Innovation in shoulder and upper limb surgery: new technologies and research directions

Workgroup leaders: Dr. Zoltán Patonai, Dr. István Lázár

Contact: patonai.zoltan@pte.hu

The shoulder is the most complex joint in the human body in terms of anatomy and range of motion. Injuries can disrupt its anatomical integrity, leading to reduced functionality. Moreover, prolonged immobilization may result in significant functional loss. Our working group, established in 2024, includes Dr. István Lázár, clinical chief physician, and physiotherapists Krisztina Horváth and Anita Takács.

The primary goal of the group is to conduct retrospective and prospective analyses of treatment outcomes following shoulder and upper limb injuries, as well as to explore and implement new therapeutic options in shoulder and upper limb surgery. Additionally, we aim to evaluate and apply early controlled mobilization techniques to improve our patients' functional outcomes. By utilizing questionnaires, we compare the functional results of various surgical methods and mobilization techniques, optimizing rehabilitation strategies for our patients.

Our secondary goal is to map the region’s biomechanics in greater detail to reduce surgical complications (e.g., implant fractures, bone healing issues) and to modify implants for problem-specific applications. A third objective is to assess and enhance the functionality of shoulder and upper limb muscle groups, contributing to injury prevention.

The group’s research findings are disseminated through scientific articles and presentations, and we provide support to students who wish to complete their theses or PhD dissertations on these topics.