Abstract

Dislocations and fractures are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries, the diagnosis and treatment of which require specialized knowledge and skills. Despite the importance of this field, the theoretical foundations and practical methods of bone-setting in the Safavid era have not yet been examined in an independent and systematic manner. The present study aims to elucidate the theoretical principles and practical approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint injuries within the framework of the medical system of Safavid Iran. This research adopts a descriptive-analytical method and is based on content analysis of library sources, particularly medical texts from the Safavid period. The findings indicate that the understanding and treatment of fractures and dislocations were grounded in the principles of humoral medicine. Physicians and bone-setters of the Safavid era classified skeletal injuries according to their location, severity, and type, and provided specific methods for each case, including diagnosis, reduction, immobilization, application of splints and bandages, and post-treatment care. Furthermore, the skill and experience of the mojabbir (bone-setter) played a crucial role in treatment success and in reducing potential complications. The results demonstrate that bone-setting in the Safavid era was not merely a collection of empirical practices, but was based on the theoretical foundations of humoral medicine. Through the integration of medical theory, clinical experience, and practical skill, it held a significant position as a specialized branch of medical knowledge in that period.