Dr. Newton Shaffer (1846-1928): Renowned Orthopedic Surgeon and Founder of the American Orthopaedic Association

Abstract

An unsung hero of American orthopedic surgery is the largely forgotten Dr. Newton Melman Shaffer (1846-1928). Upon graduating from medical school at New York University, Shaffer began his career training at the Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled in 1867. Shaffer then went on to practice at St. Luke's Hospital and New York Orthopaedic Dispensary and Hospital where he became chief. Here, Shaffer made major contributions to the field in treating clubfoot and tuberculosis. He then declared orthopedics as a separate entity from general surgery at the 10th International Medical Congress. He helped start the American Orthopaedic Association to push for the recognition of American orthopedics to the international community. In 1900, Shaffer opened the first state-run hospital for underprivileged children requiring rehabilitation. During his career, Shaffer advocated for conservative orthopedic treatments, aided in the invention of medical devices, contributed largely to academic orthopedics, and successfully advocated for the inception of the field of orthopedic surgery.

Keywords: american orthopaedic association; historical vignette; medical history; newton shaffer; orthopaedic surgery.

Figure 1. Still portrait of Newton M. Shaffer.

Credit: Permission obtained from The Ridgefield Press [1].