Transcontinental strategic alliance for cutting-edge orthopaedic medicine: HSS and Schulthess Klinik strengthen collaboration in therapy and research

Yesterday, Zurich became the international capital of medical excellence in orthopaedics: Schulthess Klinik, ranked by Newsweek and Statista as the best orthopaedic clinic in Switzerland, number 2 in Europe and number 6 worldwide, welcomed a delegation from the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York - ranked #1 in orthopaedics in the US for the past 16 years. The two institutions are intensifying their collaboration to advance orthopaedic medicine through shared expertise, collaborative research and innovative treatment approaches.

New York-based Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is the world's largest academic medical centre focused on musculoskeletal health. Specialized for more than 160 years, HSS has consistently held leading positions in rankings of orthopaedic providers in the USA and globally. Schulthess Klinik and HSS have now formed a strategic partnership to further promote international exchange in the fields of orthopaedics, research, and training. The aim of the cooperation is to strengthen the medical and academic excellence of both institutions through knowledge exchange, joint research projects and the focused development of early-career talent.

A wide-ranging alliance spanning clinical care, research, and clinical training

The collaboration is founded on four main objectives: promote the continuous exchange of knowledge and expertise, expand scientific collaboration through joint research initiatives, focus on the shared development of education and training programmes to support professional growth, and collaborate on administrative and technological matters. This will ensure a holistic and forward-looking approach to advancing orthopaedic medicine.

Joint research initiatives are a central focus of the collaboration. At the heart of these efforts is the integration of emerging technologies such as apps, wearables, motion analysis and artificial intelligence. These tools support the development of personalised treatment approaches by enabling more precise functional assessments and patient-specific insights. The findings are expected to contribute to further improved long-term treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Specialists from both institutions will have the opportunity to participate in reciprocal observerships. The long-standing exchange programme, which has been in place for over 15 years, will be expanded to include a structured fellowship programme with clearly defined training objectives. In addition, regular continuing education activities will be established to further strengthen professional development.

Working together for patient well-being

Rodolphe Eurin, CEO of Schulthess Klinik, said: "We are delighted about the alliance with HSS. It will enable us to strengthen international knowledge transfer and sends a clear signal for the continued advancement of cutting-edge orthopaedic medicine and its outcomes. Together, we are improving the quality of life for orthopaedic patients around the world."

Prof. Dr. med. Michael Leunig, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Hip Surgery at Schulthess Klinik, said: "Through targeted exchange of experiences and best practices with HSS and other leading clinics and research institutions, we can not only further advance our medical excellence, but also jointly advance innovative research projects and ensure the highest standard of patient care in the long term."

Bryan T. Kelly, MD, MBA, President & CEO and Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus of the HSS, also emphasised the importance of this collaboration: "The further strengthening of our relationship with Schulthess Klinik, one of Europe's leading orthopaedic clinics, marks an important milestone in the expansion of our international network. Together, we can share and deepen our expertise, further advance therapies, and improve medical training for the benefit of patients. Our goal is to raise the global standards of orthopaedic care and make world-class care even more widely accessible."

About Schulthess Klinik

Schulthess Klinik is one of Europe's leading orthopaedic clinics with around 1,200 employees. As a specialist orthopaedic clinic, it primarily focuses on providing sophisticated treatments of the musculoskeletal system. The focus is on orthopaedic surgery, spinal neurosurgery, neurology, rheumatology, manual medicine and sports medicine. With over 11,100 operations and more than 131,400 outpatient consultations in the 2024 financial year, it continued to pursue its primary objective of relieving people of their pain and restoring their mobility. Schulthess Klinik accepts patients with both general and supplementary health insurance.

Founded in 1883, the clinic has been financially supported by the Wilhelm Schulthess Foundation since 1935. Its long-standing tradition of research is a testament to the clinic's commitment to continually improving treatment.