Victor Horsley's Surgery for Cervical Caries and Fracture: The Centennial Anniversary

Abstract

On August 25, 1895, Victor Horsley, the doyen of British neurosurgery, presented the results of his surgery for trauma and caries (tuberculosis) of the cervical spine at the Surgery Section of the British Medical Association Annual Meeting. All of the patients recovered from their operations and four were in attendance at the meeting to attest to the results of their operations. For the surgeon of 1895, laminectomy of the cervical spine was a daunting undertaking. Although effective anesthesia and antiseptic techniques had become available, roentgenologic evaluation of spinal fracture and disease was still a future diagnostic modality. The special relationship of Victor Horsley with William Gowers, neurologist of Queen's Square Hospital, London, is presented. The status of therapy for cervical fracture and tuberculosis at the close of the 19th century is described to gauge the magnitude of this event as a major contribution to the progress of spinal surgery.