[Fritz König (1866-1952): pioneer of osteosynthesis and his influence on traumatology].

Fritz König (1866-1952) was 1918-1935 ordinary professor of surgery at the University of Wuerzburg. A main interest of his work was the technique and indication of osteosynthesis. Since 1900 he investigated methods (wire suture, intra- and extramedullary splint, external fixator, plate) and materials (ivory, steel; wire, screws). All his life he aimed to standardize the technique of osteosynthesis, to work out and spread clear indications for the surgical treatment of fractures, and to carry his point against the resistance of the social accident insurance caused by bad results of a lot of surgeons. His importance is not based on the invention of a great deal of instruments but on his endeavour for the fundamentals of osteosynthesis.