lister; Trendelenburg cannula and cone; Trendelenburg gait; Trendelenburg position; Trendelenburg sign; Trendelenburg test.