In reality, one cannot understate how important it is to find a spine surgeon who is proficient in the most current disc replacement procedures and technology. So age, or time in medical practice, is not necessarily a good indicator of proficiency or ability with the most current technology.
The best approach for a patient is to research the surgeon’s capabilities and the volume of disc replacement cases they do.
A good spine surgeon will be cautious but open-minded about new technology. If the surgeon you are meeting with discourages questions, or outright dismisses or criticizes disc replacement, those are warning signs to explore a second opinion from someone with experience with the latest options in spine surgery.
Dr. Karsten Ritter-Lang – Orthopedic Surgeon – Trauma Surgeon – Medical Director
As one of the worlds first Disc Replacement surgeons Dr. Ritter-Lang has the experience to properly evaluate each patients situation.
With all the options available the solutions he can offer will give you the best chance of a successful surgery outcome.
First Disc Replacement Surgeons?
Dr. Ritter-Lang was involved in the introduction of Disc Replacement as an advanced spine solution since its beginnings over 20 years ago and has been doing M6 Disc Replacement longer than any surgeon in the world.
Dr. Ritter-Lang has performed over 10,000 spinal column reconstruction surgeries and has done over 6,000 Disc Replacement procedures using a wide range of the most advanced Disc Replacement implants both cervical and lumbar.
Dr. Ritter-Lang earned the title of Specialist for Trauma Surgery in 2009.
Dr. Ritter-Lang is one of the most respected speakers worldwide at symposiums about orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery regarding spinal surgery using artificial inter-vertebral discs. His participation in the ongoing development of inter-vertebral disc prosthetics technology, prototypes, and implants, provides great benefits to the patients he treats. Patients come from all over the world for the advanced, and often complex, spinal surgery solutions provided by Dr. Ritter-Lang and his highly qualified team.
Dr. Ritter-Lang is among an elite group of the most experienced Disc Replacement Surgeons in the world, and has dedicated his career to the sub-specialty of Disc Replacement.
• 1985 – 1991 Medical studies at the Medical Faculty of Humboldt-University (Charité) Berlin
• 1991 State Examination and License to practice medicine
• 1991 Doctorate in medicine
• 1991 – 2000 Employed at the orthopedic university hospital of the Charité Berlin (Medical Director Prof. Zippel)
• 1991 – 1993 Ward physician children’s orthopedics
• 1993 – 1996 Ward physician spine surgery
• 1996 Awarded title of Orthopedic Specialist
• 1996 – 2000 Senior physician and Head of the Spine surgery Department
• 2000 Foundation of private practice in Potsdam (near Berlin)
• 2000 – 2002 Co-operating surgeon in Special Clinic for Orthopedics – Asklepios Clinic
• 2000 – 2012 Co-operating surgeon Clinic Hoyerswerda
• 2002 – 2010 Co-operating surgeon Clinic Sommerfeld
• 2003 – 2012 Co-operating surgeon in Special Clinic for Orthopedics – Stenum Hospital – Bremen
• 2009 Awarded title of Specialist for Trauma Surgery
• 2010 – current Co-operating surgeon in Special Clinic for Orthopedics – Asklepios Clinic Birkenwerder
• since 2012 Medical Director of Special Clinic for Orthopedics – Stenum Hospital – Bremen