News
Research Poster Prize at swiss orthopaedics 2026
(25/06/2026)
We are proud to announce that our research was honoured with the Research Poster Prize 2026 at the annual meeting of swiss orthopaedics. The award recognised our work entitled "Algorithm for cemented vs. non-cemented hip stem in arthroplasty for frail patients with femoral neck fracture", presented by Georg-Antonio Bernecker together with co-authors László Tóth, Michael Hirschmann, and Andrej Nowakowski.
The project presents a practical, evidence-based decision algorithm to support implant selection in hip arthroplasty for frail patients with femoral neck fractures, aiming to improve patient safety and surgical decision-making. We are grateful to swiss orthopaedics for this recognition and congratulate everyone involved in the project.
Insights into Orthopaedic Implant Manufacturing
(11/06/2026)
Our team had the opportunity to visit the implantcast GmbH manufacturing facilities in Buxtehude, Germany, gaining valuable insights into the production of modern orthopaedic implants.
We are especially grateful to Jens Saß, Managing Director and CEO, who personally guided us through the facility, introducing the manufacturing process, quality assurance, and product development. A particular highlight was the behind-the-scenes look at titanium additive manufacturing, showcasing the outstanding precision, innovation, and quality that define implantcast's production.
We thank Jens Saß and the entire implantcast team for their warm hospitality and the inspiring exchange between industry, engineering, and clinical practice.
A Day of Clinical and Scientific Exchange
(06/04/2026)
We were delighted to welcome Florian Hoffmann, CEO of implantcast GmbH, to the Kantonsspital Baselland (KSBL) and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Basel.
The visit combined clinical observations in complex orthopaedic revision surgery with scientific and technical discussions on innovative implant technologies and future strategies to improve patient care. The exchange provided valuable insights from both the clinical and academic perspectives, fostering new ideas for innovation, translational research, and closer collaboration.
Strong partnerships between clinicians, engineers, and industry are essential to accelerate the development of next-generation orthopaedic solutions. We thank Florian Hoffmann and the implantcast team for the inspiring discussions and look forward to future opportunities for scientific exchange.
Peter Wahl Recognised as Exceptional Reviewer by the Journal of Clinical Medicine
(27/03/2026)
Peter Wahl, our Deputy Head of Biomechanics and Implant Design, has been recognised as an Exceptional Reviewer by the Journal of Clinical Medicine, which publishes peer-reviewed research across clinical and translational medicine.
This distinction reflects his strong commitment to scientific quality and rigour in peer review. He was also invited to share insights in an official interview, highlighting the importance of this often unseen but essential academic contribution.
We warmly congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition and his continued dedication to research excellence.
Kick-off Event: SNSF Project on Polyethylene Wear in THA
(19/03/2026)
The SNSF-funded project “Comprehensive analysis of determinants of polyethylene wear and the related tissue response to improve outcomes in total hip arthroplasty (CADEPE-THA)” was launched officially on 19 March 2026, assembling all the partners at the Robert Mathys Stiftung (RMS Foundation) in Bettlach.
Led by PD Dr. med. Peter Wahl and supported by a grant of CHF 2.9 million, the project brings together a multidisciplinary, international consortium including the Universities of Basel and Bern, the RMS Foundation, Rush University Medical Centre at Chicago, and clinical partners across Europe, the USA and Australia. The collaboration will investigate how polyethylene components in hip implants wear, age, and interact with surrounding tissue. The goal is to generate clinically relevant insights to optimise implant materials and design, ultimately reducing revision rates and improving patient outcomes.
First Time in Print
(19/12/2025)
We are pleased to announce that our team’s name has been included for the first time in a scientific publication. The article was published open access in the journal Arthroskopie and is entitled “Lateral Patellar Facetectomy: Indications, Technique, Risks, Complications and Clinical Results.” The article is now available to read online.
Visit to the 3D Printing Facility at The University of Hong Kong
(28/12/2025)
Our team conducted an academic exchange visit to Queen Mary Hospital and its 3D Printing Centre at The University of Hong Kong. The programme included guided tours of the 3D Printing Centre and associated clinical and manufacturing facilities, with particular emphasis on metal 3D printing applications in orthopaedics.
As part of the visit, Prof. Andrej Nowakowski delivered an academic lecture entitled “Is There Still a Need for Innovation in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty?”. The lecture stimulated in-depth discussions and facilitated meaningful academic exchange and networking with local leaders in the field.
The visit was organised with the support of Prof. Christian Fang, an expert in the clinical translation of patient-specific 3D-printed devices. We are grateful for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended by Prof. Frankie Leung, Chief of Orthopaedic Trauma, and Prof. Henry Fu, Chief of Arthroplasty.
Visitation in Shenzhen
(26/11/2025)
We were honored to visit the Orthopaedic Medical Centre at the University of Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital, graciously hosted by Prof. Kenneth Cheung, President and Hospital Chief Executive. Prof. Wu Yaoping and his team offered valuable insights into their clinical workflow, showcasing innovative practices within a highly professional healthcare environment. This visit proved to be a productive and enriching experience, facilitating meaningful knowledge exchange and strengthening professional collaborations.
CHF 2.9 Million SNSF Grant for Hip Prosthesis Study
(27/10/2025)
A multidisciplinary team led by PD Dr. med. Peter Wahl has been awarded an SNSF project grant of CHF 2.9 million. The international collaboration—bringing together experts from the Universities of Basel and Bern, Rush University Chicago, the RMS Foundation, and numerous clinical partners across Europe—will investigate how polyethylene components in hip replacements age, wear, and interact with surrounding tissue. The findings aim to advance implant materials and design, ultimately reducing revision surgeries and improving patient outcomes.