Biomechanical modeling, fast-track surgery among highlights of 18th EFORT Annual Congress in Vienna

Issue: January 2017

At each EFORT Annual Congress, two orthopaedic surgeons with international reputations in their field of expertise are invited to present the Erwin Morscher and Michael Freeman Honorary Lectures. This year, EFORT is pleased to welcome Prof. Nico Verdonschot, from The Netherlands, and Prof. Henrik Kehlet, from Denmark, who will give these lectures on biomechanical modeling and fast-track surgery, respectively.

Thursday 1 June 2017 | 12:45 – 13:15

Development of patient-specific reconstructive methods using advanced imaging and biomechanical modeling techniques

Nico Verdonschot is professor in the Department of Biomechanical Engineering at Twente University and in the Orthopaedic Department of Radboud University Medical Center, where he has worked at the orthopaedic research laboratory for the last 28 years. Prof. Verdonschot coordinates two European consortia that are focused on orthobiomechanic problems and is the coauthor of more 260 related peer-reviewed publications.

Verdonschot’s multidimensional research has focused on computer simulations of implants, the prediction of fractures in weakened bones and musculoskeletal modeling. His work includes finite-element computer simulations, experimental testing, in vivo kinematics and musculoskeletal modeling.

His research group has contributed greatly to the field of orthobiomechanics with its advances in the functional analysis of knee and hip treatments, reconstruction of ligaments and bony defects around implants, and the treatment of soft tissue defects. They have, for instance, developed models to improve imaging-based orthopaedic and trauma surgery, as well designed implants, fracture fixation devices and instruments for minimally invasive surgery. These researchers have also evaluated various biomaterials for their efficiency and long-term effects.

Verdonschot and colleagues have studied several topics related to computer modeling, which include the effect of muscle loads on implants, simulation of periprosthetic bone remodeling, micromechanics of the cement-bone interface, fatigue behavior of bone cement, the process of bone in-growth into coated implants, simulation of fractures in bones affected by cancer, kinematic behavior of knee prostheses and sensitivity of musculoskeletal models to changes in muscle parameters.

Recently, his research has focused on generating patient-specific computer models using dynamic CT, MRI and ultrasound scanning. With these models, Verdonschot seeks to reproduce the human musculoskeletal system in the computer and then predict functional outcome after surgery.

Friday 2 June 2017 | 12:45 – 13:15

Fast-track hip and knee replacement – Have we reached the goal?

Henrik Kehlet is professor of Perioperative Therapy at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University in Denmark, and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (United Kingdom), the American College of Surgeons, the American Surgical Association, the German Surgical Society and the German Anaesthesiological Society.

Prof. Kehlet’s research interests are in surgical pathophysiology, acute pain physiology and treatment, the transition from acute to chronic pain, postoperative fatigue and organ dysfunction. He has published about 1,000 scientific articles predominantly about surgical pathophysiology, acute pain physiology and treatment, the surgical stress response, regional anesthesia, postoperative fatigue, postoperative immune function and perioperative morbidity. In the early 1990s, results of his research led to the concept of fast-track surgery, which has been implemented worldwide to help surgeons and patients attain pain-free and risk-free operations.

The concept of fast-track surgery is based on a multidisciplinary combination of post-surgical approaches to decrease complications and improve postoperative recovery. Clinical groups that have applied these concepts have reported a notable decrease in the hospital stay and need for medical care, as well as a diminished surgical morbidity.

Preoperative assessment is one of the key elements of fast-track surgery, according to Kehlet. This allows for complete evaluation of all surgical risks and stabilizing a patient’s pre-existing conditions to optimize organ function. Preoperative management also includes an educational component that can help reduce a patient’s preoperative anxiety. Information that is included focuses on the anticipated postoperative result, analgesia that will be administered and its requirements and mobilization programs that may be used.

In his lecture, Prof. Kehlet will explore what his well-known concept — fast-track surgery — has achieved to date and how it applies to hip and knee replacements, which are two of the most frequently performed orthopaedic procedures.

Do not miss the opportunity to acquire state-of-the-art knowledge on these two hot topics in orthopaedics and be updated on these areas of research. Attendance at these sessions is included in the full Congress registration. Visit the registration platform for details and rates.