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The program includes:
- Initial presentation in the clinic
- clinical history taking
- physical examination
- review of medical records
- laboratory tests:
- complete blood count
- general urine analysis
- biochemical analysis of blood
- indicators of inflammation (CRP, ESR)
- indicators of blood coagulation
- X-ray examination of the knee
- CT scan of the knee
- preoperative care
- endoprosthesis replacement
- symptomatic treatment
- control examinations
- physiotherapeutic procedures
- orthopedic appliances
- the cost of essential medicines and materials
- nursing services
- full hospital accommodation
- explanation of future recommendations
The program includes orthopedic rehabilitation:
- Primary presentation in the clinic
- medical history, including family history
- complex neurological and orthopedic examinations
- X-ray examination
- complex neurophysiological examinations
- individual rehabilitation program, which includes:
- Wii Fit training in the use of the balance
- neuropsychological therapy
- functional therapy of the upper extremities (ArmeoSpring)
- kinesitherapy (physiotherapy)
- biocontrol with feedback
- healing deep muscle massage
- acupuncture of spasticity and pain syndromes
- occupational therapy
- psycho-educational classes
- individual physiotherapy
- microcurrent treatment
- fangotherapy / cryotherapy
- antispasmodic drug therapy
- mobilization of limb joints
- hydrotherapy / massage therapy / reflexology
- training on special trainers
- etc.
- nurses care
- stay in the hospital with full board
- symptomatic and drug therapy
How program is carried out
Preliminary preparation for surgery: quitting smoking and drinking alcohol 2 weeks before surgery; cancelling non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen); cancelling anticoagulants (warfarin); normalization of body mass, if possible.
Preoperative examination, including consultation with an anesthesiologist and necessary related specialists. X-ray examination and MRI of the knee joints are performed. The examination takes 1-2 days.
Surgical knee endoprosthesis replacement. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and lasts for about 2 hours.
Postoperative care. During the first day after the intervention the patient stays in the intensive care unit, under round-the-clock medical supervision. After that, with a smooth course of the postoperative period, the patient is transferred to a regular ward and the drains are removed. The range of motion expands gradually, from light toes movements to walking. Walking with the use of walking aids is allowed in 3-5 days after the operation. Normal walking without the use of walking aids (crutches, cane) will become possible in 6-12 weeks.
Finally, the attending physician will evaluate the results of control examinations, schedule the date of discharge from the hospital and give you detailed recommendations for further follow-up and treatment.
Rehabilitation. The rehabilitation program begins after the transfer of the patient from the intensive care unit to a regular ward. It includes physical activity (from exercises in bed in the early days to exercises in the gym), physiotherapy, massage (including lymphatic drainage). After discharge from the hospital, the patient is transferred to a specialized rehabilitation clinic for 2 weeks, where he undergoes an advanced rehabilitation course.
Required documents
- Medical records
- X-ray examination, MRI/CT scan (if available)
Service
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About the department
The Department of Adult and Pediatric Orthopedics at the University Hospital Ulm provides the full range of modern diagnostic services and effective treatment methods for patients with musculoskeletal diseases. The medical facility admits patients of all age groups, including young children and adolescents. Special attention is paid to the treatment of hip and knee arthrosis, foot diseases and deformities, spinal pathologies, and benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors, including bone metastases. An experienced team of pediatric orthopedists takes care of young patients. The specialists conduct both conservative and surgical treatments for hip dysplasia, Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, clubfoot, flat feet, scoliosis, bone and soft tissue sarcomas, bone fractures, and other pathologies and injuries. The department successfully performs CT-guided nerve root blocks for the treatment of back pain. When surgical treatment is required, the department's team of doctors uses sparing, minimally traumatic techniques. Modern navigation systems are used during joint replacement surgery to ensure the most accurate positioning of the artificial joint. The department strictly follows the recommendations of the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU), which ensures highly effective treatment. The Head Physician of the department is Prof. Dr. med. Heiko Reichel.
The department has the status of a Maximum Care Center for Joint Replacement Surgery (EndoCert certification). Partial, total, and revision joint replacement surgical procedures are performed here almost every day. Joint replacement surgery is indicated in the advanced stages of arthrosis; it is the last-line treatment. Whenever possible, the specialists from the medical facility perform partial arthroplasty. In this case, only the components of the joint affected by the pathological process are replaced. Joint replacement surgery is performed using minimally invasive techniques under the control of computer navigation and local anesthesia. During the operation, the department's surgeons perform only a few small skin incisions to approach the pathological focus and insert special thin surgical instruments in order to carry out the necessary surgical manipulations under imaging guidance. This allows for the preservation of the integrity of the musculo-ligamentous apparatus, ensures minimal blood loss, and virtually eliminates the risk of infection. Such a sparing approach ensures a rapid recovery of the patient during the postoperative period.
