Los mejores neurocirujanos de Discectomía endoscópica — TOP-13 médicos

Op. Dr. Ahmet Kurtulmuş graduated from İzmir Private Turkish College in 1986. He completed his medical education at Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine. Between 1992 and 1996, he specialized in Orthopedics and Traumatology at İzmir Atatürk Hospital. Between 2000 and 2006, Dr. Ahmet Kurtulmuş operated his own private clinic at the same time, where he managed his patients and performed surgeries at an affiliated private hospital with which he had an agreement. Due to unchanged regulations during that period, he was also able to work at a state hospital in addition to managing his private clinic and conducting surgeries at the affiliated private hospital. From 1997 to 2012, he continued his career as a chief resident at the same hospital. Between 2012 and 2021, he worked at Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital. After retiring from public service in 2021, he worked at Özel Ege Yaşam Hospital and Özel Ege İnci Surgical Medical Center. Since 2023, he has been practicing medicine in his private clinic. He is proficient in English. Married and a father of two, he is a member of the Turkish Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology and the Turkey Sports Injuries Arthroscopy and Knee Surgery Association.

Experience

2022

Private Nisa Hospital

2022 - 2022

American Hip Institute Chicago, USA

2018 - 2022

Health Sciences University Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital

2016 - 2018

Erzincan Mengücek Gazi Training and Research Hospital

2015 - 2015

Helios Endo Clinic, Hamburg, Germany

2015 - 2015

UPENN Sports Medicine Center, Philadelphia, USA

Education

2021

ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY ISTANBUL FACULTY OF MEDICINE, Department of Sports Medicine, Football Medicine

2016

Health Sciences University, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology

2009

ISTANBUL UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE

A graduate of Marmara University Faculty of Medicine (Ing), one of the most established educational institutions of our country, Op.Dr. Yusuf BAYRAM completed his specialty education at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of Umraniye Training and Research Hospital of Health Sciences University in Istanbul.

It successfully performs arthroscopic (closed) knee, shoulder and ankle surgeries; general orthopedic applications other than Knee, Shoulder and Hip replacements and all orthopedic trauma surgeries.

He is particularly interested in the diagnosis, treatment and surgery of spinal diseases (Scoliosis, Kyphosis, Spinal fractures, Herniated disc, Slipped waist, Canal stenosis, etc.). It applies current treatment methods safely thanks to experience, knowledge and modern technology.

With more than 1000 surgeries performed so far, he continues his surgical life intensively thanks to positive feedback from patients and his energy.

MEDICAL INTEREST

Spinal Surgery

Arthroscopic (Closed) Knee, Shoulder and Ankle Surgery

Knee, Hip and Shoulder Replacement Surgery

All Orthopedic Traumas

Deformity Surgery

Certificates

1. The Course of Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery, 1990, Oulu, Finland.

2. European Course participation that holds by EANS for 5 years cycle (Amsterdam/1988, Rostock/1989, Çeşme/1994, Klagenfurt/1995, Aalborg/1996).

3. "Primary Examination" for European Board was passed in Klagenfurt,1995, Austria.

4."Advanced Training on Functional Disorders with Leksell Gamma Knife", 2004, Marseille, France.

5. "Advanced Training on Vestibular Schwannomas and Skull Base Surgery wiyh Leksell Gamma Knife", 2004, Marseille, France.

6. The certificate for "DISC Nucleoplasty in Cervical and Lumbar Disc Diseases", 2004, Freiburg, Germany.

7. "Neuropathfinder" Train - the - Trainer Meeting, 2009, Wien, Austria.

8. " Neuropathfinder" Train - the - Trainer Meeting, 2011, Athens, Greece.

9. The certificate for "Full- Endoscopic Spine Surgery", 2011, Herne, Germany.

He was born in Niğde which is the city middle part of Anatolia. He studied high school in Adana. He graduated from Ankara University Medical School of Medicine. He started his career at Bakırköy Neurological Sciences Hospital in Zeki Oral MD.’s Clinic in 1987 and finished his Neurosurgery residency in 1993. During this period, he completed his micro neurosurgery education, which was a breakthrough for him, at Zurich University “Professor M. Gazi Yaşargil’s Clinic”.

