Spine specialists focus on complex operations for scoliosis
As a specialist clinic, the Sportklinik Hellersen is an integral part of the hospital landscape and is one of the top hospitals in its disciplines in many areas, such as endoprosthetics and spinal surgery. And the specialist clinic is constantly expanding this expertise. For example, the German Spine and Scoliosis Center recently became part of the Sportklinik Hellersen.
The Special Spinal Surgery department was founded in 2020 with Head Physician Dr. Oliver Meier. This completed the existing interdisciplinary spine center and added highly complex operations and treatments for severe instabilities. Since its beginnings, not only has the medical team steadily expanded over the past three years, but also the medical expertise in all aspects of back health. The department places particular emphasis on the treatment of scoliosis - a three-dimensional deformity of the spine.
Dr. Oliver Meier, Head Physician of Special Spinal Surgery, is one of the most respected spinal surgeons in Germany and is known worldwide. In his 30 years of practice, he has already operated on more than 1,200 scolioses. Patients come from all over Germany and abroad to be treated by him and his team. Many of his patients come from Arab countries such as Qatar and Dubai. "A great deal of experience and expertise is particularly important for spinal surgery. Germany is known in Qatar and the Gulf States for its excellent medical reputation. Especially when it comes to the treatment of bones. Patients often come to us through personal recommendations and the embassy has also provided the contact addresses of some doctors. Just like ours," explains Head Physician Dr. Oliver Meier. Over the past three years, the number of international patients at the Sportklinik Hellersen has once again increased significantly.
Whether growing systems for adolescent scoliosis, adult scoliosis or neuromuscular cogenital scoliosis - the interdisciplinary spine center has become the "German Spine and Scoliosis Center" thanks to its special focus on highly complex spinal interventions.In addition to special spinal surgery, this includes conservative orthopaedics and spinal surgery. "We offer our patients a single unit for all aspects of the back. Our expertise ranges from non-surgical injection procedures and microscopically minimally invasive disc surgery to highly complex interventions for deformities. With the German Spine and Scoliosis Center, we can now highlight this range of services even more clearly," says Dirk Burghaus, Chairman of the Management Board of Sportklinik Hellersen.
What is scoliosis?
According to the German Scoliosis Network, two percent of all young people between the ages of ten and 16 suffer from scoliosis. The earlier it starts, the more it can worsen as a result of growth.
Up to a curvature of 20 degrees, it is treated with physiotherapy and sport, while adolescents with a curvature of 30 degrees or more are initially treated with a corset in order to shape the growing spine conservatively. From 50 degrees, surgery is necessary, but only when the patient is fully grown. This is usually the case at the age of 13 to 15. A specific cause for this condition is not yet known. It is suspected that there is a genetic component. It is also noticeable that more girls than boys suffer from scoliosis.
Press contact
Sarah Burghaus
Head of Marketing & Communications, Press Officer
sarah.burghaus@hellersen.de
Marie Schulz
Marketing & Communications Officer
marie.schulz@hellersen.de
