Eponyms in orthopaedics.

Abstract

Eponym (epó-nim) [Greek eponymos, named after] The name of a disease, structure, operation, or procedure, derived from the name of the person who discovered or described it first. Argot (äŕgõ) [French origin "in thieves' jargon"] The specialized vocabulary and idioms of those in the same work. Eponyms are commonly used in orthopaedics. Yet the individual's name and history often remain obscure or unknown to the user. The recognition and appropriate use of the eponymic terms become more difficult as the terminology falls into disuse. It is hoped that this report will serve as a reference and a resource and will preserve orthopaedic history.