Orthopaedic - Orthopaedic Surgeons including treatment for children under 12 years near Lykovrysi

Ο Γεωργίου Λοΐζος είναι Ορθοπαιδικός Χειρουργός – Τραυματολόγος με ιατρείο στις Αχαρνές.. Είναι εξωτερικός συνεργάτης κλινικών, όπως Γενική Κλινική ΙΑΣΩ, Ευρωκλινική, Ερρίκος Ντυνάν, Κεντρική Κλινική Αθηνών, Αθηναϊκή Mediclinic και Doctors’ Hospital. Ολοκλήρωσε τις σπουδές του αποφοιτώντας με Άριστα (9.84/10) από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Πανεπιστημίου ΄΄CAROL DAVILA΄΄, Βουκουρέστι. Ο ιατρός εκπαιδεύτηκε σε μεγάλα νοσοκομεία, όπως ΚΑΤ, Νοσοκομείο Παίδων "Αγία Σοφία", Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Λευκωσίας, Νοσοκομείο ΄΄Παμμακάριστος΄΄, Νοσοκομείο Σύρου, Νοσοκομείο Σαντορίνης αποκτώντας μεγάλη εμπειρία σε ορθοπαιδικές χειρουργικές επεμβάσεις όλου του φάσματος της ειδικότητας, καθώς και σε συντηρητικές μεθόδους αποθεραπείας. Παράλληλα, η επιστημονική του κατάρτιση εμπλουτίστηκε με την συμμετοχή του στα Τμήματα Νευροχειρουργικής - Σπονδυλικής Στήλης, Πλαστικής Χειρουργικής και Μικροχειρουργικής - Παθήσεων Άνω Άκρου. Έχει εργαστεί ως επιμελητής στο Ιατρικό Κέντρο Αθηνών (Κλινική Αμαρουσίου), ΙΑΣΩ Γενική Κλινική, καθώς και στην Ορθοπαιδική Κλινική του Γενικού Κρατικού ΝίκαιαςΠειραιά. Είναι κάτοχος τίτλων, όπως του ATLS (ADVANCED TRAUMA LIFE SUPPORT), BLS (BASIC LIFE SUPPORT) και της U/S Hip Graaf Method. Ενώ, παράλληλα, είναι μέλος της Ευρωπαϊκής Αθλητιατρικής Εταιρείας, της Ευρωπαϊκής Αρθροσκοπικής Εταιρείας, της AO TRAUMA Foundation, του Ελληνικού Ιδρύματος Οστεοπόρωσης, του Ιατρικού Συλλόγου Αθηνών και του Παγκύπριου Ιατρικού Συλλόγου. Επίσης, συμβάλλει στην σύσταση ιατρικού ερευνητικού υλικού σε ιατρικά περιοδικά, όπως το Cureus. Επιπλέον, έχει διατελέσει ιατρός αθλητικών σωματείων, όπως της Ομόνοιας Λευκωσίας, της ΑΕΚ Λάρνακας, του Ευρωπαϊκού Πανεπιστημίου Λευκωσίας σε τμήματα ποδοσφαίρου, μπάσκετ, βόλεϊ, καθώς επίσης, έχει συνεργαστεί ως βοηθός ιατρικού επιτελείου στην DINAMO FC Βουκουρεστίου με τον Dr. Liviu Batineanu. Ακόμα, ήταν υπεύθυνος ιατρός σε Ακαδημίες Ποδοσφαίρου Αχαρνών Ταύρου. Συμμετέχει σε συνέδρια, σεμινάρια και ημερίδες της ειδικότητάς του και όχι μόνο. Ενημερώνεται διαρκώς για τα τελευταία νέα με στόχο τη συνεχόμενη εκπαίδευση, καθώς και τις καλύτερες δυνατές υπηρεσίες προς τους ασθενείς. Προτεραιότητά του είναι ο σεβασμός στον ασθενή και η αποτελεσματική αντιμετώπιση των ορθοπαιδικών παθήσεων άμεσα και υπεύθυνα. Τέλος, διαθέτει μεγάλη εμπειρία σε αρθροσκοπήσεις, αρθροπλαστικές και στην τραυματολογία αρθρώσεων ώμου, γόνατος, ισχίου και ποδοκνημικής. Ταυτόχρονα, στο ιατρείο του παρακολουθούνται και περιστατικά που αντιμετωπίζονται συντηρητικά.

