Chapter 668: Chapter 599 Harald Chapter 668: Chapter 599 Harald Harald Orthopedic Hospital in Munich, Germany.

The Little Duke holds a special status, his family being one of the top financiers of several major medical colleges in Germany. For such a major surgery, it would be necessary to discuss it with the top figures in these hospitals’ orthopedic departments. Furthermore, the clinical trial of the spinal external fixation frame would rely on these bigwigs’ votes to pass.

To go to Munich to discuss the Little Duke’s surgery?

Has August lost his mind? Everyone just unanimously supported him as the leading figure in European spinal surgery. Has he become dizzy with success, lost and unsure of his direction?

Among these experts is August’s teacher, Professor William of the Charite Musculoskeletal Surgery Center.

They are all too familiar with the Duke’s condition, having discussed it countless times together.

Since the notification was issued in the name of the German Spine Surgery Association, they could only comply.

Experts from the Charite Musculoskeletal Surgery Center, Heidelberg University Hospital, Dresden University Hospital, and other top-tier hospitals arrived. These were the powerful figures in the orthopedic field in Germany, also the backbones behind August in his competition with the British for the Spinal Surgery Association.

However, when these professors gathered around the conference table, August was nowhere to be seen and only Markus was present.

“Markus, where is Professor August?”

Professor Lloyd of Heidelberg University Hospital drummed his fingers on the table, clearly unhappy.

“Yeah, where is August?” Professor Rambo from Dresden University Hospital also expressed dissatisfaction.

Markus didn’t answer directly. Before leaving, August had repeatedly told him to keep his itinerary secret.

“Professor August has left the country and he requested that his itinerary be kept confidential. He will explain to you when he returns,” Markus could only respond as such.

“Then why were we called here?” The professors were quite irritated, sparking heated discussion amongst each other.

“Professor August plans to invite a foreign professor to perform the surgery on the Little Duke, using the latest orthopedic technology. This technology is currently in the clinical trial stage. Prof. August is trying to win the clinical trial base for this technology for Harald Orthopedic Hospital. Whether we can get quick approval from the German Ministry of Health will rely on your support. Professor August asked me to show everybody the approval documents in advance, to save time.”

Markus, unable to placate these bigwigs, chose his words carefully, fearing he might offend any of them.

Germany is the birthplace of western medicine and Germans, especially those in the medical field, are quite arrogant. They look down on even the Americans, not to mention anyone else.

August’s goal with this approach was not only to save time but also to knock down a few big guns, who always thought that without their support, August would be nothing and certainly wouldn’t be able to compete with the British.

“He’s becoming more and more unreasonable, leaving us here in the dark, disappearing without a trace.”

Professor Lloyd of Heidelberg University, with his signature wavy blonde hair, looked like a lion.

“Alright, since we’re here, let’s see what August is up to. I’ll preside over this meeting. Tell everyone about this new technology.”

Professor William from Charite Hospital, as August’s teacher, naturally backed his student. Furthermore, August had already reported some matters to him privately.

“Markus, you explain it to everyone.”

Professor William was still able to control the situation. After all, Charite Medical College and Hospital is the most powerful force in the German medical field.

“This new technology is called External Spinal Fixator for treatment of scoliosis–”
A gasp of surprise echoed around the room. The External Spinal Fixator?

The subject immediately captivated everyone. Some of these big shots had previously considered this area, but due to the high difficulty level and the belief that success was impossible, they had given up. And now someone was actually researching this?

“This technology has already passed animal trials and the first phase of clinical trials. The second phase of clinical trials is currently underway. We are participating in the third phase of clinical trials. Here you can see the data that Professor August sent over, as it is still in clinical trial, please do not take photos or share this. This is the first clinical case involving a Cobb’s angle of 176 degrees–” Markus paused strategically at this crucial moment, leaving everyone in suspense.

Professor Vandennon adjusted his glasses, his temper flaring somewhat as Markus suddenly stopped for a pause.

This patient with a 176-degree abnormity signifies an extremely severe case. They were now curious as to how the surgery was performed.

“Markus–”
Professor Lloyd, known for his fiery temper, was on the verge of losing it, rushing up to punch someone.

“Don’t stop. This is August’s shortcoming, you shouldn’t learn it, just continue–” Professor William sternly commanded.

“Look, these are the preoperative full-spine anteroposterior and lateral images, as well as the CT three-dimensional reconstruction image. These are the postoperative orthopedic images. Take a good look, everyone. How do you find the corrective procedure? Not a single spinal segment was fused, every single intervertebral disc was retained, resembling the nearest to a normal spine.”

Markus then presented a dozen more cases.

“Slow down, slow down!” Professor William reminded.

At the gathering was Germany’s strongest force in Orthopedics, some professors frowned, some supported their cheeks, some slightly lifted their heads, their eyes shut in thought.

“Are these cases real?” Professor William asked on behalf of everyone.

Markus nodded, “Certainly, many of these cases were witnessed first-hand by August himself, such as this 176-degree case.”

Nobody doubted the honesty of August, moreover, no one would gamble with the reputation of Harald Orthopedic Hospital or endanger the prestige of Charite Hospital.

“I want to take a closer look at this case. How long did it take? I can’t believe the Ilizarov method could be applied this way. And their osteotomy process, I need more details?”

Professor Lloyd had once shown interest in the external spinal fixation frame but gave up prematurely for he believed it was impossible.

“The entire process took three months. Here are the images in two weeks, one month, two months, and three months post-surgery, where the spine gradually straightened — it’s very fascinating.”

Markus was boastful, after all, August was his mentor, and he was both proud and impressed by him.

In August’s response letter, he wrote that he was the first spinal surgery student of this great professor.

“My goodness, from 176 degrees to this? Were there any nerve function impairments?” Professor Rambo was extremely concerned with this issue, he wanted to see the postoperative situation of the patient.

Markus played the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative videos of Xiao Cui, who, after the surgery, was able to bend down to tie shoe laces. Her gait was normal and her spinal shape was excellent, most importantly, her maximum mobility was preserved.

“Do you have any images of the heart and lungs?”

Professor Lloyd eagerly plunged into more details.

Markus cooperated and showed the pre- and post-operative images of the heart and lungs, which were unharmed, hence not at risk during the corrective process. They were in an ideal position after the surgery, allowing good function to be demonstrated.

“Can the lens be zoomed in a bit? I want to see that external fixation frame!” Another professor leaned forward.

“Right, do we have detailed data on that external fixation frame? How did they assemble it?”

Out of everyone, Lloyd was the most active as he had had this idea before, which was quashed by its difficulty. Afterward, he never thought of pursuing it again.

The images of the delicate and unique external fixation frame zoomed in, it was extremely appealing.

This brought upon a wave of sighs, expressing admiration.

No wonder, August was so arrogant. He kept everyone in suspense, while he could unabashedly claim: I’m going abroad for a trip that’s to remain confidential.

He used his new technique to quell everyone and he succeeded.

“Where did August find this technique? I’ve never seen it before, and it’s not mentioned in the latest papers.” Lloyd’s temper seemed to have mellowed substantially.

“That will be explained personally by Professor August,” Markus replied bureaucratically.

Markus added, “However, you can trust that this new technique will spread from Harald to all of Europe and even cross the English Channel.”

The last sentence was music to the people in German Orthopedics.

They’ve always been contemptuous of the troublemaker, Milton.

“What everyone needs to do is to make sure you cast your precious vote when the time comes.”