Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Ertel, MD, FACS

A healthy locomotor system is essential for our wellbeing as it makes an important contribution to our quality of life. The muscle and joint problems that increasingly come with old age are accompanied by pain and severely restrict us in our everyday lives. Arthrosis, osteoarthritis, back pain and osteoporosis are typical orthopaedic complaints. Orthopaedic specialists also treat fractures following an accident, as well as spinal injuries.

Most patients who travel to Germany for orthopaedic treatment wish to undergo joint replacement surgery and receive an artificial knee or hip. 

Before any orthopaedic procedure begins, a comprehensive diagnosis must be carried out, if necessary using X-rays or MRI and CT scans. Wherever possible, preference will be given to conservative treatment so as to avoid surgery. If surgery is the only option, Berlin’s hospitals have the very latest medical equipment at their disposal. A slipped disc for instance can be corrected by performing a minimally-invasive procedure. A follow-up course of rehabilitative therapy allows patients to quickly regain their mobility.