Markopoulos Xristos is an Orthopedic Surgeon and a PhD candidate at the Medical School of the University of Athens, with a private practice in Marousi. Concurrently, he serves as a Consultant in the Upper Limb and Microsurgery Department at YGEIA Hospital and has been a member of the medical team for the Panathinaikos BC basketball team. He graduated from the Medical School of the University of Eastern Piedmont in Northern Italy and subsequently specialized in Orthopedic Surgery at the 1st University Orthopedic Clinic of the University of Athens at "Attiko" Hospital. During his specialization, he focused particularly on the Pediatrics and Microsurgery departments at KAT Hospital. Additionally, he holds a postgraduate degree in Metabolic Bone Diseases - Osteoporosis from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He is also a member of the Hellenic Osteoporosis Society and the Hellenic Pain Society. Finally, he has contributed to scientific papers and textbooks that have been presented at conferences and published in journals.

Ο Δρ. Νικόλαος Καλύβας είναι Ορθοπαιδικός Χειρουργός με 15ετή εμπειρία στο Σύστημα Υγείας της Γερμανίας (2010–2025). Απο το 2026 διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στους Αμπελόκηπους (έναντι της αμερικανικής πρεσβείας). Για περισσότερα από 15 έτη εργάστηκε σε κλινικές υψηλού επιπέδου της Γερμανίας, ενώ από το 2017 υπηρέτησε ως Επιμελητής και από το 2021 ως Αναπληρωτής Διευθυντής σε πιστοποιημένο κέντρο ενδοπροσθετικής (EPZmax), διενεργώντας συνολικά πάνω από 11.000 χειρουργικές επεμβάσεις.

Εξειδικεύεται σε αρθροπλαστική Ισχίου με τεχνική AMIS, ρομποτική και εξατομικευμένη Αρθροπλαστική Γόνατος, αρθροπλαστική Ώμου με ελάχιστα επεμβατική προσπέλαση και αρθροσκοπική Χειρουργική Ώμου & Γόνατος.

Εφαρμόζει πρωτόκολλα ταχείας αποκατάστασης (Rapid Recovery – Fast Track) με στόχο την άμεση κινητοποίηση και την ασφαλή επάνοδο των ασθενών. Διαθέτει επιπλέον εξειδίκευση στην Αθλητιατρική, τη Χειροθεραπεία και την υπερηχογραφική διάγνωση του μυοσκελετικού συστήματος, καθώς και στον έλεγχο ισχίων νεογνών κατά Graf. Στη διαγνωστική του προσέγγιση αξιοποιεί συστηματικά τη δεξιότητά του στην υπερηχογραφία μυοσκελετικού, επιτρέποντας άμεση, δυναμική και στοχευμένη αξιολόγηση των παθήσεων.

Η εξειδίκευσή του στην Αθλητιατρική και τη Χειροθεραπεία διαμόρφωσε μια πιο ολιστική και λειτουργική προσέγγιση απέναντι στον ασθενή. Ο Δρ. Καλύβας δίνει προτεραιότητα στη συντηρητική θεραπεία, η οποία περιλαμβάνει εξατομικευμένα πρωτόκολλα αποκατάστασης καθώς και υπερηχογραφικά καθοδηγούμενες εγχύσεις κορτιζόνης, υαλουρονικού οξέος και PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma).

Εφόσον έχει εξαντληθεί κάθε πιθανότητα βελτίωσης της πάθησης του ασθενούς με συντηρητική θεραπεία, προτείνει τη χειρουργική αντιμετώπιση μόνο όταν αυτή είναι πραγματικά απαραίτητη.

