From endoprosthetics to foot surgery and spinal orthopedics, the Orthopedic Clinic and Polyclinic of Rostock University Medical Center covers a wide range of treatments for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. We spoke with Clinic Director Prof. Wolfram Mittelmeier about what the clinic offers in the preventive area.
Prof. Mittelmeier: Of course, in the day-to-day running of a clinic, the focus is on the entire range of treatment options for illnesses or injuries. But there are certainly opportunities to take a preventive approach. In our pediatric orthopedic consultation, for example: If we are dealing with overweight children, we recommend - in addition to specific treatment - more exercise and a healthy diet. This often has an impact on the whole family. In this way, both the patient and the environment benefit from a consciously healthy lifestyle. Prevention of the musculoskeletal system is one of the focal points of our sports orthopedics section. In addition, with the involvement of physiotherapists and sports scientists, we look after the German national karate squad and, in our sports consultation hours, many young, healthy athletes - both prevention at a high level.
Does your heart beat for athletes?
Prof. Mittelmeier: Yes. Children and adolescents, who are still growing, are particularly prone to asymmetrical load profiles. Regular orthopedic checkups prevent joint damage in competitive athletes at an early stage. In orthopedic consultations, we also try to teach people to integrate sports units into their life profile. Together with the Moorbad Bad Doberan Rehabilitation Clinic, we are also partners in the "Treated like a top athlete" program of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health insurance fund for injuries typical of sports.
You are one of Germany's top physicians in hip and knee surgery; your clinic is recognized as a maximum care endoprosthetics center and has thus been highly ranked in Focus lists for several years. Do guests in the country also benefit from your expertise?
Prof. Mittelmeier: In the field of arthroplasty, we are currently forming a network with other hospitals, rehabilitation clinics and centers, practicing therapists and orthopedic technology companies. Accompanied by a digital networking structure, we are pursuing several goals: Patients should receive appointments more quickly, and the transfer from the acute clinic to rehab should be seamless. In the orthopedic field, we also want to optimize the transfer strategies between hospitals. Video conferencing and the digital transfer of patient data are designed to avoid the occasional complications that have arisen to date. All of this will also benefit patients who do not come from MV. By the way, we have arranged discounts with selected hotels for the accommodation of accompanying relatives.