What is Trephining?

Trephining, also known as trepanning, trephination, or making a burr hole, is a surgical operation that involves cutting or scraping out a piece of the skull. The instrument used is called a trephine.

More about Trephining

What is the Purpose? The procedure is used in the treatment of certain head injuries to relieve pressure on the brain caused by bleeding between the skull and the brain. Trephining is also used to remove blood clots and to gain entry to the brain for other neurological procedures.

An Ancient Procedure: Trephining is the earliest known surgical treatment with evidence found in human remains from Neolithic times.

How to Learn More

Schedule a Tour: Contact the MHC to schedule a tour. Email us at mhcmail@osumc.edu, or call us at (614) 292-3275. We are located in Columbus, Ohio.

More to Come: Watch for more Curator's Top 25 artifact highlights throughout the rest of 2022!

Medical Heritage Center Contact Information

The Ohio State University Health Sciences Library
5th Floor, Prior Hall
376 West 10th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 292-3275
go.osu.edu/mhc