Στόχος του είναι η παροχή ιατρικής φροντίδας ευρωπαϊκού επιπέδου, με ασφάλεια, διαφάνεια και σεβασμό στον ασθενή.

Mr. Siopis Xristos is an Orthopedic Surgeon with private practices in Thessaloniki (28 Agias Sofias, 2nd Floor) and Veria (32 El. Venizelou, 3rd Floor). He is a graduate of the Medical School of the University of Thessaly. Since 2021, he has been a Collaborating Surgeon at the A’ Orthopedic Clinic of the Interbalkan Medical Center of Thessaloniki and a direct collaborator of Dr. Stylianos Kapetanakis in the Spine & Deformities Department. Simultaneously, he serves as a Collaborating Physician at the Athens Medical Center in Marousi and Psychiko. He specializes in knee and hip arthroplasties with customized implants, spinal surgery, knee and shoulder arthroscopies, as well as pediatric orthopedics. In his private practices, he provides a wide range of services tailored to the individual needs of each patient, always with respect to the patient himself.

Ailamakis Nikolaos is an Orthopedic Surgeon who maintains a private practice in Chalandri and holds a position as a consultant at the 2nd Orthopedic Clinic of Errikos Dynan Hospital Center. He holds a medical degree from the Medical School of the University of Crete and is specialized in Arthroplasty, fracture management, upper and lower limb surgery, Sports Injuries, Shoulder – Hip – Knee pathologies, and Pediatric Orthopedics. He covers the entire spectrum of Orthopedics and Traumatology using the most modern treatment methods, either surgical and/or conservative depending on indications. Additionally, he offers a range of services, including osteoporosis screening, fracture management and follow-up, treatment of spinal and limb disorders, wound suturing and repair, and cast application. Moreover, thanks to his extensive experience, he provides high-level services in total hip and knee arthroplasty using minimally invasive techniques — resulting in shorter hospitalization time, minimal and controlled postoperative pain, and rapid recovery. Finally, he offers medical treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions using specialized biological agents without contraindications or side effects, such as hyaluronic acid and injections of concentrated platelets – growth factors.

Mantakos Dimitrios is an Orthopedic Surgeon who maintains private practices in Ilion and Skala Lakonias. Additionally, he serves as Consultant at the 3rd Orthopedic Clinic of the private hospital HYGEIA and as a Scientific Collaborator at the private hospital MITERA. He studied Medicine at the University of Patras and subsequently completed his postgraduate studies in "Metabolic Bone Diseases" at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He has many years of experience, having specialized at the Penteli General Children’s Hospital where he completed training in Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology, and at the 1st Orthopedic Clinic of the General Attica Hospital KAT. At the same hospital, he further specialized in the Hand - Upper Limb - Microsurgery Clinic, as well as in the Sports Injuries Department. He has also completed courses in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Prehospital Trauma Life Support. He is a member of the European Pediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS), the European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA), the Hellenic Society of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology (HSOST), and the Athens Medical Association. Furthermore, he has attended numerous national and European orthopedic and other specialty conferences and has participated in a significant number of seminars both as an instructor and as a trainee.

Georgios Sxinas MD, MSc, PhD is an Orthopedic Surgeon with a private practice in Pefki. He holds a doctorate from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, specializing in Surgical Orthopedics, and completed advanced training in total joint arthroplasties at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, supported by a scholarship from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. As a scholar, he also trained in the sports injuries department of the KAT General Hospital, where he gained extensive surgical experience in sports injuries in both diagnosis and treatment. He serves as a Consultant at Ygeia Hospital and is a former Consultant at the Second Orthopedic Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas," where he acquired significant experience in Emergency Orthopedics, actively participating in the clinic's on-call program. Previously, he worked as a physician in the Orthopedic Clinic at James Paget University Hospital in the United Kingdom. To date, he has authored presentations and publications in renowned scientific and medical journals and has been awarded for the best paper entitled: "Experience and Observations from Bone Lengthening with Unilateral External Fixation Devices."

