Joint prostheses have been implanted in the Department of Trauma Surgery since the early 1970s. All medical departments at the University Hospital are available for comprehensive patient care in the event of concomitant diseases. Joint replacements are most frequently performed as a result of severe joint injuries that have destroyed the joint partners (post-traumatic arthosis), or in the case of age-related signs of wear and tear (arthrosis). In addition to the initial replacement of a joint, we also regularly carry out replacement operations.
Joint prostheses are used on the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow and ankle.
The choice of prosthesis system depends on the bony situation, the condition of the soft tissue and the patient's wishes. We use both cemented and non-cemented prostheses. The decision as to which prosthesis components are selected generally depends on the age, bone quality and wishes of the patient.
Diagnostics
Before a joint can be replaced with a prosthesis, a suitable X-ray image must be taken. The X-ray provides the surgeon with information about the shape and quality of the bone. A digital X-ray system is used at the Trauma Surgery Clinic. The X-ray images are used to plan the exact digital prosthesis used on the computer.
Surgical procedures and prosthesis systems used
Minimally invasive surgical procedures are used on the hip and knee joints wherever possible. The aim of this surgical method is to protect the muscles in order to achieve a rapid restoration of joint function. The implantation of knee prostheses is generally performed with the aid of navigation. Intraoperative navigation increases the accuracy of the prosthesis fit.
Long-shaft and short-shaft prostheses are implanted in the hip joint. Unicondylar sled prostheses, surface replacement prostheses (full prostheses) as well as partially coupled and coupled prostheses are used on the knee joint.
In detail, prostheses from the following companies are used:
Hip joint
De Puy company
Zimmer company
Implantcast company
Knee joint
De Puy company
Link company
Implantcast company
