Orthopedics in Germany: Novel devices and sparing techniques
German orthopedic and rehabilitation
centers offer high-technological treatment for the inherited, traumatic,
inflammatory, infectious and autoimmune pathologies of the musculoskeletal
system. Today great hope is set on sparing techniques along with the regenerative
medicine.
German orthopedic and rehabilitation
centers offer high-technological treatment for the inherited, traumatic,
inflammatory, infectious and autoimmune pathologies of the musculoskeletal
system. Today great hope is set on sparing techniques along with the
regenerative medicine. Application of stem cells, superficial arthroplasty
according to McMinn's technique, and gentle bone correction with the Fitbone
system are among latest advances of German orthopedic specialists.
Restoring joints with stem cells
Stem cell treatment is a part of
regenerative medicine that is aimed at postponing or excluding arthroplasty due
to restoring of own joints. Clinical trials have confirmed efficacy of the
technique in bones and cartilage repairing. Data about stimulation of tendons
regeneration is limited to animal studies yet.
Tendon repair is mainly performed with scaffold application techniques. Cellular
scaffolds that contain native extracellular matrix allow cells seeding and
adhesion. More rare approach is injecting the stem cell product on the bone
surface or into the bone tunnels; this is believed to improve tendon-to-bone
healing without surgery.
Cartilage is
restored with autologous chondrocyte and autograft transplantation. These
include transplantation of stem cells that are fixed at two- and
three-dimensional matrices. Matrices consist of proteins (e.g. collagen) in
combination with natural polysaccharides, or of synthetic polymers. As the
additional benefit, matrices stimulate proliferation of stem cells and
chondrogenic differentiation.
Bone is
typically restored with the help of autologous bone grafts taken from iliac
crest. Stem cell treatment allows excluding risks of the autologous bone
harvesting. Adult mesenchymal stem cells and embryonic stem cells are able to
enhance bone healing and improve vascularization.
Sparing arthroplasty
Orthopedics in Germany combines approved
internationally treatment protocols with own developments and results of the
scientific work. Thus, Professor Derek McMinn from the BMI Edgbaston Hospital
in Birmingham has offered modified technique of the superficial hip replacement
with reliable prostheses and unique cross-linked polyethylene.
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing, or McMinn's
surgery, allows sparing head and neck of the femoral bone that are typically
substituted during arthroplasty. The surface of the femoral head and acetabulum
are processed for ensuring congruence of all joint parts and the superficial
implant is placed. The procedure is performed via minimally invasive posterior
surgical access which leads to earlier mobilization and shorter rehabilitation
period.
In should be noted, that Germanhospitals offer the full range of arthroplasty – sparing,
conventional and revision ones. Each patient undergoes surgery which is the
most beneficial exactly for his clinical case.
Correction of the lower extremities
length with the Fitbone nail
Length of the lower extremities, notably of
the femur, determines height of a person. Symmetric and normally developed legs
are essential for proper motor function. In a number of conditions legs become
shortened, deformed or asymmetrical. The only way to solve this issue is to
reconstruct femoral bones, which is a rather complicated task.
Working on this task, Professor Baumgart
from the Munich Center for Corrective and Reconstructive Surgery of Extremities
has created the Fitbone system. It consists of the Fitbone nail that is placed
inside the femoral bone, external control unit with a transmitter, and receiver
for starting the electric motor of the Fitbone nail.
The first step or therapy is careful
examination that includes measurements of lengths and axes of the legs, X-ray,
and CT/MRI scans. Based on the received data, scheme of bone reconstruction is
elaborated. Doctor determines surgical technique, speed of distraction, and
duration of the physical rehabilitation.
After implantation, the Fitbone nail starts
lengthening with the approximate speed of 1 mm per day. The process is
controlled by the remote computer. This stimulates bone growth, until both legs
are symmetrical or until a person reaches the desired height. Using Fitbone
system provides patients with faster recovery, better functional and esthetic outcomes.
Booking Health facilitates orthopedic
treatment in Germany for the foreigners
Orthopedics
in Germany is represented by the numerous healthcare facilities and
therapeutic approaches. For the international patients without experience of
communication with the administrative staff in the clinics it will be
reasonable to use help of Booking Health.
Booking Health is the company with
certificate ISO 9001:2015 in the field of medical tourism. Its experts assist
patients in:
- Making choice between leading orthopedic hospitals of Germany.
- Determining the type of necessary medical program (e.g.
diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation).
- Booking the appointment or room for the inpatient treatment.
- Providing favorable prices for medical services, saving up to
50% of sum with additional coefficients for the foreigners.
- Monitoring diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation at all
stages.
- Help in buying medications or medical products.
- Arrangement of follow-up examinations, distant consultations.
- Financial control and return of unspent funds.
- Offering service of the highest level: booking accommodation
and plane tickets, transfer, translation of medical reports.
To start planning your trip, leave the
request on the Booking Health website. Patient case manager or medical advisor
will contact you via phone or email the same day and give careful consideration
to all the details.