Endoprosthetics Munich (Bavaria): Prof. Dr Patrick Weber

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Prof Dr Patrick Weber is a specialist in endoprosthetics in a practice at ECOM - Practice for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Trauma Surgery, and Head Physician of Hip and Knee Endoprosthetics at the ATOS Clinic in Munich.

Due to his many years of experience in a leading position in the field of arthroplasty at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Prof Dr Patrick Weber covers the entire field of arthroplasty, including complex situations such as hip dysplasia and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Themed ECOM® Excellent Center of Medicine treats patients with excellence at all levels and according to the principle of "fast track recovery," i.e., rapid recovery of mobility and sports ability. This is achieved, for example, by specializing in minimally invasive approaches. Treatment is evidence-based and always in line with the latest scientific findings. Prof Weber is certified by EndoCert® through Dr Lubos Klinik as a primary surgeon for endoprostheses.

Specialist for Knee Endoprostheses: Anatomical Implantation of the Artificial Knee Joint

If drug therapy or joint-preserving interventions fail, the knee joint can be replaced by a total endoprosthesis as a last alternative to achieve freedom from pain in the best case.

Depending on the individual situation, Prof Dr Weber advises his patients on the most sensible therapy option. If the cartilage is damaged on only one side of the joint surface, only the affected side of the femur can be replaced by a partial prosthesis if the capsule ligaments are intact.

The joint between the patella and the femur can also be affected by isolated cartilage defects. If this is the case, only the sliding surface of the patella (kneecap) needs to be replaced prosthetically.

If, on the other hand, several parts of the cartilage-covered joint surface are affected, a total endoprosthesis of the knee joint becomes necessary (bicondylar prosthesis).

In the conventional installation of a knee prosthesis, the prosthesis is implanted at 90° to the axis of the femur and tibia, regardless of the patient's anatomy. Since with this technique, up to 15% of patients are not satisfied with the implanted artificial knee joint, among others, because the ligament sheath does not fit the position of the endoprosthesis, Prof Weber has been operating according to the principle of kinematic alignment for many years. To do this, he first analyzes the patient's anatomy and implants the prosthesis according to these specifications. This also allows implantation while correcting pronounced deformities.

Prof Weber also implants the artificial knee joints with robotic support (MAKO Smart robotics) at the ATOS Private Clinic in Munich. This involves 3D planning before the surgery using computer tomography so that the prosthesis covers the bone optimally. During the surgery, the ligament tension of the knee joint is digitally recorded and included in the planning so that further corrections can be made to implant the artificial knee in the optimal position in relation to the bone with the correct ligament tension. It is important to mention that the robot only assists the surgeon in positioning the instruments. The surgeon continuously carries out the surgery himself and controls it accordingly.

Hip Surgery in Munich: Implantation of Hip Endoprostheses Using the AMIS Method

In the case of irreparable damage to the hip joint cartilage layer, implanting a hip endoprosthesis is often necessary. For this purpose, the surgeon can choose various approaches to the hip joint. Thanks to many years of experience, Prof Dr Patrick Weber has found the AMIS method (anterior minimally invasive surgery) to be the most effective one and, at the same time, the gentlest access route. The surgical access is only made through a small skin incision. The underlying musculature is not sectioned but simply pushed aside to reach the joint. Optimal sparing of nerves, blood vessels, and muscles can minimize pain, blood loss, and healing time.

A unique operating table with a leg holder is required for the method to allow the surgeon to take full advantage of this. Prof Weber has the most modern equipment to apply this patient-friendly procedure safely. The gentle approach even allows simultaneous implantation of an endoprosthesis on both sides.

Complex Revision Surgery: Greatest Expertise in Changing Hip and Knee Endoprostheses 

Prostheses may need to be replaced after approximately fifteen to twenty years, even without serious complications. Removing the prosthesis is often just as unavoidable if an infection develops postoperative in the area around the artificial joint.

Prof Dr Weber also has a high level of experience in the surgical replacement of endoprostheses of the knee and hip joint due to his many years of leading work at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich (LMU).

State-of-the-Art Therapy and Treatment Methods for Coxarthrosis

Surgery is not always advisable for incipient osteoarthritis in the hip joint. First of all, conservative therapy should always be attempted. Effective pain relief and anti-inflammation using medication can create the basis for moderate exercise and physiotherapy.

These measures are supposed to reduce pain and delay the progressive degeneration of the articular cartilage. If conservative measures fail, Prof Weber only advises his patients to undergo endoprosthesis treatment.

Gonarthrosis Treatment: Many Years of Experience in Surgery & Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

Prof Weber also initially treats newly occurring arthrosis in the knee joint with conservative measures to positively influence the course of the disease. Using anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving injections into the joint space, an extended range of motion can be established, which counteracts relieving postures and possibly makes physiotherapy or sporting activities possible for the patient in the first place. Cycling is essential in this regard, as expanded exercise of the joint occurs without impact movements or large gravitational loads.

If conservative treatment attempts fail, arthroscopy (joint endoscopy) may be carried out first to treat smaller cartilage lesions minimally invasively. A total knee joint endoprosthesis is only necessary as a last measure.

Individually Adapted Treatment Concepts for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

Bone substances can die off due to a lack of blood supply to the femoral head, causing pain and instability. Suppose painkillers and pressure relief through forearm crutches do not show sufficient success. In that case, Prof Dr Weber first recommends minimally invasive relief drilling to stimulate blood flow in the area of the deficient femoral head.

If the femoral head is affected by extensive necrosis, a total endoprosthesis may be necessary to ensure the joint's stability.

Please visit the ECOM - Practice for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Trauma Surgery and the website of the ATOS Clinic Munich for more information about Prof Dr Patrick Weber.