Who’s Who in Orthopedics

Abstract

Richard L. O’CONNOR 1933–1980 Born in Chicago, Illinois, and educated at De Pauw University, Indiana, and Northwestern Medical School, Illinois, Dr. O’Connor began his medical career as a general practitioner in Telluride, Colorado. Later, returning to Louisville, Kentucky, he completed his orthopedic training in 1968 under the supervision of Professor James Harkess, and settled in West Covina, California. His first special interest was in the field of hand surgery. This was soon superseded by a new interest. Dr. O’Connor traveled to Tokyo, Japan, where he studied the arthroscopic techniques of Dr. Masaki Watanabe, and returned to the United States with a Watanabe arthroscope. Perceiving quickly the great potential of this instrument, he became its prime advocate in southern California. Overcoming the natural resistance to new techniques, he persisted in his attempts to teach other orthopedists its value as a diagnostic tool as well as its potential for intraarticular surgery. In the process he helped to develop the first operating arthroscope and became the first to employ the instrument in meniscal surgery. He also helped to develop interest in intra-articular photography, including movies, 35-millimeter slides, and videotapes. Heproduced the first high-quality color photographs of the interior of the knee joint. Dr. O’Connor organized and directed many teaching courses on the subject of arthroscopy, the attendance at which was always capacity. His technical skill led to results that were difficult to match. His stamina, vitality, and capacity for work were hard to equal. He found time to write several papers, a monograph, and two books on arthroscopy. Dr. O’Connor enjoyed classical music and stimulating conversation. His sense of humor was sharp and disarming. He was demanding in his work, but compassionate with his patients. He demonstrated unusual courage, particularly during the difficult terminal period of his illness, and never gave up hope. Richard L. O’Connor, a pioneer in the development of arthroscopic surgery, died on November 29, 1980, in Bandon, Oregon, where he spent his last days, following a fight against cancer of the lung. His wife Caroline, whom he married in 1955, was at his side