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.

Popular posts from this blog

Biogesic: Menstrual Cramps and Headache No More

Tips to Reduce Your Energy Consumption

Personal Collection White Dove Baby Products #Review