Orthopedic Surgeon Mpekas Georgios maintains private clinics in Pangrati, Agioi Anargyroi, and Palaio Faliro. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and subsequently attended a postgraduate program in Metabolic Bone Diseases. He specialized in General Surgery at the General Hospital of Messolonghi "Chatzikosta" and in Orthopedics at the General Hospital "Asklipieio" Voula and the Children's General Hospital "Panagiotis & Aglaia Kyriakou," where he also engaged in Pediatric Orthopedics. Additionally, he completed a six-month specialization in the Microsurgery - Upper Limb department at the Attica General Hospital KAT. He has worked as an Orthopedic Surgeon Consultant at Metropolitan Hospital. The physician holds an Advanced Life Trauma Support diploma and is a member of the Hellenic Osteoporosis Foundation. Besides his private clinics in Pangrati and Agioi Anargyroi, Mpekas Georgios also works as an Orthopedic Surgeon at the Athens Medical Center (Marousi Clinic) and as an Associate Orthopedic Surgeon at the private clinic REA. Concurrently, he works as a Pediatric Orthopedic Consultant at the Pediatric Center of Athens (Athens Medical Group). The physician approaches each case with particular sensitivity, providing appropriate treatment tailored to the specific needs of each patient and their condition. He undertakes the surgical management of emergency orthopedic cases (fractures). Furthermore, his medical team manages numerous elective orthopedic surgical cases (arthroscopies, total arthroplasties, upper limb microsurgery, sports injuries). Finally, modern biological therapies (PRP, hyaluronic acid and cortisone injections) are performed in the clinic.

Maria Vlaxou is an orthopedic surgeon who maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli and concurrently holds the position of attending physician in the pediatric orthopedic clinic at Metropolitan Hospital.

Dr. Vlaxou was admitted to the medical school of the University of Patras in 2008 and graduated in 2014. Immediately thereafter, she worked for one year at the Corinth Hospital, where she was trained in the reception and management of polytrauma patients. From November 2015, she worked in the orthopedic oncology clinic at "Agios Savvas" Hospital, participating in major oncological surgeries and monitoring oncology patients. From June 2016 to 2023, she worked at General Hospital Georgios Gennimatas in the First Orthopedic Clinic, gaining experience in orthopedic trauma, arthroplasty of major joints, and sports injury rehabilitation. Concurrently, for two years, she completed a rotation in the Second Orthopedic Clinic of the Children's Hospital Agia Sofia, where she was trained in pediatric orthopedic trauma, neonatal hip ultrasound according to Graf, the Ponseti method, and a wide range of other pediatric orthopedic conditions.

Athanasopoulos Konstantinos MD, MSc is an Orthopedic Surgeon maintaining private practices in Piraeus and Galata Troizinia, while also collaborating with the Athens Medical Group (Peristeri clinic) and the sports injury center at Mediterraneo Hospital. He is certified in robotic knee and hip arthroplasty using the most advanced robotic system worldwide, the only one with FDA certification in the USA for robotic total joint revision arthroplasty. He holds a postgraduate degree in “Metabolic Bone Diseases” from the Medical School of Athens and graduated in Medicine from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila". He specialized in Orthopedics and Traumatology at the General Hospital of Piraeus “Tzaneio” and in Pediatric Orthopedics at the Children’s Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou", and after successful examinations where he ranked first in Attica, he obtained the title of orthopedic specialty. He served as an instructor at the Special Training Center for Health Professionals in the Orthopedics and Traumatology department of the General Hospital of Piraeus "Tzaneio" regarding the implementation of a preventive screening program for scoliosis and other spinal deformities in students. Additionally, he has participated as a speaker and trainee in numerous conferences and seminars in Greece. His areas of expertise include arthroscopic surgery, robotic knee and hip arthroplasty, as well as robotic knee and hip revision surgery with Fast-Track ERAS protocols for rapid return to activities, and minimally invasive surgery.

