Bart van der Wal is Professor of Orthopaedics and Head of the Department of Orthopaedics at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC).

More information about Bart van der Wal

Bart van der Wal is Professor of Orthopaedics and Head of the Department of Orthopaedics at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC).

Chair

My chair contributes to promoting mobility in patients, with a focus on innovative, patient-centered care, relevant research, and high-quality orthopedic education. The societal relevance of my position lies in the development of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies for complex joint reconstructions, implant-related infections, and orthopedic oncology. My research combines translational science with clinical practice, with particular attention to 3D-printed patient-specific implants for hip dysplasia and radioimmunotherapy for periprosthetic joint infections. My work aligns with several NWA agenda themes through my focus on mobility solutions, data-driven care, and AI-integrated technologies in daily practice. The research lines I lead include orthopedic oncology, revision infection prosthetics, complex reconstructions, and advanced 3D technologies.

Academic career

I obtained my PhD in 2010 from Utrecht University with the dissertation titled “Hydroxyapatite-coated uncemented hip stems and bone remodeling.” I studied medicine at Erasmus University Rotterdam (1992–1999) and the Catholic University of Leuven (1991–1992). My orthopedic surgery training took place at Atrium Medical Center Heerlen and Maastricht University Medical Center (2002–2007), after which I completed a fellowship in orthopedic infections with the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) in 2015.

From 2007 to 2017, I worked as an orthopedic surgeon at Meander Medical Center in Amersfoort. Since 2015, I have been practicing at the University Medical Center Utrecht, focusing on musculoskeletal infections and revision arthroplasty. In addition, since 2022, I have served as orthopedic training program director. Between 2018 and 2021, I was acting training director, and from 2020 to 2022, deputy head of the Department of Orthopedics.

Throughout my academic career, I have successfully supervised six PhD candidates and am currently supervising six ongoing doctoral projects. I have authored 57 peer-reviewed publications and contribute to research in the fields of periprosthetic joint infections, 3D medical technology, and joint reconstructions.

Additional information

• 2026 3D Hip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HZJ5nFo9q4
• 22-1-26 "3D-printed hip rim helps humans now after dogs Article The Engineer
• 16-1-26 https://www.nu.nl/gezondheid/6382862/ziekenhuis-in-geldrop-plaatst-als-eerste-ter-wereld-3d-geprinte-heup-bij-mens.html
• 16-1-26 https://www.annaziekenhuis.nl/3dhip/
• 14 January 2026, NRC From Dog to Human: A Piece of Hip from the 3D Printer
• 14-3-25 "Hip Implant for Dogs Will Soon Help Owners Too"​  University of Utrecht 
• 2023 Guest Editor, International Journal of Molecular Science Targeted Radionuclide Therapy of Cancer and Infections
• 2019 Interview, Vetscience, Dr. Bart van der Wal and Prof. Dr. Bjorn Meij: A New Treatment for Hip Dysplasia
• Utrecht Cement Remover – Bart van der Wal (youtube.com)
• 2017, Medisch Contact The Risk Associated with Hip or Knee Prostheses Is Not Insignificant - Bart van der Wal, Charles Vogely, Jon Goosen