Hippocratic bench 1701684 180170943 2007-12-26T00:19:37Z Spamhunt 5955517 /* References */ [[Image:HippocraticBench.png|thumb|From a [[Byzantine]] edition of [[Galen]]'s work in the 2nd century A.D.]] The '''Hypocratic bench''' or '''scamnum''' was a device invented by [[Hippocrates]] (c. [[460 BC]]–[[380 BC]]) which used [[tension (mechanics)|tension]] to aid in setting bones. It is a forerunner of the [[Traction (orthopedics)|traction]] devices used in modern [[orthopedics]], as well as of the [[Rack (torture)|rack]], an instrument of torture. The patient would lie on a bench, at an adjustable angle, and ropes would be tied around his arms, waist, legs or feet, depending on the treatment needed. [[Winch]]es would then be used to pull the ropes apart, correcting curvature in the spine or separating an overlapping [[Fracture (bone)|fracture]]. In recent years, a similar non-surgical procedure known as [http://www.vaxd.net/ VAX-D] (short for Vertebral Axial Decompression) has been developed for treating certain patients with lower back pain. Patients undergoing VAX-D are fitted with a special pelvic [[harness]] and then placed on the VAX-D table. The device then applies controlled tension along the axis of the [[spinal column]], while the harness assists in providing decompression of the [[lumbar spine]]. The decompression process is controlled by computer program with supervision by a human technician. The VAX-D process is claimed to be useful in treating cases of [[sciatica]], [[degenerative disc disease]], and [[herniated disc]]s. ==References== * "What the Ancients Did for Us", [[BBC]] television programme aired on April 6, 2005 {{medical-equipment-stub}} [[Category:Inventions]] [[Category:Ancient Greek medicine]] [[Category:Orthopedics]]