The history of internal fixation of proximal femur fractures Ernst Pohl-the genius behind

The most frequently used implants for internal fixation of proximal femoral fractures are currently the dynamic hip screw and the intramedullary hip nail. However, little has been written about one of the pioneers in this field, a German genius, the designer Ernst Pohl (1876-1962). Without his involvement the concepts of intramedullary nailing coined by Gerhard Kuntscher, Richard Maatz and other surgeons could hardly have been implemented. Through his achievements Pohl has rightly merited his pre-eminent position in the history of bone surgery. This article outlines the extraordinary contribution of Ernst Pohl to the development of skeletal surgery and radiology, as well as other medical disciplines.