The department's orthopedic surgeons are competent in revision hip and knee replacement surgery. Such operations are most often performed in cases of wear and tear or displacement of the previously implanted prosthesis due to its prolonged use. The need for revision surgery may also arise due to infection of the prosthesis. These interventions are classified as particularly complex because patients often have a deficit of bone tissue, complicating reliable prosthesis fixation. Therefore, a bone augmentation procedure is often performed during revision surgery.
Arthroscopic surgery is also well developed in the medical facility. Surgical interventions of this kind are performed for knee ligament injuries, meniscus tears, knee cartilage damage, hip impingement, hip dysplasia, and other pathologies. The doctor makes several small skin punctures, approximately 5-6 mm in size, in the area of the affected joint using an arthroscope. This is a special, thin instrument with a built-in miniature camera and light source. Real-time images of the operating field are transmitted to a screen at multiple zooms. Based on these images, the doctor performs the necessary manipulations. Due to the minimally traumatic approach, recovery after arthroscopy takes only a few days.
In cooperation with neurosurgeons, the department's specialists successfully treat spinal diseases. Of particular interest is the treatment of patients with herniated discs, spinal curvatures (scoliosis and kyphosis), spondylolisthesis (vertebral dislocation), spondylitis (vertebral inflammatory lesions), spinal canal stenosis, ankylosing spondylitis, and spinal fractures, including osteoporotic ones. The above-mentioned diseases cause severe back pain, so during the treatment planning stage, the department's specialists aim to alleviate pain and improve the quality of life of the patient. For this purpose, individually elaborated regimens of physiotherapeutic treatment and therapeutic exercises are used, along with prescribed painkillers. The second-line treatment involves CT-guided infiltration therapy (block), during which anesthetics are injected directly into the pathological focus. This method is highly effective and safe. And what is more, repeated blocks may be performed whenever required.
The medical facility also employs a highly qualified team of pediatric orthopedists. Doctors treat congenital and acquired musculoskeletal diseases and deformities in infants, young children, and adolescents. The specialists conduct both conservative therapy and surgical interventions for hip dysplasia, Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, clubfoot, flat feet, scoliosis, bone and soft tissue sarcomas, axial deformities of the lower limbs, and lower limb length discrepancies. During surgical treatment, the department's doctors use sparing minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques.
The department's main clinical focuses include:
- Diagnostics and treatment of knee diseases
- Knee arthrosis
- Knee ligament injuries
- Meniscus tears
- Knee cartilage lesions
- Diagnostics and treatment of hip diseases
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Hip impingement
- Hip dysplasia
- Hip deformities
- Diagnostics and treatment of spinal diseases
- Herniated discs
- Scoliosis and kyphosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal canal stenosis
- Spinal lesions caused by rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Spondylodiscitis
- Spinal fractures, including osteoporotic ones
- Benign and malignant spinal tumors
- Post-nucleotomy syndrome
- Diagnostics and treatment of foot and ankle diseases
- Hallux valgus
- Hallux rigidus
- Small toe deformities
- Rearfoot deformities
- Midfoot and rearfoot arthritis
- Ankle diseases
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Foot deformities due to rheumatic diseases
- Diagnostics and treatment of benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors
- Diagnostics and treatment of rheumatic musculoskeletal lesions
- Diagnostics and treatment of orthopedic diseases in children
- Axial deformities of the lower extremities
- Leg length discrepancy
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
- Hip dysplasia
- Clubfoot, pes planovalgus, and other foot deformities
- Perthes disease, osteochondritis dissecans, and other forms of avascular necrosis in children
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Coxitis
- Osteomyelitis
- Medial patella luxation
- Scoliosis
- Skeletal dysplasia
- Fractures and sports injuries
- Benign and malignant tumors
- Rheumatic musculoskeletal lesions
- Neuromuscular diseases: cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and genetic syndromic diseases
- Diagnostics and treatment of other orthopedic diseases in adults and children
The department's range of therapeutic services includes:
- Conservative treatment
- Drug treatment
- Drug therapy with pills
- Intra-articular injections
- Infiltration therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Exercise therapy
- Repair of spinal curvatures with special corsets
- Drug treatment
- Surgical treatment
- Partial, total, and revision hip and knee replacement surgeries
- Hip and knee arthroscopy
- Microsurgical, endoscopic, and minimally invasive spinal surgery
- Microsurgical interventions on the foot
- Other medical services
Curriculum vitae
Higher Education and Postgraduate Training
- 1982 - 1988 Medical studies, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.
- 1988 Thesis defense with honors, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.
- 1992 Board certification in Orthopedics.
- 1993 Additional qualification in Sports Medicine and Chiropractic.
- 1994 Specialization in Rheumatology.
- 1996 Optional advanced training in Specialized Orthopedic Surgery.
- 1996 Habilitation in Orthopedics.
- 1998 ASG Scholarship (Scholarship for Training of the German-speaking Orthopedic Societies in the United States of America, England, and Canada).
