JISRF's Founder, Charles Bechtol, M.D., Internationally Known in the Fields of Biomechanic Research and Orthopaedic Surgery

Remembering...
Charles 0. Bechtol, M.D.

The world mourns the loss of Charles 0. Bechtol, M.D.

On July 16th, 1998, the distinguished professor and former Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the UCLA Medical School passed away at age 86 following a long illness.

An internationally known researcher in the fields of biomechanics and orthopedic surgery, Dr. Bechtol's engineering and biomechanical researches resulted in the development of numerous joint replacement implants and internal fracture fixation devices, and instruments that are familiar to orthopedic surgeons the world over. His innovations included shoulder and knee prostheses, the Bechtol Total Hip system, the Bechtol "fluted" bone screw, and the Bechtol "continuous strength" bone plate.

His genius will continue to be felt in the countless footsteps that might never have been taken. Or in the natural act of holding a child or picking a flower. In these simple ways the world will silently remember this extraordinary healer.

In keeping with the family's request, an orthopaedic research fund has been established in Dr. Charles 0. Bechtol's name. Please direct memorial contributions to:

Timothy McTighe
Executive Director
The Joint Implant Surgery and Research Foundation

A Lifetime Of Achievement

In 1991 Dr. Charles Bechtol received JISRF's first annual lifetime achievment award.

1940
- Graduate of Stanford Medical School

1940s-50s
- Pioneered the development of improved artificial limbs

1952
- Presented the first lecture to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons relating engineering principles to orthopedic surgery
- Founding member of the F4 Committee (biomaterials) of the ASTM
- Professor and chairman of the Yale Medical School
- Department of Surgery (orthopedics)
- Established Yale Biomechanics Laboratory

1957
- Joined UCLA Medical School where he would serve as professor and Chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery
- Member and chairman of research committees for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Orthopedic Research Society, the National Science Foundation, the Los Angeles County and California Medical Associations,and others

1971
- Founded and chaired the Joint Implant Surgery & Research Foundation

1995
- Remained an active consultant to the orthopedic industry