Prof. Dr. Krik Heusdens, MD, PhD
Orthopedic Surgeon
Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen, Belgium
A New Lease on Life: Joint Preservation in Practice
Prof. Dr. Krik Heusdens is an orthopedic surgeon at the University Hospital of Antwerp (UZ Antwerpen), specializing in knee pathology and sports injuries. Since 2014, he has combined clinical practice with research into innovative therapies for complex knee conditions.
He earned his PhD at the University of Antwerp with a dissertation on the anterior cruciate ligament and now serves as assistant and guest professor at the university. In this academic role, he contributes to teaching, examination boards, and research committees, with a focus on musculoskeletal therapy and orthopedic innovation. He is a member of the ISIAT expert panel on refractory osteoarthritis.
Clinically, Prof. Heusdens treats knee osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, meniscus tears, and cartilage damage. He is recognized for applying advanced techniques such as knee joint distraction, regenerative injections for osteoarthritis, and cartilage repair procedures. When prosthetic surgery is required, he performs partial or total knee replacements, while striving to preserve the natural joint for as long as possible, particularly in younger patients.
His research covers ligament reconstruction, osteoarthritis therapies, regenerative medicine, and cartilage restoration. He coordinates clinical trials, leads collaborative studies, and has published on knee pathology, pain prediction, and novel treatment strategies. His work emphasizes innovation and the translation of research findings into practical, patient-centered care.
Guided by the principle of personalized medicine, Prof. Heusdens aims to tailor treatments to each patient’s needs, delaying or avoiding joint replacement whenever possible. His combined roles as surgeon, researcher, and educator make him a key figure in advancing orthopedic care in Belgium and beyond.
He earned his PhD at the University of Antwerp with a dissertation on the anterior cruciate ligament and now serves as assistant and guest professor at the university. In this academic role, he contributes to teaching, examination boards, and research committees, with a focus on musculoskeletal therapy and orthopedic innovation. He is a member of the ISIAT expert panel on refractory osteoarthritis.
Clinically, Prof. Heusdens treats knee osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, meniscus tears, and cartilage damage. He is recognized for applying advanced techniques such as knee joint distraction, regenerative injections for osteoarthritis, and cartilage repair procedures. When prosthetic surgery is required, he performs partial or total knee replacements, while striving to preserve the natural joint for as long as possible, particularly in younger patients.
His research covers ligament reconstruction, osteoarthritis therapies, regenerative medicine, and cartilage restoration. He coordinates clinical trials, leads collaborative studies, and has published on knee pathology, pain prediction, and novel treatment strategies. His work emphasizes innovation and the translation of research findings into practical, patient-centered care.
Guided by the principle of personalized medicine, Prof. Heusdens aims to tailor treatments to each patient’s needs, delaying or avoiding joint replacement whenever possible. His combined roles as surgeon, researcher, and educator make him a key figure in advancing orthopedic care in Belgium and beyond.