Between 1993-2003, he worked as a teaching assistant and then as an assistant professor at the Professor Necmettin Pamir’s Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University. At the same time, he obtained clinical and surgical gains in the field of neurooncology and vascular neurosurgery at Professor Donlin M. Long and Daniele Rigamonti's Clinic at Johns Hopkins University, USA. In 2003, he received the title of Associate Professor of Neurosurgery.

Between 2004-2010, he worked as Chief of Clinic in Göztepe Training and Research Hospital of Ministry of Health. During this period, he led his clinic to become the only accredited clinic by EANS (The European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) in Turkey, with its educational and care services. During this period, he completed his endoscopic skull base training starting at the University of Pittsburgh.

In 2010, he started to work for Acıbadem University Faculty of Medicine and became a Professor of Neurosurgery. He established the Neurosurgery Department in Medipol University Faculty of Medicine on 2012. He served as a Head of Neurosurgery Department in Memorial Health Group Istanbul Hospitals between 2014-2018. He served Neurosurgery Department of Maslak Hospital of Acıbadem Health Group with his team between 2018- September 2021.

Since 01.10.2021, He have started to work with his team at my private clinic located in Fulya and Ulus Hospital of Liv Health Group.

He served as the founding chairman of ”Skull Base Society” in Turkey. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the European Skull Base Society (ESBS).

There are more than 110 scientific papers which he hs published in international refereed journals (SCI/SCIEx) and in national refereed journals and 18 scientific articles. He Has more than 250 scientific congress presentations, published books and chapters in books.

Experience

2019 – 2019

• University of Insubria, Varese, Italy, 

Insubria University Faculty of Medicine

2015

• MERSİN UNIVERSITY/FACULTY OF MEDICINE, DOCTOR, LECTURER

2013 – 2015

• ANKARA PRIVATE ACIBADEM HOSPITAL

2010 – 2012

• DIYARBAKIR TRAINING AND RESEARCH HOSPITAL,

2002 – 2003

• AYDIN 1ST PRIVATE TRAINING BATTALION
•  

Education

2010

• ANKARA UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF MEDICINE, BRAIN AND SURGERY SPECIALIST

1992

• GAZI UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF MEDICINE

• 2017;Yakın Doğu Üniversite Hastanesi
• 2015 - 2017; Aksaz Asker Hastanesi
• 2010 - 2015; GATA Haydarpaşa Eğitim Hastanesi Ankara
• 2001 - 2007; GATA Tıp Fakültesi Ankara

Over 60 articles published in International and National Peer Reviewed Scientific Journals

Over 50 papers-posters presented in International and National Meetings-Congresses

Articles published in international peer reviewed journals (SCI & SCI exp.):

