Your practice specializing in orthopedic trauma and spine medicine (medOT) in Central Switzerland

Trauma surgery is a specialism – but one that focuses not on a specific organ, but on an entity: the injury. This broad, demanding training enables us to understand injuries within their overall context, to apply surgical techniques in an interdisciplinary manner, and to make targeted use of knowledge from related disciplines. I consciously pursue this holistic approach and cover the full spectrum of general trauma surgery and orthopedics, supplemented by specific areas of specialization, in particular spine medicine and pelvic and hip surgery.

I view the modern trauma surgeon not merely as a technically skilled operative, but as a coordinator and point of contact who assesses injuries within the broader context, consults specialists as required and coordinates treatment in collaboration with the patient’s GP.

The operation itself is only one part of the journey. Equally important are careful treatment planning and rehabilitation that take into account my patients’ personal and professional circumstances.

This applies in particular to people with tumor metastases and older patients, who require a personalised approach to maintain or regain their independence within their familiar surroundings. Minimally invasive, multimodal and conservative procedures allowing early full weight-bearing play a central role in this. As a trusted partner to my patients, this is precisely what I strive to achieve.

My name is Kai Sprengel. After studying medicine in Hanover, I specialized early on in trauma surgery – now known as traumatology. I obtained my PhD at the University of Basel and my habilitation at the University of Zurich.

I have been working in emergency medicine since 1990, initially as a paramedic in my home region north of Bremen. As a dual-specialist in surgery and orthopedics trained in Switzerland, I have a broad and well-founded clinical background.

In my clinical career, I held a senior position at a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital. My work focused on spinal and pelvic traumatology, complemented by ongoing work in general traumatology.

I have a particular professional interest in the treatment of tumors of the musculoskeletal system, especially metastases. As a private lecturer, I continue to be involved in teaching and research at the University of Zurich. Through this work in teaching and professional societies, I have built up an extensive national and international network, which informs my clinical practice.

I have been practising in my own practice since 2021.

Together with experienced colleagues, I co-founded the Center for Trauma Surgery and Orthopedics in Central Switzerland (ZUO) and serve as its managing partner and center coordinator. It is important to me to personally support my patients every step of the way, from initial care through surgical treatment to full rehabilitation.