Dr. Felix Sonntag:

What I find so exciting about orthopedics is solving the case. First, figuring out if it is an orthopedic or rather a neurological problem, then working through it to find out which limb it is,  locating the exact joint joint where the issue lies, and then, of course, doing all the diagnostics with X-rays, CT, and MRI – working through all of that, and, ideally, finding a solution for the patient so they can walk normally again.

My path to surgery is rooted in my personality. I tend to be an impatient person, and I do not really like when I diagnose something like chronic kidney failure, for example. I know I can help the patient and extend their life, but I prefer: problem identified, problem solved, patient happy, everything done.

That is much more my thing.

When did you first come into contact with Rita Leibinger Medical?

Dr. Felix Sonntag:

So, my first contact  with Rita Leibinger Medical was in 2011.

My boss at the time, Dr. Mihaljevic, came up to me, put a small blue implant down,  and said, “Oh, look at this, this is something interesting. Let’s try it out." I said, “Okay, let's try it.” And I actually have a little surprise here. Because even though it is old, this is my original TTA RAPID® set. And Mr. Bucher brought me, I think, three cages back then.

We implanted two of them, and I still have it today. It looks a bit different than they do nowadays,  but it is my keepsake and my implant from back then.

In 2011, you were on of the first surgeons to test TTA RAPID® in practice. Do you still remember that moment?

Dr. Felix Sonntag:

Absolutely. That was very exciting. We tested it back then on two patients, who had previously passed away, meaning four legs, and at that time, we still made that Maquet hole when the whole technique started, which is not in the user guide anymore today.

It was really exciting and convinced us pretty quickly that it was going to work, because we had already been doing  the regular, standard TTA for nearly five years prior.

And even though  development progressed further up until today, it fit right from the start.

What convinced you back then to take the time after a long day at the clinic to look into this new system more closely?

Dr. Felix Sonntag:

I had held the cage in my hand before and thought,

“Okay, this is cleverly designed, it could work.”

“We are definitely on board.”

“We were not going to miss out  on the chance to be part of something big.”

As a surgeon, what do you look for when you first handle a new implant system?

Dr. Felix Sonntag:

Yeah, I mean, it starts even before that. Every surgeon still has a bit of a kid inside them. And when I see a surgical kit or an implant set, that inner childhood collector instinct kicks in Like, “Yeah, I need to have that, I want that.” And when you open it for the first time, what matters most is: Is the quality right? Does it live up to what I expect? Is it complete? Is everything I need for the surgery right here in this set? 

So that I can basically start my case and have everything needed for the procedure,  even if things do not go as planned or if it is a patient who is not typical. Having everything available, and then, of course, the craftsmanship. Yeah, and on the flip side, of course: Does the technique match the implant that I need at that exact moment?

How important is direct contact with the manufacturer to you?

Dr. Felix Sonntag:

Direct contact with the manufacturer is absolutely crucial. Generally speaking, yes. You always encounter unexpected challenges during surgery. On one hand, when everything is running smoothly and perfectly, you can manage without a lot of additional support.

But when things do not go well, or when you have a problem or complication, and we've experienced that as well, then direct contact with the manufacturer becomes extremely important.

It needs to happen at eye level and it needs to be fast. Because we are a 24/7 operation. We cannot wait two, three, or four weeks for an answer, it has to be prompt.

What has defined your collaboration with Rita Leibinger Medical over all these years?

Dr. Felix Sonntag:

So above all, it is having that regional presence on one hand, and having a dedicated contact person available at all times on the other. And as I said, we have had issues before with plate fractures and things like that and that is when it is vital that the other party does not back away, but stands behind their product and helps you out.

This applies to communicating with the referring colleague or, of course, with the pet owner, because ultimately, they are the one suffering from the fact that the implant did not hold. And then you always have to look at yourself critically: Did I perhaps do something wrong? Did I choose the wrong implant, or is it actually an issue with the implant itself? That is when the implant manufacturer needs to step up, be supportive, and work with you to solve the problem together.

And that is what Rita Leibinger Medical does.

Looking back at this shared history, what does trust mean in a partnership like this?

Dr. Felix Sonntag:

Ultimately, especially these days, I am constantly dealing with supply issues for various medications. On my way here this afternoon, I was trying to think if there was ever a time we could not get a Rita Leibinger Medical product that I needed. And I couldn’t. That's how it has always been.

Availability was never an issue. Whenever a new product was introduced, they keep you informed, so you are always updated and fully equipped with everything  you need to care for your patients.

Would you recommend a career in veterinary medicine? If so, who do you think would be well suited to the profession?

Dr. Felix Sonntag:

So, in the end. I have been a vet for over 20 years now, and a lot changes over time.

One major challenge is managing expectations. Especially with pet owners. It is becoming harder and harder to meet them. But on the other hand, it is just an incredibly exciting profession. I am never bored, I never look at the clock wishing the day was over.

Instead, I look at the clock thinking, “Quick, I still need to do this,” or “I have to get to that,” or “Well, I should double check that.” And what is really great is that you always have the opportunity to keep learning, to specialize, and to try something new. So, this profession is definitely not for anyone who thinks, “I will do my training and then just get by until retirement.” As a vet, you will fall behind and never be successful thinking like that. But like I said, if you are willing to keep learning and stay on top of your game, it is an absolutely fascinating and very, very diverse job. Especially in a clinic setting.

We would like to sincerely thank Dr. Felix Sonntag for his many years of collaboration, his trust, and for taking the time to share his insights in this interview. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership for many years to come.

A Look Inside the Clinic