1. Aydin A,Wollstein G, Price LL, Fujimoto JG, Schuman JS. Optical coherence tomography assessment of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness changes after glaucoma surgery. Ophthalmology. 2003:110(8);1506-1511.
2. Aydin A, Wollstein G, Price LL, Schuman JS. Evaluating pulsatile ocular blood flow analysis in normal and treated glaucomatous eyes. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003;136(3):448-453.
3. Schuman JS, Wollstein G, Farra T, Hertzmark E, Aydin A,Fujimoto JG, Paunescu LA. Comparison of optic nerve head measurements obtained by optical coherence tomography and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Am J Ophthalmol  2003:135;504-512.
4. Wollstein G, Schuman JS, Price LL, Aydin  A,Beaton BA, Stark PC, Fujimoto JG, Ishikawa H. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) macular and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer measurements and automated visual fields.  Am J Ophthalmol. 2004;138(2):218-225.
5. Wollstein G, Schuman JS, Price LL, Aydin A,Stark PC, Hertzmark E, Lai E, Ishikawa H, Mattox C, Fujimoto JG, Paunescu LA. Optical coherence tomography longitudinal evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in glaucoma. Arch Ophthalmol. 2005;123:464-470.
6. Ersanli D, Unal M, Aydin A,Gulecek O, Kalemoglu M. Results of pars plana vitrectomy in closed-globe injuries. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2005;36:182-186 .
7. Aydin A,Akin T, Bilge AH. Management of persistent glaucoma secondary to depot methylprednisolone. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging. 2007;38:399-401.
8. Ersanli D, Top C, Oncul O, Aydin A,Terekeci H. Relationship between serum soluble E-selectin levels and development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Scand J Clin Lab Invest. 2007 ;67 :474-479.
9. Akin T, Aykan U, Karadayı K, Aydin A, Yildiz TF, Bilge AH. Capsulorhexis in white cataract using a green-light endoillumination probe. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2007 ;38 :520-522.
10. Unal M, Aydin A,Sonmez M, Ayata A, Ersanli D. Validation of the ocular trauma score for intraocular foreign bodies in deadly weapon-related open-globe injuries. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2008 ;39:121-124.
11. Aydin A,Karadayi K, Aykan U, Can G, Colakoglu K, Bilge AH. [Effectiveness of topical ciclosporin A treatment after excision of primary pterygium and limbal conjunctival autograft.]  J Fr Ophtalmol 2008;31 :699-704.
12. Dogru S, Gungor A, Kucukodaci Z, Aydin A,Senol MG, Karabudak O, Cincik H, Gunes M, Salihoglu M. Lipoid proteinosis-report of three cases and brief review of the literature. The American Journal of Case Report, 2008;9:346-350.
13. Aydin A,Ayata A, Sabahyildizi M, Ersanli D. [Poland-Möbius syndrome associated with lacrimal punctal and canalicular agenesis.] J Fr Ophtalmol 2010;33:119.e1-e5.
14. Aydin A,Velioglu M, Ersanli D. [Orbital varix presenting with enophthalmos. A case report ]. J Fr Ophtalmol 2010;33: 344.e1-344.e5.
15. Aydin A, Cakir A, Ersanli D. Isolated extraocular muscle involvement as the ophthalmic manifestation of leukemia- another explanation. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2010;38(6):651.
16. Aydin A,Cakir A, Sayan O, Haholu A, Velioglu M, Ersanli D. Intraocular pressure elevation in isolated extraocular muscle infiltration by leukaemia. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol 2011 Apr;39(3):283-5.
17. Aydin A, Aksoy Y, Unal MH, Ersanli D. [Necrotizing scleritis after pterygium surgery using mitomycyn C.] J Fr Ophtalmol 2012;Jan;35(1):74-75.
18. Aydin A,Sabahyildizi M, Bilge AH. [Management of extruded haptic of an anterior chamber lens.] J Fr Ophtalmol 2012 Apr;35(4):315.
19. Aydin A,Cakir A, Unal MH, Ersanli D. Central serous retinal detachment following glaucoma filtration surgery. J Fr Ophtalmol 2012;35:529.e1-529.e5.
20. Aydin A, Sabahyildizi, Kocak I. Auto-refractometer may assist in discovering asymptomatic iridociliary cysts. J Fr Ophtalmol 2014;37(5);e.71-e.72.
21. 21. Kocak I, Aydin A, Kaya F, Koc H.Comparison of transepithelial corneal collagen crosslinking with epithelium-off crosslinking in progressive keratoconus J Fr Ophtalmol 2014;37(5): 371-376
22. Kocak I, Kocak F, Teker B, Aydin A, Kaya F, Baybora H. Evaluation of bacterial contamination rate of the anterior chamber during phacoemulsification surgery using an automated microbial detection system. Int J Ophthalmol 2014;7(4):686-688
23. Cakir A, Duzgun E, Demir S, Aydin A. Jerky see-saw nystagmus with internuclear ophthalmoplegia as the presenting finding in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Fr Ophtalmol 2014;37(10):e157-159.
24. A4. Kocak I, Aydin A, Sahbaz I, Kaya F, Baybora H. The management of corneal melt occurring after collagen cross-linking for keratoconus. J Fr Ophtalmol 2015;38(1):e11-13.
25. Aydin A,Kocak I, Aykan U, Can G, Sabahyildizi M, Ersanli D. The influence of the learning effect on automated perimetry in Turkish people. J Fr Ophtalmol 2015;38(7):628-632.
26. Kaya F, Kocak I, Aydin A, Baybora H, Karabela Y. Comparison of different formulas for intraocular lens power calculation using a new optical biometer. J Fr Ophtalmol 2015; Jul 20. pii: S0181-5512(15)00223-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jfo.2015.03.006.
27. Kocak I, Aydin A, Kaya F, Baybora H, Bozkurt S.Efficacy of radial keratotomy in the optical rehabilitation of mild to moderate keratoconus cases. Int Eye Scı 2015;15:572-576
28. Porter LF, Galli GG, Williamson S, Selley J, Knight D, Elcioglu N, Aydin A, Elcioglu M, Venselaar H, Lund AH, Bonshek R, Black GC, Manson FD.  A role for repressive complexes and H3K9 di-methylation in PRDM5-associated brittle cornea syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2015;24(23):6565-6579.
29. Kaya F, Kocak I, Aydin A, Baybora H, Koc H, Karabela Y. Effect of aflibercept on persistent macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2018 Nov;41(9):809-813.
30. Balci O, Tanriverdi C, Aydin A, Ozsutcu M, Gulkilik G, Kocabora MS. Evaluation of changes in retinal and choroidal thickness using spectral domain optical coherence tomography in unilateral non granulomatous acute anterior uveitis. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2019 Feb;42(2):138-145.
31. Cakir A, Erden B, Bolukbasi S, Aydin A, Yurttaser Ocak S, Maden G, Elcioglu MN. Comparison of the effect of ranibizumab and dexamethasone implant in diabetic macular edema with concurrent epiretinal membrane. J Fr Ophtalmol.2019 Sep;42(7):683-689.

