[Oskar Müller-Meernach: a practically forgotten pioneer of intramedullary osteosynthesis].

Oskar Müller-Meernach was a surgeon, gynecologist and tropical disease specialist who published numerous papers dealing with a variety of topics; nevertheless, almost no information about his life or legacy is available on the internet. A citation by Gerhard Küntscher, who is generally accepted as being the father of intramedullary nailing, brought attention to this forgotten pioneer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to shed light on his life and achievements as well as to highlight his contribution to intramedullary osteosynthesis (the use of an intramedullary pin made of stainless steel), which has to be considered as the greatest accomplishment of this very versatile physician.