[Development and perspectives for orthopedic and trauma research in Germany]

The conditions for experimental orthopedic and trauma research in Germany have improved during recent years. At present, however, only a few research centers provide significant and continuous research. Recently advertised new professorships considerably enhance the chances of further improvement and it is hoped that this process will continue. The recruitment of orthopedic and trauma surgeons for professional research remains an unsolved problem due to financial and working conditions. To do both qualified research and clinical work on a high level over a long period of time is hardly possible within the existing structures. This problem can only be solved by establishing professional research laboratories with permanent scientific and technical staff and limited leave of absence for doctors from clinical work. Even in the future professional research departments and centers will have a notable advantage in the competition for research grants. Looking ahead there is hope that the conditions for orthopedic and trauma research will continue to improve and gain a relevance reflecting the importance of this field.