Papers presented at international scientific meetings and published in the proceedings book:

1. Schuman JS, Wollstein G, Paunescu AL, Ishikawa H, Aydin A, Hertzmark E, Fujimoto JG, Mattox C. Optical Coherence Tomography longitudinal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness assessment. Presented at the International Congress of Eye Research (ISER), Geneva, Switzerland, Oct. 2002.
2. Aydin A, Wollstein G, Price LL, Schuman JS. Optical coherence tomography assessment of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness changes after glaucoma surgery.  Poster presentation at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting, Orlando, FL, USA, Oct. 2002.
3. Wollstein G, Schuman JS, Price LL, Aydin A, Hertzmark E, Ishikawa H, Mattox C, Fujimoto JG, Paunescu AL. Evaluating longitudinal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness changes with Optical Coherence Tomography. Presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting, Orlando, USA, Oct. 2002.
4. Wollstein G, Schuman JS, Hertzmark E, Aydin A. Optical Coherence Tomography findings predicting future visual field progression.  Presented at the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) annual meeting, San Francisco, CA, USA, March 2003.
5. Wollstein G, Schuman JS, Price LL, Aydin A, Hertzmark E, Ishikawa H, Mattox C, Paunescu AL, Fujimoto JG. Longitudinal Optical Coherence Tomography evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in glaucoma patients. Presented at the 4thInternational Glaucoma Symposium (IGS), March 2003, Barcelona, Spain.
6. Wollstein G, Schuman JS, Price LL, Aydin A, Paunescu LA, Stark PC, Fujimoto JG, Ishikawa H. Relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT) macular and peripapillary measurements and automated visual fields. Submitted for presentation at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting, May 7, 2003.
7. Aydin A, Karadayi K, Can G, Colakoglu K, Bilge AH. Efficacité du traitement topique de ciclosporine A après l’excision du ptérygion primaire et l’autogreffe conjonctivo-limbique. Communication Orale, 114eCongrès de la Société Française d’Ophtalmologie (SFO 2008) ,Du 10 mai au 14 mai 2008 Palais des Congrès,JFO Résumés page :1s38 Paris, France.
8. Aydin A, Aykan U, Sabahyildizi M, Ersanli D. The influence of the learning effect on automated perimetry in Turkish people. World Glaucoma Congress 2009, 8-11 July 2009, Boston, MA USA.
9. Tanyuksel M, Aydin A, Unal MH, Ersanli D, Ozyurt M, Koru O, Araz E, Kilbas ZG. Acanthamoeba keratitis in a pregnant contact lens wearer in Turkey. Poster presentation, 58thAnnual Meeting of ASTMH (American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene) November  18-22, 2009, Washington, D.C., USA.
10. Salcan I, Akyan U, Colakoglu K, Aydin A, Ersanli D. The correlation of angle opening distance, angle recess area and trabecular-irisangle in the quantitative evaluation of the anterior chamber angle by ultrasound biomicroscopy. 9th European Glaucoma Society Congress 12-17 September 2010, Madrid Spain.
11. Aykan U, Sabahyildizi M, Salcan I, Aydin A, Ersanli D. The outcome of combined laser iridotomy and selective laser trabeculoplasty in a case with bilateral ocular hypertension secondary to pigment dispersion caused by extensive irido-ciliary cysts. 9th European Glaucoma Society Congress 12-17 September 2010, Madrid Spain.
12. Aydın A, Aykan U, Çakır A, Ersanlı D. “Ocular hypertension in isolated extraocular muscle infiltration by leukemia’’ 9th European Glaucoma Society Congress, 12-17 September 2010, Madrid Spain.

