1995 INDUCTEE Robert Salter, MD Skin, Bones, Muscles & Joints, Global Health, Patient Care, Health and Medical Education & Training, Skin, Bones, Muscles & Joints
December 15, 1924
(Stratford, Ontario)
May 10, 2010
MD, University of Toronto (1947)
1998: Companion of the Order of Canada
1997: F.N.G. Starr Medal, Canadian Medical Association
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
1998: Companion of the Order of Canada
1997: F.N.G. Starr Medal, Canadian Medical Association
1988: Order of Ontario
1977: Officer of the Order of Canada
Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
Bristol-Myers Squibb-Zimmer Award
Established innovative methods of orthopedic treatment
World renowned surgeon, teacher and scientist
With a distinguished career that spanned more than fifty years, Dr. Robert Salter was a world famous surgeon who pioneered surgical procedures that ultimately transformed the field of Pediatric Orthopaedics. His innovative research related to the musculoskeletal system contributed immeasurably to the understanding and prevention of degenerative arthritis, among other musculoskeletal disorders. In addition to his innovative surgical techniques, Dr. Salter was committed to patient care and was known for his compassionate interactions with his patients, especially with children and their families.
Key Facts
Published extensively on many aspects of bone disease and repair
Was a compelling speaker and delivered lectures around the world
Co-devised a widely accepted fracture classification system that bears his name
Established the first clinical fellowship program at The Hospital for Sick Children
The SickKids Foundation annually awards the R.B. Salter Award for Excellence in Orthopedic Education
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
The Salter procedure forever changed pediatric hip surgery as a successful treatment for a condition that was once considered a devastating disease. Now the standard intervention for childhood hip dysplasia, the procedure has also proved an effective treatment for Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Beyond this contribution, Salter’s concept of “Continuous Passive Motion” has been translated into numerous clinical applications throughout the world and had a profound effect on the understanding and treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders and injuries.
1995
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Robert Salter inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Pictured L-R: Inductees Charles Leblond MD, Herbert Jasper MD PhD, Michael Smith PhD, Henry Barnett MD, Robert Salter MD at ceremony in London, Ontario
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Salter retired from surgery at SickKids
He continued to research, write and see patients as orthopedic surgeon emeritus as well as senior scientist emeritus at the Research Institute for The Hospital for Sick Children.
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Witnessing severe pain and long recoveries after immobilization, Dr. Robert Salter became an advocate for his innovative concept of “Continuous Passive Motion” in post-operative recovery
Skin, Bones, Muscles & Joints, Skin, Bones, Muscles & JointsHe demonstrated that continuous motion after surgery facilitated the proper healing of joints. This technique also proved to significantly reduce the likelihood of patients developing osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that commonly occurs after physical trauma due to surgery.
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Salter authored the key textbook in the field of orthopaedic surgery, Disorders and Injuries of the Musculoskeletal System
The text is now considered a classic in the field of orthopaedics and medical education.
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Dr. Robert Salter pioneered the innominate osteotomy, a corrective surgical procedure for the treatment of hip dysplasia in children and young adults
Skin, Bones, Muscles & JointsThis corrective surgery became known as the “Salter Operation.”
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Salter returned to Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children where he came under the influence of pediatric cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. William Mustard.
Two years later, he was appointed Chief of Orthopedic Surgery. In 1966, Salter rose to the position of Surgeon-in-Chief.
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Salter graduated in medicine from the University of Toronto
He then spent the Following two years at the Grenfell Medical Mission in Newfoundland and Labrador.
1947
He is one of the most outstanding University of Toronto scientists of the 20th century.
Additional Resources:
- Giants In Orthopaedic Surgery: Robert Bruce Salter CC, MD, FRCSC | US National Library of Medicine
- Childhood home of famed pediatric surgeon, Robert Salter, recognized by Heritage Stratford
- Toronto doctor helped children overcome devastating injuries | Globe and Mail (June 11, 2010)
- CMHF Laureate biography - Robert Salter
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