Diagnosis for degenerative knee arthritis in ViDia Hospital Karlsruhe

About the department

The Department of Adult and Pediatric Orthopedics, Foot Surgery at the ViDia Hospital Karlsruhe provides diagnostics and comprehensive treatment of the entire range of musculoskeletal diseases. The department's team of physicians treats patients of all age groups, ranging from infants to the elderly. The department boasts high success rates in the treatment of large joint diseases. The department houses a specialized Maximum Care Joint Replacement Surgery Center, which has the prestigious EndoCert certificate. Successful operations for partial and total knee and hip joint replacements are performed here. The department's orthopedists also specialize in the treatment of foot and ankle disorders. The health facility is certified by the German Foot and Ankle Association (DAF) in this field. In the area of pediatric orthopedics, young patients are provided with special diagnostic examinations to exclude or timely detect hip dysplasia. The department's doctors also regularly treat children with axial deformities of the lower limbs and spinal curvatures and deformities. The department is equipped with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology for highly effective treatment in accordance with international standards. The specialists strive to provide each patient with individualized treatment, taking into account their wishes. Whenever possible, preference is always given to minimally traumatic therapy. The department is headed by PD Dr. med. Stephan Kirschner.

The main focus of the department's specialization is knee and hip joint replacement surgery. Patients with joint diseases are admitted to the highly specialized Maximum Care Center. Joint replacement surgery is the last-line treatment and can only be used when conservative therapy fails. Before making a decision to perform the intervention, the department's specialists carry out the full range of diagnostic examinations, including laboratory tests, ultrasound, X-ray, CT, or MRI scans. Based on the patient's clinical data, orthopedists determine the optimal type of joint replacement surgery, namely partial or total. When performing partial knee joint replacement, the department's surgeons remove the damaged cartilage and part of the bone tissue while preserving the posterior cruciate ligament and other healthy tissues. Total knee replacement surgery also requires the removal of the posterior cruciate ligament. In cases of partial hip replacement surgery, only the osteophytes and the damaged part of the acetabulum are removed, and the femoral head is preserved. If the patient is prescribed total hip replacement surgery, surgeons replace all elements of the joint. The operation is carefully planned using 3D computer technology. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are used during the intervention, which contributes to the patient's quick recovery in the postoperative period. After the surgery, the patient receives proper care and effective physiotherapy for rapid recovery of mobility.

The department also pays attention to the prevention of knee and hip joint pathologies. These joints endure the greatest load and are susceptible to degenerative changes, especially in adulthood. Common problems with the joints include meniscus degeneration, tears, and injuries. For the restoration of menisci, minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery is performed in the department. The department's orthopedists also frequently deal with knee pathologies such as patellar dislocation, tissue necrosis due to poor blood supply, etc. Preventing irreversible destructive processes in the knee and hip joints is crucial for the department's doctors because it helps preserve the patient's own joint, relieve pain, and improve mobility.

The department's orthopedists also specialize in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases in children. The specialists focus on ultrasound examinations of newborns to exclude hip dysplasia. Should the diagnosis be confirmed, the department has all the resources to provide the child with the necessary care. In the early stages, doctors use only conservative therapy, for example, the application of special bone bandages. In some cases, conservative treatment does not give the desired result, so doctors may recommend a surgical intervention. The department's orthopedists also have excellent qualifications for repairing O- and X-shaped deformities of the lower limbs, foot deformities, and spinal curvature in children. In most cases, effective treatment can be provided via orthoses and individually elaborated physiotherapy programs.

The department also admits patients with foot and ankle joint diseases. The most common pathology in the clinical practice of the medical center is the valgus deformity of the big toe of the foot (halluх valgus). The treatment of the early stages of this disease involves the use of orthopedic shoes, straightening orthoses, and insoles. In advanced stages, surgery may be required. Following surgery, patients regain their normal mobility and can comfortably wear normal shoes again. The department also treats patients with degenerative diseases of the hindfoot and upper ankle. In such cases, conservative therapy is usually effective, and surgical interventions are rarely required.

The department's key focuses include:

• Adult orthopedics
  • Joint replacement surgery (within a certified Maximum Care Center)
    • Partial and total knee replacement surgery
    • Partial and total hip replacement surgery
  • Knee and hip arthroscopic surgery: for example, for meniscus tears, cruciate ligament tears, and hip impingement syndrome
  • Intra-articular injections, drug therapy, and physiotherapeutic treatment for large joint diseases
• Pediatric orthopedics
  • Conservative and surgical treatment of hip dysplasia
  • Conservative and surgical treatment of O- and X-shaped deformities of the lower limbs
  • Conservative and surgical repair of spinal curvatures
• Foot surgery
  • Conservative and surgical treatment of the valgus deformity of the big toe of the foot (hallux valgus)
  • Conservative and surgical treatment of degenerative hindfoot diseases
  • Conservative and surgical treatment of the upper ankle pathologies
• Other medical services