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J Reconstr Microsurg 2013; 29(01): 033-044
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1326737
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Otfrid Foerster (1873–1941)—Self-Taught Neurosurgeon and Innovator of Reconstructive Peripheral Nerve Surgery

Andreas Gohritz
1   Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover, Germany
,
Lee A. Dellon
2   Department of Plastic Surgery/Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
,
Merlin Guggenheim
3   Clinic for Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Marcus Spies
4   Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Barmherzige Brüder Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
,
Andreas Steiert
1   Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover, Germany
,
Peter M. Vogt
1   Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Medizinische Hochschule, Hannover, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

13 February 2012

21 June 2012

Publication Date:
30 November 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Otfrid Foerster (1873–1941) became a self-taught neurosurgeon during and after WW I, playing a critical role in the development of peripheral nerve reconstruction. Although best known for describing dermatomes, he published over 300 articles on the nervous system. Confronted by thousands of nerve injuries during WW I, as well as poor results and disinterest from his surgical colleagues, Foerster began performing neurolysis and tension-free nerve repairs himself under emergency conditions. He pioneered grafting motor nerve defects by expendable cutaneous nerves (e.g., sural) and performed intraplexal neurotizations and various nerve transfers, such as the pectoral, subscapular, long thoracic, and thoracodorsal nerves in brachial plexus injuries. Foerster championed rehabilitation, recognizing the potential of electrostimulation and physiotherapy to influence cortical reorganization (brain plasticity) and improve recovery after nerve injury. Foerster died from tuberculosis in 1941, leaving a rich reconstructive peripheral nerve legacy; his innovative and visionary spirit serves as a role model.

Keywords

Otfrid Foerster - peripheral nerve - nerve graft - neurolysis - nerve repair
 

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