Turkish Books Section

Aydin A. Glokomda Yeni ilaçlar ve Modern İlaç Uygulama Yöntemleri. In: Glokom, Temel Kavramlar ve Yenilikler. Ocakoğlu Ö, Bayer A, Elgin U Eds. Anadolu Tıp Kitabevi, Ankara 2021 1st ed. Bölüm 36 p:375-381. ISBN:978-605-80205-3-5.

Awards:

• Ayata A, Aydın A, Duman C, Bilge AH. “Rapunzel” (fotoğraf sunumu) Türk Oftalmoloji Derneği 40. Ulusal Oftalmoloji Kongresi, 405, Antalya, 28 Ekim-01 Kasım 2006. Best medical photograph third award.
• Aydın A. “Akut myeloid lösemili bir hastada gelişen proptozis ve oküler hipertansiyon’’ TOD Glokom Birimi VI. Olgularla Glokom Sempozyumu, 29 Mayıs 2010, Antalya. Best presentation third award.
• Aydın A. ‘Travmatik glokomlu bir hastada trabekülektomi sonrası gelişen akut görme kaybı’’ TOD Glokom Birimi VII. Olgularla Glokom Sempozyumu, 28 Mayıs 2011, Girne. Best Presentation second award.
• Salcan İ, Aykan Ü, Çolakoğlu K, Aydın A, Erşanlı D. “ Sağlıklı, genç, erkek popülasyonda ultrason biyomikroskopi ile saptanan ön kamara açısına ait nicel değerler” 45. TOD Ulusal Kongresi 5-9 Ekim 2011, Girne. Türk Oftalmoloji Dergisi Best article award (second).
• Çolakoğlu K, Aydın A, Kar T, Ayata A, Aykan Ü, Ünal M, Haholu A, Erşanlı D.Trabekülektomi uygulanan tavşanlarda bevacizumab’ın konjonktival yara iyileşmesi üzerine etkisi. Glokom-Katarakt Dergisi 2014;9(3):167-172. Glokom -Katarakt Dergisi 2014 best research 1st award.

