Exercise Is Everything—An Interview with Professor Gehrke

Exercise—that much is clear—has positive effects on health! Even the Greek philosopher Aristotle (c. 400 B.C.) emphasized that every form of exercise has a purpose. The writer Theodor Fontane (19th century) even suggested that air and exercise were the true “secret medical advisors” (which, in Prussian times, was something of an honorary title for doctors and medical officials).

For Professor Gehrke—an internationally renowned joint surgeon—restoring mobility and thereby alleviating pain is one of the main reasons why he is so passionate about his profession! Dr. Thorsten Gehrke has been working as an orthopedic surgeon for more than 20 years and has served as Medical Director of the HELIOS ENDO Clinic and Head of the Department of Orthopedic Joint Surgery and Endoprosthetics at the ENDO Clinic in Hamburg for the past 12 years.

The ENDO-Klinik is a world-leading specialty clinic for bone, joint, and spinal surgery. In addition to treating classic joint conditions affecting the hip and knee, the clinic also performs replacements, exchanges, and repairs on all other joints, such as the ankle and shoulder. A dedicated sports medicine department treats typical sports injuries such as meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and cartilage damage. Professor Gehrke specializes in the implantation and replacement of hip and knee joint endoprostheses. When asked why he chose to specialize in this particular field back then, the doctor replied: 

 “People with joint diseases caused by wear and tear or accidents have often endured months or even years of suffering, with a significant loss of quality of life. This can be remedied within a short time through the implantation of an artificial joint, restoring patients’ original quality of life in the vast majority of cases.”

In fact, thanks to his extensive experience, Professor Gehrke is able to perform a hip replacement in just over half an hour and a knee replacement in three-quarters of an hour. “What makes a good surgeon is, above all, years of experience and routine.” Gehrke explains that the success of a joint replacement procedure depends 70% on the doctor and 30% on the patient! But what role does the patient play here? 

“Of course, the patient must be motivated and personally convinced of the benefits of this treatment. The psychological aspect always plays a significant role in the healing process.”

The ENDO Clinic is also known for its high hygiene standards. To this end, it employs a hygiene management team consisting of physicians responsible for hygiene, hygiene specialists, and senior regional hygiene officers, who regularly and transparently communicate the results to the public. Hygiene plays a particularly important role in joint replacement surgery, as infection of an artificial joint is arguably the most serious complication of this procedure. At the ENDO Clinic—which has a global reputation as a specialty clinic, particularly in this field—many of these infections are treated very successfully.

In addition to these infection-related replacements of artificial joints, joints are also replaced that were previously misaligned, have become loose, or have failed to provide adequate support around the bone. The ENDO Clinic is the medical facility that performs the most endoprosthesis replacements worldwide. Nevertheless, it should be noted that, thanks to new surgical techniques and materials, a knee or hip endoprosthesis now lasts an average of up to 25 years. The experienced joint surgeon, who travels extensively, emphasizes the close collaboration with various university hospitals and laboratories around the world: 

“The great thing about our German healthcare system—and the ENDO Clinic in particular—is that we always have access to the best materials, regardless of the patient’s financial situation. Everyone in this country receives the best implant. This puts Germany far ahead of other countries!”

Mobility is a fundamental prerequisite for a good and healthy life. As a physician and specialist, Professor Gehrke works every day to help patients regain their mobility as soon as possible! Learn more about the medical expert Professor Gehrke in the Leading Medicine Guide.