Prof. Fritz Thorey

Modern joint replacement surgery: hip and knee replacements

One of Prof. Thorey’s particular areas of expertise is the fitting of artificial hip and knee joints. Where possible in individual cases, minimally invasive approaches are used for hip surgery. The decision as to whether a standard or short-stem prosthesis is appropriate is based on the patient’s individual anatomy and bone quality.

For conditions affecting the knee joint, the range of treatment options – depending on the specific findings – extends from joint-preserving procedures through partial prostheses, such as a sliding prosthesis, to total knee replacements.

In suitable cases, Prof. Thorey uses the robot-assisted Mako system for hip and knee surgery. This technology supports the individual planning of the procedure, taking the patient’s specific anatomy into account.

In addition to pain relief, treatment also focuses on taking the patient’s personal requirements and goals into account. Everyday life, work and sporting activities can be factored into the planning just as much as the medical requirements. The appropriate course of action for each individual case is discussed together.

Specialist in hip and knee replacement revisions

Prof. Thorey also possesses particular expertise in revision arthroplasty. A hip or knee prosthesis revision may be necessary, for example, in cases of loosening, wear and tear, infection or persistent symptoms with an existing artificial joint.

It is precisely these complex procedures that require careful diagnosis, individualised surgical planning and the relevant surgical experience. Prof. Thorey also treats challenging cases following previous operations.

Joint preservation and personalised treatment planning

Not every hip or knee condition requires an artificial joint replacement. Therefore, an individual assessment is carried out first to determine which conservative and joint-preserving treatment options are suitable and which approach is best suited to the specific condition and the patient’s circumstances.

Depending on the symptoms and findings, options such as physiotherapy, targeted exercise therapy or other conservative measures may be employed initially. If surgery is deemed appropriate, various joint-preserving techniques are available, depending on the condition.

For the hip, for example, arthroscopic procedures may be used to treat hip impingement. For the knee, the range of treatments includes, amongst other things, arthroscopy and corrections to the leg axis. Depending on the findings, Prof. Thorey also treats cartilage damage, for example with a cartilage cell transplant.

Where possible, the priority is to preserve the patient’s own joint. Prof. Thorey discusses which treatment is suitable in each individual case with the patient, based on the findings and their personal circumstances.

Second opinion prior to hip or knee surgery

Patients who wish to seek a specialist second opinion prior to a planned hip or knee operation may also contact Prof. Thorey with their existing medical reports.

Treatment at the International Centre for Orthopaedics at the ATOS Clinic in Heidelberg

Prof. Thorey practises at the International Centre for Orthopaedics at the ATOS Clinic in Heidelberg. Close collaboration with other specialist disciplines, such as internal medicine and vascular medicine, ensures round-the-clock care. Patients come from Heidelberg, Mannheim, Ludwigshafen and the entire Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region, as well as from across Germany and abroad.

Science and Research

In his scientific work, Prof. Thorey focuses, amongst other things, on bone-sparing and customised implants, bearing surfaces in hip and knee joints, robot-assisted endoprosthetics and cartilage therapy, and publishes regularly in international specialist journals. 

The combination of many years’ surgical experience, scientific work and specialisation in hip and knee surgery enables treatment tailored to the individual’s specific findings and personal requirements – ranging from joint preservation and initial joint replacement to complex revision surgery.