Total citations: 896 (as of May 2021)

he top 10 publications with the most citations

1. Optical Coherence Tomography Longitudinal Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Glaucoma
   May 2005 · Archives of Ophthalmology
   289 Citations
2. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) macular and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer measurements and automated visual fields
   Sep 2004 · American Journal of Ophthalmology
   186 Citations
3. Comparison of optic nerve head measurements obtained by optical coherence tomography and confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
   May 2003 · American Journal of Ophthalmology
      153 Citations
4. Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Changes after Glaucoma Surgery
   Aug 2003 · Ophthalmology
   77 Citations
5. Comparison of transepithelial corneal collagen crosslinking with epithelium-off crosslinking in progressive keratoconus
   May 2014 · Journal francais d'ophtalmologie
   41 Citations
6. Validation of the Ocular Trauma Score for Intraocular Foreign Bodies in Deadly Weapon-Related Open-Globe Injuries
   Mar 2008 · Ophthalmic Surgery Lasers and Imaging
   29 Citations
7. Evaluating pulsatile ocular blood flow analysis in normal and treated glaucomatous eyes
   Oct 2003 · American Journal of Ophthalmology
   19 Citations
8. A role for repressive complexes and H3K9 di-methylation in PRDM5-associated brittle cornea syndrome. September 2015 Human Molecular Genetics
   11 Citations
9. [Effectiveness of topical ciclosporin A treatment after excision of primary pterygium and limbal conjunctival autograft] October 2008 Journal Francais d'ophtalmologie
   10  Citations
10. [Orbital varix presenting with enophthalmos. A case report].
    May 2010 · Journal francais d'ophtalmologie
    10 Citations

HOMO HOMINI MEDICUS. Eclectic surgeon, specialist in orthopedics and traumatology, pioneer of endoscopic surgery, radio-guided and minimally invasive robotics of the spine and small and large joints (knee, hip, foot, shoulder, elbow and wrist). He combines surgery with regenerative medicine, which he was the first to launch in Italy and Europe, with the use of FSV cells (Stromal Vascular Fraction, particularly rich in stem cells). Adolfo Panfili boasts a prestigious scientific and sporting curriculum of international importance, as well as being an expert in homeopathy, homotoxicology, phytotherapy, acupuncture and BEST chiropractic. Expressly commissioned by his teacher, Prof. Linus Pauling (multiple Nobel Prize winner), inventor of Orthomolecular medicine, he founded AIMO, (International Association of Orthomolecular Medicine), revisiting this science and merging it with other super-specialist branches, including regenerative medicine , aimed at restoring and repairing cartilage, bone and joint structures, vertebral discs, ligaments, tendons, etc.

Prof Adolfo Panfili, orthopedic surgeon with a very long CV of international standing. He is president of AIMO, the International Association of Orthomolecular Medicine of which he is the founder. He was a student of the double Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling, inventor of Orthomolecular medicine. Prof Panfili has revisited and expanded this science by merging it with other sciences and techniques including the use of Stromal Vascular Fraction.

– He is Deputy Rector for International Relations as well as Dean of the Master's Faculty of Orthomolecular Sciences at the Popolare University of Milan;

– He is the first to have carried out minimally invasive robotic surgery in orthopedics in Italy with the Mazor system;

– He is Trainer and Proctor of Dtrax, a minimally invasive posterior cervical fusion and distraction system;

– He is the Director of various High Technology Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery Centers accredited with the NHS and otherwise;

– He is the founder and director of the first Italian Center for Minimally Invasive Robotic Spine Surgery and one of the most eminent members of robotic surgery at the “International Academy for Robotic Spine Surgery”;

Prof. Panfili has been treating vertebrae, posture and nutrition in close synergy since the beginning of his thirty-year professional activity, both from a surgical and manipulative point of view, being among other things the first orthopedist in Europe to graduate in Best Chiropractic with Prof. Ted Morter, one of the best chiropractors in the world, of whom he was the best European student.

– He is currently a pioneer in the use and application of the Stromal Vascular Fraction in the field of well-being, anti-aging and longevity, with particular reference to orthopaedics, the spine and cervical, the aspect of cartilage damage for prevention of degenerative diseases of the hips, knees and intervertebral discs.