Search

Based on source materials in the possession of Józef Aleksiewicz family (typescripts, manuscripts, photographs, other documents) and articles published in professional medical journals and newspapers, the authors present the contribution of Dr. J. Aleksiewicz to the development of orthopedics and rehabilitation in Iwonicz-Zdrój. In May 1921, he was appointed Surgeon General of the Spa Commission in Iwonicz-Zdrój. After holding several scholarly trips abroad in 1925 to sanatoriums treating cases of osteo-articular tuberculosis, he commenced the construction of "Sanato", a modern sanatorium. Opened in 1930, it was the only center in Poland treating osteo-articular tuberculosis in a spa setting. It was the first orthopedic rehabilitation center in what is now Podkarpackie Voivodship offering diagnostic work-up, surgery and conservative treatment of osteo-articular tuberculosis in children. Modelled on the best Western centers, Dr. Aleksiewicz widely employed physical methods, such as Swedish therapeutic gymnastics, mechanotherapy, massage, physical therapy and hydrotherapy.

The article describes the work of Dr Aleksiewicz towards the development of orthopedics and rehabilitation in Lviv in the years 1912-1930 based on source materials belonging to his family and articles published in medical journals and daily press. In 1919, Dr Aleksiewicz established a Surgical and Orthopedic Department and a factory of prostheses at the Disabled House in Lviv. He also formed a 200-bed division for the visually impaired with basket- and comb-making workshops as well as massage and typing courses. It was an innovative undertaking aiming to provide surgical treatment, orthopaedic aids and rehabilitation for victims of World War I. From 1919, Dr Aleksiewicz ran his Private Orthopedic Clinic with Factory of orthopaedic aids and pro-stheses" at 2 Friedrichów St. in Lviv. He specialised in therapy of surgical tuberculosis, fractures, dislocations and abnormal spinal curvatures. His work in Lviv in the period 1912-1930 undeniably contributed to the development of orthopaedics and rehabilitation, which were new medical specialties at the time.