Berlin January 2010
Modern Challenges - Future Solutions
Planning a Revision
Professor Carsten Perka (Co-Chairman) discussed the challenges facing the surgeon in redo hip surgery. The audience was somewhat surprised by the problems relating to impingement and dislocation, which I identified in my presentation on ‘Factors Leading to Failure’. Implant removal in cementless and cemented total hip arthroplasty was addressed followed by techniques using modular and monobloc femoral revision components to reconstruct the femur.
Femoral Defects Addressed
The difficult cases provided the Faculty and delegates with insight into problems relating to massive bone stock loss and the techniques used in massive or mega prosthetic surgery, bone grafting, cement-in-cement surgery and periprosthetic fractures.
Acetabular Defects Addressed
Ian Stockley (Co-Chairman) noted that the majority of problems relating to hip joint surgery were attributable to the acetabular socket (as did Professor Michael Morlock in discussion with me between sessions). Presentations were made on traditional approaches, porous metal implants and pelvic discontinuity. I presented on 'Cementless Shell: The Solution?'. As a member of the Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel (ODEP), the knowledge gained from reviews and publications on acetabular implants, were of great benefit.
Orthopaedic Workshops
Teaching and technical tips were provided by members of the international faculty.
29 January 2010
Microbe Management – Not a small issue
This most extreme and devastating complication – joint infection – was debated after a presentation from Dr Robert Townsend ‘Superbugs and how to fight them’. He identified the current and future problems facing orthopaedic surgeons and their patients. Treatment protocols, antibiotic cement and one or two-stage revisions for sepsis were discussed in earnest.
Stability
The speakers reviewed the complication of dislocation as well as the concept and biomechanics of using varying head sizes in total hip arthroplasty.
Modern Challenges – Future solutions
Dr Katherina Guth described the existing research and applications of hydroxyapatite. This was followed by metallurgic response and future techniques. A faculty panel reviewed and debated some of the complex issues identified at this most exciting meeting.
The dense snow and sub-freezing temperatures provided a picturesque backdrop to this meeting which was held in the warmth and comfort of an auditorium.