THE JOY TO MOVE

We realise what a worth movement is only when something happens that seriously restricts our usual routine. Stiffening, traumas, diseases: there is hardly a person who hasn't faced or who won't face in the future some of these problems. In some cases the solution can be only surgical.

Here contemporary orthopedics and traumatology come to help. In Bulgaria are applied not only some of the most innovative and effective treatment methods, such as artificial joints implantation and minimally invasive diagnostics and treatment. For their part, the best specialists in the field have the ambition to achieve more and to make their own path.

"Humans share the same anatomy, which however is individual for each person," says Assistant Professor Dr Ventsi Rosmanov, head of the Orthopedy and Traumatology Clinic at St Panteleimon Hospital in Pleven and a pioneer in computer modelling, crafting and application of individual prostheses in pelvic bones (phone: 0888 327 030, v_rossmanov@mail.bg). "Destruction of pelvic bones due to tumours often ask for a replacement with something similar. In 1986, while on a six-year internship, I had such patients operated with a method created by an American orthopedist. It used an intraoperative construction of two steel nails around which a sculpture of bone cement and metal wire was made. Then I had the idea to scan in sections the pelvis, including the tumour, to make a one to one 3D model, to define the place of the bone incisions via a mathematical model, to refine the volume of the surgery in advance, to make and sterilise an individual pelvic model, to produce it, to sterilise it, and to apply it. I solved the task together with two engineers. This is one of the hardest surgeries for both the patient and the team, as almost half of the pelvis is removed and replaced. Such thing was not done before us. Today it is in the basis of individual pelvic prosthetics around the world, of course with the use of powerful hardware, software and modern materials, and 3D printers."

For most people orthopedic problems and diseases are something that happens as one ages. Indeed, with the accumulation of years problems like joint wear and tear start to develop. The popularity of sports as a way to maintain physical condition has led to an increase of sport traumas, while another part of the adult population suffers from problems linked to contemporary lifestyle such as obesity and sedentary living.

Children, however, are not insured from problems of the musculoskeletal system.

Scoliosis is a sideway deformation of the spine and the rotation of the vertebrae around their axis. The disease appears in childhood and have serious implication on life and health.

"Deformation of the ribcage in scoliosis is something more than a cosmetic defect, it can cause serious heart and lung problems. That is why early diagnosis and follow up of the scoliosis treatment are important," says Dr Ivaylo Kamenov, an orthopedist and traumatologist (Queen Johanna University Hospital, Clinic for Orthopedy and Traumatology: Sofia, 8 Byalo More St; 23th Diagnostic and Consultative Centre: Sofia, 20 Klisura St; Appointments: 0888 886 612, www.drivaylokamenov.com). "The most important thing in the early stage in scoliosis treatment is medical gymnastics, breathing and balance exercises, swimming. Children should read and study lying on their tummy, and should avoid lifting weights and jumping. Examinations every six months are a must."

What should we do so our children do not develop orthopedic problems? "Babies should be able to kick freely with their legs," explains Dr Kamenov. "Thanks to new diapers today the frequency of dysplasia and congenital luxation has significantly decreased. Children, however, are in a danger of developing flat foot. The result could be pain after long walks or playing. Walking barefoot is one of the best ways for children to develop normal, healthy feet. Medical gymnastics and orthopedic insoles also help."

Movement remains the main form of prophylaxis for adults who want to avoid orthopedic problems. "You cannot speak of healthy living if one doesn't have the habit of staying physically active," says Dr Kamenov. "Insufficient muscular activity is a predisposition for the so-called hypodynamic that affects negatively the motor apparatus, decreases bone strength and joints flexibility. The muscles start to loose mass and weight, and psychological and emotional changes unfold. That is why if you want to be physically and psychologically healthy you have to move."