Abel Vitorino Trigo Cabral (1941-2016), born in Trás-os-Montes, was a remarkable orthopedist, who stood out for his unique surgical qualities and his commitment to teaching. He was an example of great ambition and work skills, reminisced with admiration and recognition.

 

To develop this study, documents retrieved from the Archives of Hospital de São João, and the Library of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto were consulted. Furthermore, Professor Trigo Cabral's colleagues/disciples were interviewed, including Professor Nuno Neves, Professor Manuel Gutierres, Dr. José Neves, Dr. Santos Carvalho, and Sister Adelina Reis do Vale. In addition, it was possible to interview his family, namely his wife, Dr. Maria do Sameiro Domingues de Paiva Manso Trigo Cabral; his eldest daughter, Professor Cristina Trigo Cabral; and his brother-in-law, Dr. António Torres Pedroso.

 

Professor Trigo Cabral graduated in 1965 and in 1973, began to lecture Orthopedics at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP). In 1975, the Professor completed an internship in Paris, where he enhanced his knowledge and technique in the orthopedic areas of the spine, hand, and children's orthopedics; and performed the Papineau technique for the first time. In 1980, the Professor returned to Paris, intending to develop his Doctoral Thesis, which would be presented in 1982. Throughout his academic and hospital career, he tirelessly sought  knowledge, through attendance at various congresses and international internships.

 

After the Doctorate, Professor Trigo Cabral began to work as an Assistant Professor in Orthopedics at FMUP. In 1994, the Professor collaborated in its restructuring and would become its regent. In 1996, in cooperation with Professor Silva Gomes, from the Department of Mechanics of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), the Professor developed an external fixator called “UNIPOR”, in honor of the University of Porto (UP).

 

Due to his close relations with the French Society for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery (SOFCOT), in 2006 the Professor was named the first Portuguese honorary member of the same society. The Professor was the 27th President of the Portuguese Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology and the Director of the Orthopedics Service at Hospital de São João. In 2009 the Professor achieved the rank of Full Professor. The Professor remains a source of inspiration to his disciples and his family, serving as an example of great achievements through his dedication, perseverance, and hard work.

 

History of Medicine, Orthopedics and Traumatology, External Fixator “UNIPOR”, Hospital de São João, FMUP.