Early limb salvage: open tibia fractures of Ambroise Paré (1510-1590) and Percivall Pott (1714-1789).

Ambroise Paré and Percivall Pott were preeminent clinicians, writers, and educators who advanced the cause of surgery through their independent thinking and insightful observations. In addition to their legacies and numerous enduring contributions, both men sustained open tibial fractures that were successfully managed during times when most often amputation was prescribed for such injuries. This article explores their lives and their fractures.