Orthopaedics

At the Swiss Paraplegic Centre, the Orthopaedics department is part of an interdisciplinary and interprofessional treatment team specialising in the treatment of disabilities of the locomotor system caused by paralysis. It is an essential factor in the treatment of problems of the locomotor system and in the care required to avoid recurrent events. The unique specialist combination of non-surgical and surgical skills enables us to play a key role in the interdisciplinary treatment of patients of all ages with a spinal cord injury.

Pain caused by tendon problems in the shoulder – Spasticity caused by osteoporotic fractures of the leg – Foot misalignment with skin problems – Restrictions to movement of the hip caused by the formation of bone spurs – Muscle weakness with a reduction in everyday mobility

Symptoms and problems of the locomotor system are often a consequence of congenital or acquired paralysis. In addition to incorrect or excessive strain due to the paralysis, triggers tend to be the reshaping or breakdown of the tissue structure of bones and soft tissue, vegetative dysregulation, and inadequate protective reactions. Patients are often unable to carry out the required corrections to posture or movement, which means that numerous small episodes of strain accumulate and, over time, result in serious and limiting problems.

The consequences can be severe: skin problems all the way to exposed inflamed bone, increase in spasticity or autonomic dysfunction (sweating, circulatory problems), deterioration of the seating position in the wheelchair, decreased independence, and increased requirements for assistance in everyday life.