Cranio-maxillofacial surgery in Corpus Hippocraticum.

INTRODUCTION

Knowledge of the medical thoughts and practice through the ages constitutes a particular qualification for every practicing physician and surgeon, in order to become a participant of Medicine's continuity and a conscientious practitioner. Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery constitutes a significant part of the surgical writings of Corpus Hippocraticum.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The original texts of the Hippocratic Collection written in ancient Greek, as they were published along with a translation into modern Greek in G. Pournaropoulos 'Hippocrates' Works', (edited by A. Martinos), Athens 1968, were studied for any account referring to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

RESULTS

The medical views and opinions of Hippocrates regarding Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery and Pathology in particular, as well as Dental Medicine in general, are disseminated in the various books of Corpus Hippocraticum, and although they are almost 3000 years old, they are still in line with current thinking to a great extent. The scope of Hippocratic perspicacity and experience regarding Oral and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery includes dentoalveolar surgery, orofacial infections, maxillofacial trauma, dentofacial abnormalities and orthognathic surgery, as well as cranio-maxillofacial injuries.

CONCLUSION

Corpus Hippocraticum in spite of time remains a unique and unrivalled work, where one can realize the power of observation, sagacity and the clinical judgement of Hippocrates regarding every aspect of Medicine, and in particular Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.