Kyrou Georgios is an Orthopedic Surgeon Consultant at the 3rd Orthopedic Clinic of the private hospital Iaso in Marousi, while maintaining a private practice in Kallithea. He has previously served as a specialist and resident physician in some of the most prominent public hospitals in the country, including the General Hospital of Attica “Sismanoglio - Amalia Fleming,” the University General Hospital "Attikon," the General Oncology Hospital of Kifisia (G.O.N.K.), and the General Children's Hospital of Athens "Panagiotis and Aglaia Kyriakou," covering a wide range of pathology and surgical cases. A graduate of the Medical School of the University of Patras, he has actively participated in national and international conferences and possesses experience in a variety of interventional techniques and musculoskeletal system disorders. He has also received additional training through seminars in areas such as upper limb surgery, reconstructive surgery, sports injuries, and traumatology. His clinical and scientific focus is on the optimal, evidence-based, and individualized management of orthopedic conditions, emphasizing functional rehabilitation and the minimization of postoperative complications.

Mitrogiannis Georgios is an Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Adults and Pediatrics – Sports Medicine Physician, maintaining a private practice in Nea Ionia. Concurrently, he works as a Consultant in the Pediatric Orthopedic Clinic at IASO Children’s Hospital. He holds a medical degree from the University of Ioannina School of Medicine and is a doctoral candidate at the School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He completed his specialty training in Orthopedics and Traumatology at the General Children’s Hospital "Panagiotis & Aglaia Kyriakou," the Korgialenio-Benakio Greek Red Cross Hospital, and the General Athens Hospital "Evangelismos," where, following the receipt of his Orthopedic Specialty certification, he remained for an additional two years as a Specialist Orthopedic Surgeon. During his residency, he received extensive training in managing injuries of all severities, sports-related injuries, and arthroplasties, actively participating in a large number of surgical procedures across the full spectrum of Orthopedics. He holds the Barca Innovation Hub Professional Diploma in Team Sports Injuries and the FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine, confirming his advanced expertise in sports medicine. In 2023, he served as a physician for the AEK Football Club, and from September 2024 to the present, he has been the team physician for the Academies of Panathinaikos Football Club. He also has a robust scientific portfolio with publications and presentations at Greek and international medical conferences and journals.

Kakavas Pindaros is an Orthopedic Surgeon at the Athens Medical Center, Chief Physician of the AEK F.C. Football Academy, and maintains a private practice in Neo Psychiko. He holds a Diploma in Sports Injuries from the International Olympic Committee based in Lausanne. He graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and specialized in Orthopedics at the General Hospital "Evangelismos." Concurrently, he specialized in Upper Limb Microsurgery and Pediatric Orthopedics at the General Hospital of Attica "KAT." He has served as a consultant at the 2nd Sports Injuries Clinic of Euroclinic Athens, Team Doctor for AEK FC (A' Team), Football Academy Doctor for Panathinaikos F.C., and as a member of the medical staff for AEK BC and Panellinios BC. Throughout his career, he has accumulated surgical experience in sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery, total knee and hip arthroplasties, and orthopedic trauma.

Maria Xoumanidi is an Orthopedic Surgeon with a private practice in Elliniko. She holds a degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She has completed a postgraduate program in "Metabolic Bone Diseases" at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, as well as a postgraduate program in "Applied Biomechanics and Biomaterials in Orthopedics" at the Medical School of the same institution. She specialized in Orthopedic Surgery initially at the General Panarcadian Hospital of Tripoli and subsequently at the General Hospital "Asklipieio" of Voula. In 2019, she worked as an Orthopedic Surgeon at the Municipal Clinic of Kypseli and currently serves as an Attending Orthopedic Surgeon at Metropolitan Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Xoumanidi has participated in numerous conferences and seminars and is a member of the Piraeus Medical Association and the Hellenic Society of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology.

