Supporting Structure: Understanding the Spine and Spinal Surgery
Following Hippocrates' declaration that knowledge of the spine "is the requisite of understanding many diseases," this exhibit provides both the casual viewer and the seasoned doctor with a sense of the spine's important role in the body. "Supporting Structure" highlights previous methods of treating spinal injury, and showcases the technological and surgical advances that have revolutionized the field. Special attention has also been given to noble figures in the history of spinal exploration.
Many
objects shown have been drawn from the Museum's permanent collection, including:
- - Rare medical anatomy atlases
- - Archival photographs
- - Manuscripts of prominent surgeons throughout history
- - A variety of early surgical instruments
- - Many examples of cutting-edge "hardware" used in modern surgical procedures
"Supporting Structure" is made possible through the generosity of Dr. J.C. Serrato, Jr. and Dr. Jerome L. Kolavo. Sponsorship of the exhibit is provided by Blackstone Medical, DePuy Spine, Medtronic Sofamor Danek, the North American Spine Society, and Spinal Concepts. This project is partially supported by a CityArts Program 2 grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