- 2003 Extraordinary Professorship, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.
- 2004 C4 Professorship for Orthopedics, University of Ulm.
- 2006 Board certification in Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery.
Medical Practice
- 1988 - 1992 Residency, Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital Halle (Saale).
- 1993 Senior Physician, Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital Halle (Saale).
- 1995 - 2004 Managing Senior Physician, Department of Orthopedics, University Hospital Halle (Saale); Research Scholarships at the Orthopedic Centers at the Academic Hospital Vienna, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
- Since 2005 Head Physician, Department of Adult and Pediatric Orthopedics, University Hospital Ulm.
- Since 2006, Head, Rehabilitation Center, University Hospital Ulm.
Research and Clinical Focuses
- Primary and revision knee and hip replacement surgery.
- Organ-preserving surgery on the hip joint.
- Treatment of rheumatic lesions of the musculoskeletal system.
- Cancer surgery.
Positions in Professional Societies
- Since 2007 Committee Member for Advanced Training of the Medical Association of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
- 2008 President of the South German Orthopedic Society.
- 2009 President of the Meeting of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society.
- Since 2008 Board Member of the Working Group of the German Arthroplasty Society.
- 2015 President of the Working Group of the German Arthroplasty Society.
- 2016 President of the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) and President of the German Society for Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery (DGOOC).
- Since 2017 Board Member of the Arthroplasty Foundation.
Prizes, Awards, and Honors
- 1999 Heine Prize from the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU).
Memberships in Professional Societies
- German Society for Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery.
- American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons.
- German Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
- German Society of Rheumatology.
- German-speaking Society of Pediatric Orthopedics.
- Association of Orthopedic Surgeons and Traumatologists of Southern Germany.
- Professional Association of Orthopedists and Trauma Surgeons.
Photo of the doctor: (c) Universitätsklinikum Ulm
About hospital
The University Hospital Ulm is an advanced medical complex that provides patients with high-class medical care using the very latest scientific achievements. The medical facility has been performing successful clinical activities for more than 40 years and has long earned an excellent reputation throughout Europe. The hospital regularly demonstrates high treatment success rates, takes an active part in the training of medical students, and works tirelessly on promising research projects.
The university hospital consists of 29 specialized departments and 16 scientific institutes, where more than 7,000 highly qualified employees work for the benefit of their patients. More than 55,000 inpatients and about 300,000 outpatients are treated here every year. The hospital has 1,274 beds. The medical team of the hospital is focused on providing personalized medical services using the most modern and sparing diagnostic and treatment methods.
The University Hospital Ulm is the largest medical complex in the region, and practically all areas of modern medicine are represented here. Transplantology and oncology are among the priority areas of clinical activity in the medical facility. The hospital holds leading positions in the world in bone marrow transplantation. In addition, the hospital has advanced experience in cancer treatment. The Comprehensive Cancer Center is recognized as the leading facility of this kind in the country, and it is certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG). It provides effective treatment for various types of cancer. The center also offers innovative CAR T-cell therapy. In addition, the Cancer Center is actively engaged in research activities to improve available treatment methods and develop innovative therapeutic techniques to fight cancer.
Along with the use of advanced technologies, doctors show respect, understanding, and a humane attitude toward the patient. The medical team includes competent psychologists, who are always ready to provide assistance and support to the patients and their families during the therapeutic process.
Photo: (с) depositphotos
Accommodation in hospital
Patients rooms
The patients of the University Hospital Ulm live in comfortable single and double rooms with a modern design and light colors. All patient rooms have an ensuite bathroom with a toilet and a shower. The patient room furnishings include a comfortable automatically adjustable bed, a bedside table, a wardrobe, a table and chairs, a telephone, a radio, and a TV. Wi-Fi access is also available in patient rooms.
The hospital also offers enhanced-comfort rooms, which additionally have a safe, a refrigerator, and upholstered furniture. The bathroom in the enhanced-comfort room has changeable towels, a cosmetic mirror, a hairdryer, and toiletries.
Meals and Menus
Patients and their accompanying person are offered three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The patient and accompanying person have a choice of three menus every day, including a vegetarian menu. Patients staying in the enhanced-comfort rooms are also offered light snacks, fruits, desserts, and hot and cold drinks in the comfortable lounge area.
If, for some reason, you do not eat all the foods, you will be offered an individual menu. Please inform the medical staff about your dietary preferences prior to treatment.
Further details
Standard rooms include:
Shower
Toilet
Wi-Fi
TV
Religion
The hospital has a chapel where Catholic and Protestant services are held weekly. The services are also broadcast on the internal television channel of the hospital. The chapel is open 24 hours a day for visits and prayers.
The services of other religious representatives are available upon request.
Accompanying person
Your accompanying person may stay with you in your patient room or at the hotel of your choice during the inpatient program.
Hotel
You may stay at the hotel of your choice during the outpatient program. Our managers will support you for selecting the best option.