Dr. Robert Bruce Salter: Memories from His Mentees Historical Profile

Abstract

An argument could be made that the most recognized name in the history of pediatric orthopaedics belongs to Dr. Robert Salter. Every medical student in the last 50 years has at least heard of his classification of growth plate injuries and most have been tested on it. His innovations and contributions to pediatric orthopaedics are numerous and have stood the test of time. In 2020, the Journal of Orthopaedics listed the most impactful pediatric orthopaedic literature, and Dr. Salter’s name is cited in 56 of the top 100 referenced papers.

As time passes, the name and the impact made remain. Yet who was this man? What made him a legend and such an impactful figure? How did he educate, nurture, and raise the grandparents of our current pediatric orthopaedic family? The editorial staff is indebted to Drs. Heather Kong, Cheryl Lawing, and Sarah B. Nossov, from the POSNA History and Archives Committee, and to friends and colleagues Drs. Baxter Willis, George Thompson, and Peter Armstrong for shedding light on this remarkable man.