We anticipate the ongoing future expansion of the Department’s clinical activities as a result of the ageing of the Belgian population and the broadening of certain surgical indications. The number of fractures suffered by the elderly as a result of Osteoporosis is set to increase exponentially. This not only poses a surgical-technical challenge but will also create new problems. The treatment of an elderly population with multiple comorbidities will require a multidisciplinary approach. Ever closer and more extensive collaboration with, among others, the Geriatrics Department, will thus be called for.

From an economic and social perspective, long-term admissions to hospital will have to be avoided. This is possible through the optimisation of treatments and improved cooperation with the Rehabilitation services. The ultimate goal is for patients to be able to function in their own environment as rapidly and with as few residual lesions as possible.

During the last ten years, the demand for Prosthetic Surgery has been growing among young patients. This can partially be explained through the frequent overloading of joints by young people due to sporting or obesity. On the other hand, the threshold towards such procedures is also being lowered as a result of the publicity surrounding their positive results.
The demand for prosthesis from active young patients stimulates research into better, more durable prostheses but will lead to an increase in the number of repeat procedures in the near future. Such procedures are often technically complex and should therefore be conducted by experienced surgeons in a location which can offer all necessary facilities. Our university institution fits this requirement perfectly and will therefore need to focus on such developments to an even greater extent.

Historically, the Orthopaedic Department at UZ Brussel has demonstrated that the combination of clinical with research activity is not only perfectly feasible, but also desirable. Hence the great interest on the part of industry to work with us in the area of clinical studies and in developing new prosthetic implants. However, the pressure of increased clinical activity should not result in research opportunities being compromised. The Department’s scientific reputation is essential towards maintaining its appeal as a university Orthopaedic Department, both for patients and its well-regarded staff. This should not be overlooked at a time when economic profitability is often of prime importance. We will remain vigilant in defending this premise into the future.