Dr. Diakatos Andreas is an Orthopedic Surgeon who maintains a private practice in Ilioupoli. He was born in Athens. He began his specialty training in Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology at the Asklipiio Voulas Hospital. For two years, he trained in Microsurgery at KAT Hospital and for one year in Pediatric Orthopedics at the same hospital. In 2014, he obtained the Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology specialty certification and has been practicing privately since then. He is currently affiliated with Hygeia Hospital, where a significant number of robotic surgeries are performed, a cutting-edge technology in knee and hip arthroplasty within this specialty. Finally, it would be remiss not to mention his training in Bologna, Italy, under Professor Maurilio Marcacci, as well as in Leeds, United Kingdom.

Stylianos Kouzoupis is an Orthopedic Surgeon who has maintained a private practice in Piraeus since 2004. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed his specialty in Orthopedics at the Attica General Hospital KAT. He specializes in Hip and Knee Surgery, Arthroscopy, and Traumatology. In addition to his private practice, he is a Scientific Associate at "Hygeia" Hospital and Metropolitan Hospital. Previously, he worked for several years at IKA Piraeus as an Orthopedic Surgeon and served as the Physician for the Hellenic Equestrian Federation. Finally, he is a member of the Hellenic Society of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology.

Masount Mamoun is an Orthopedic Surgeon with private practices in Ambelokipi (Gkyzi area) and Nafplio (Head of the Orthopedic Department at IASIS Polyclinic - Argolida).

He is a graduate of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a postgraduate diploma in metabolic bone diseases from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

He has obtained a specialty title in Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology from the 3rd University Orthopedic Clinic of the General Hospital of Attica KAT. He is specialized in arthroplasty, arthroscopy, traumatology, sports injuries, and surgery of major joints, as well as in osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and fracture healing.

In his private clinic, he manages conditions across the entire spectrum of orthopedics, with a special interest and experience in pediatric orthopedics.

Additionally, he serves as a Scientific Collaborator and surgeon at Metropolitan Hospital, Medical Center Athens Group, and Hospitality Clinic Athens.

Finally, through his participation in numerous seminars, workshops, and conferences, he continually updates himself on advancements in his field to provide specialized services tailored to his patients' individual needs. He is also a member of the Hellenic Society of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology and the Hellenic Osteoporosis Foundation.

Dr. Panagopoulos Georgios is a Director Orthopedic Surgeon with extensive training and surgical experience in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Although he is involved in the entire spectrum of Orthopedic Surgery, his primary area of expertise/interest is Arthroscopic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Upper Limb (shoulder, elbow, and hand). Dr. Panagopoulos has completed numerous long-term fellowship programs in the upper limb and has served at the highest level as a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at one of the largest Trauma Centers in Europe. Dr. Panagopoulos was born and raised in Athens. He completed his medical studies at the Medical School of the University of Rome, graduating with honors (magna cum laude). Subsequently, he completed his Residency in Orthopedic Surgery & Traumatology at the University Orthopedic Clinic of the University of Athens (Attikon University General Hospital). Dr. Panagopoulos expanded his training by completing a fellowship program in the Upper Limb in Pittsburgh, USA (2016-2017). He then served at the world-renowned Shoulder-Elbow Clinic in Reading, United Kingdom (2018-2020), as well as at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore (2020). Dr. Panagopoulos subsequently worked as a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at the Royal London Hospital, one of the largest Trauma Centers in the United Kingdom and Europe. He holds a PhD from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Grigorios Sasalos is an Orthopedic Surgeon, Consultant at the Orthopedic Clinic of Metropolitan Hospital, and maintains a private practice in Galatsi. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He received a scholarship from the State Scholarships Foundation to undertake a postgraduate program at the National School of Public Health. He completed his specialization at the First University Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He has served for several years as an unpaid Scientific Collaborator at the Second University Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He has participated in numerous international conferences, specialized seminars on new techniques, and educational courses. He manages cases across the entire spectrum of reconstructive surgery, hip and knee arthroplasty, with a particular interest in minimally invasive SuperPATH hip arthroplasty. He also undertakes arthroscopic repair of sports injuries in cases unresponsive to conservative treatment.