QA
Q. What are some of the advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) over other surgical techniques in orthopaedics? A. MIS technique in total hip arthroplasty is the latest in state-of-the- art surgery. Total hip arthroplasty can be performed through a small incision with a typical length of 2-4 inches. It is easily extendable in the case of difficult situations or complications. The posterior capsule stays intact which reduces the risk of dislocation. The great advantage of this approach is the protection of muscles and tendons from any damage. The instruments used during the operation are especially developed and downsized. As a result the patient
with Professor Dr. Heinz Roettinger, German Orthopaedic Hospital, Bahrain
With more than 20 years’ experience in this field, Professor Dr. Roettinger founded The German Orthopaedic Hospital (GOH) in 2010, offering orthopaedic treatments to patients from the Middle East and the rest of the world. Dr Heinz is world renouned for his work in the orthopaedic field and has also revolutionised hip and knee replacement surgery with his minimally invasive technique.
The German Orthopaedic Hospital aims to put Bahrain on the map as a medical tourism hub, offering world class orthopaedic treatments, research and education.
capitalizes by use of this MIS technique in: less blood loss, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and very fast rehabilitation. On the other hand the technique has no increased complication rate or other disadvantages compared with classic techniques for total hip operations. With experience the same technique is even applicable in revision cases with comparable same advantages.
Q. Can you explain
your new approach to Total Hip replacements? A. It is a very safe and reliable, single incision technique where lateral positioning of the patient is used and the surgeon will stand in front of the patient. During muscle- sparing THR, instead of cutting through muscle as with traditional approaches, the anatomical interval between the anterior border of the gluteus medius and the posterior border of tensor fasia latae is used to approach the hip joint. Less muscle damage means less pain, less blood loss and faster recovery. Most implants including revision
implants are suitable for this technique. Nearly all patient indications can be treated with this universally applicable technique. It’s a rapid procedure, time requirement
similar to the traditional technique, or even less. We developed not only a new approach to Total Hip Replacement (THR) but also devised a modified split surgical table that accommodates the correct leg position during the operation.
Q. What prompted you to establish the German Orthopaedic Hospital in Bahrain? A. The hospital is optimally positioned to ease affordability of international travels which include the high cost of healthcare and long waiting lists for certain major procedures in European countries and the States. Our intentions are for GOH to be a centre of excellence within the Middle East offering MIS procedures as standard. The highly efficient team of primarily German surgeons and the advanced infrastructure ensure that the highest standards of treatment are available in Bahrain.
Q. In your experience, is there a gap in orthopaedic care in the Middle East compared to Europe and America? A. Actually there is a gap. This is the reason so many patients are searching for medical treatments overseas, but I see strong local effort to bridge this gap. The aim is to improve the quality of life for all patients across the GCC who have chronic pain related to joints and bones, without the added cost and inconvenience of travelling abroad. ■
AH Arab Health Issue 4 2011 45
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