Who is involved in your project?
Prof. Dr Achim Benditz, Director of the Clinic for Orthopaedics and Spine Centre, Marktredwitz
What is your research project about?
Herniated discs in the lumbar spine that radiate into the leg do not always require surgery. Approximately 80 per cent of these herniated discs can be successfully treated conservatively. This project is supported by the AOK. Accordingly, it is limited to AOK policyholders.
What excites you about the project?
Today, significantly more patients with herniated discs are operated on in Germany than about 20 years ago or in other Western European countries. For this reason, a structure is to be developed to roll out this treatment throughout Germany and thus save those affected from surgery.
How can findings from the project be applied in practice?
This healthcare research project is practically orientated and the selected catchment areas - urban and rural - allow for a Germany-wide roll-out.
Where does the research take place?
At the OTH Regensburg; but GPs and orthopaedic specialists in private practice are also involved, particularly in the region, who identify the patients in their practices. ZAR Regensburg", which is responsible for outpatient physiotherapy follow-up treatment, is also involved.
Current funding projects - click here for an overview.
