MD, PhD Konrad Słynarski

I am a graduate of the 1st Faculty of Medicine at the Medical University and I have completed postgraduate studies and courses at medical universities in Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium and the United States.

Since my student days I have been very interested in articular cartilage treatment methods, and this began thanks to Scandinavian researchers who were the first to discover an effective method of harvesting articular cartilage fragments and multiplying them under laboratory conditions.

During a fellowship where I met Prof. Arnold Caplan – one of the leading contenders for the Nobel Prize in Medicine – I conducted research on stem-cell transplantation and the creation of cartilage from stem cells. That experience led me to perform the first chondrocyte transplant in Poland – more than 15 years ago. I continue to perform such procedures today. They allow the regrowth of tissue very similar to natural cartilage.

Among other innovations, I introduced meniscus implants, single-stage chondrocyte and stem-cell transplants using the INSTRUCT method, and the iBalance osteotomy. I was the first in the world to perform the implantation of an “artificial cartilage” implant made from biomaterial.

In my daily medical practice I perform, among others, corrective osteotomies, knee ligament reconstructions, meniscus transplants and repairs, articular cartilage reconstructions, knee arthroplasty, partial replacement of damaged joint surfaces, offloading of degenerative lesions using knee shock absorbers (CALYPSO), conservative treatment of degenerative lesions and joint injuries using stem cells and platelet-rich plasma, and limb lengthening using magnetic nails.

Selected achievements

• 2017 – first bone-lengthening surgery in Poland using a PRECICE magnetic nail
• 2016 – development and clinical introduction of the ACP/SVF method of isolating stem cells from adipose tissue
• 2014 – first corrective tibial osteotomy in Poland using a magnetic nail
• 2014 – first in Poland and one of the first in the world – transplant of adipose-tissue stem cells into the knee using the LIPOGEMS method
• 2014 – first worldwide implantation of the ATLAS knee shock absorber
• 2011 – first worldwide transplant of cartilage cells (isolated within 1 hour in the operating theatre) – CartiOne
• 2010 – first Actifit meniscus implant transplant in Poland
• 2008 – first CMI meniscus implant transplant in Poland
• 2008 – one of the first iBalance procedures (tibial osteotomy) worldwide
• 2002 – first transplant in Poland of laboratory-cultured cartilage cells into the knee

Education

1. Medical studies at the Medical University of Warsaw (in 2007 – after completing residency, completed specialist qualification in orthopaedic surgery)
2. Doctoral studies at the Medical University of Warsaw
3. Skeletal Research Center, Case Western University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Professional experience

1. 2019–2022: physician at MIRAI Clinic
2. 2016–2019: physician at Gamma Medical Centre
3. 2013–2016: head at the Lekmed Joint and Spine Treatment Clinic
4. until 2013: physician at the Sports Medicine Centre
5. 2007–2008: position of assistant professor at the Prof. A. Gruca CMKP Independent Public Clinical Hospital in Otwock

I am the author of scientific publications and books and an active member of many international medical societies, including a member of the education committee of the International Cartilage Repair Society and a member of the osteotomy committee of ESSKA. I also serve as a scientific consultant at several leading medical companies. Each year I deliver several dozen lectures at international and Polish conferences and training events.

Memberships in organisations

• Polish Arthroscopy Society
• International Joint Preservation Congress