Case 31

The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus

When we think of ancient medical practices, we might imagine bloodletting, magic, incantations, animal sacrifices, and even human offerings. However, the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus shatters these preconceptions, and offers a glimpse into surprisingly advanced medical knowledge from over 3,000 years ago.

The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian text dating back to around 1600 BC, is the oldest known written communication investigating and exposing the principles of human trauma and surgery. This document, purchased by Edwin Smith in 1862, is a 4.68-meter-long scroll containing 377 lines of text on the front and 92 on the back.

What sets this papyrus apart from other ancient medical texts is its rational and scientific approach. Unlike contemporary documents that relied heavily on magic, the Edwin Smith Papyrus presents a systematic examination of 48 trauma cases, primarily focusing on injuries to the head, neck, and torso.

Each case in the papyrus follows a structured format that wouldn’t look out of place in modern medical textbooks and includes:

• Title (describing the type of injury)
• Examination of the patient
• Diagnosis and prognosis
• Treatment

This systematic approach demonstrates the advanced medical thinking of ancient Egyptian physicians.

Case 31 of 48

Among the 48 cases described in the papyrus, Case 31 stands out and is significant in back and spinal injury treatment history. This case describes a cervical vertebral dislocation with spinal cord and head injury. The ancient physician’s description of the patient’s condition is remarkably detailed:

“…it is a dislocation of a vertebra of the back of his neck extending to his thoracic spine that causes him to be unaware of both his arms and his legs.”

This description reveals several key insights:

1. The phrase “unaware of both his arms and his legs” likely refers to an understanding of the relationship between spinal cord damage and paralysis.
2. The text suggests an early attempt to categorize spinal cord injuries based on the level of injury, an approach that remains fundamental in modern medicine.
3. Most telling is the ancient physician’s prognosis for Case 31. It was classified as “An ailment not to be treated,” reflecting an understanding of the severe and often irreversible nature of spinal cord injuries.

Case 31 exemplifies the advanced medical knowledge of ancient Egyptians. Their systematic approach to spinal injuries continues to impress modern medical professionals, providing valuable historical context for understanding these conditions.

The Legacy of Fundamentals

While treatment of spinal cord injuries has advanced significantly, the fundamental observations made by these early physicians remain relevant. The papyrus is a humbling reminder of the long-standing quest to understand and prevent neck and back injuries.

By leveraging modern technology and ergonomic principles, CrewSafe aims to create safer work environments that ancient physicians could only imagine.  We’re committed to building on this history of injury prevention with our highly effective safety awareness programs and cutting-edge products designed to help prevent workplace injuries before they occur, potentially avoiding the devastating back and neck injuries and resulting spinal injuries described in the ancient text.

We can better prepare for a safer future by learning from these early insights. CrewSafe’s commitment to worker safety advances this ancient tradition of prioritizing health in the workplace.