Floyd H. Jergesen; Surgeon Pioneered Bone Implants

Floyd H. Jergesen, 79, an orthopedic surgeon who pioneered development of bone implants and methods to control bone infection. Since the 1950s, Jergesen’s work focused on the human body’s acceptance of metallic implants to replace or support bone. His early research in the field helped lay the groundwork for the field known as biomechanics. A technique for managing bone and soft tissue infections was dubbed the “Jergey Tube” after Jergesen developed the method to both drain wounds and administer antibiotics. After 34 years of teaching at the UC San Francisco, Jergesen retired from teaching in 1980, when he was appointed to the emeritus faculty. In San Francisco on Feb. 20 of unreported causes.