Activity of Dr Józef Aleksiewicz, PhD, Towards the Development of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation in Lviv in the Years 1912-1930.

The article describes the work of Dr Aleksiewicz towards the development of orthopedics and rehabilitation in Lviv in the years 1912-1930 based on source materials belonging to his family and articles published in medical journals and daily press. In 1919, Dr Aleksiewicz established a Surgical and Orthopedic Department and a factory of prostheses at the Disabled House in Lviv. He also formed a 200-bed division for the visually impaired with basket- and comb-making workshops as well as massage and typing courses. It was an innovative undertaking aiming to provide surgical treatment, orthopaedic aids and rehabilitation for victims of World War I. From 1919, Dr Aleksiewicz ran his Private Orthopedic Clinic with Factory of orthopaedic aids and pro-stheses" at 2 Friedrichów St. in Lviv. He specialised in therapy of surgical tuberculosis, fractures, dislocations and abnormal spinal curvatures. His work in Lviv in the period 1912-1930 undeniably contributed to the development of orthopaedics and rehabilitation, which were new medical specialties at the time.