The latest Journal Citation Reports have delivered outstanding news for the ESSKA publishing family, highlighting the growing global influence, quality and impact of the research published across our journals.

Both KSSTA and the Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics (JEO) have achieved significant milestones in 2025, reinforcing their positions among the leading publications in orthopaedics, sports medicine and traumatology research. These achievements reflect the dedication of a worldwide community of authors, reviewers, editors and readers who continually strive to advance scientific knowledge and improve patient care.

We are delighted to celebrate these remarkable results and to recognise the collective efforts that have contributed to the continued success and international reputation of both journals.

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KSSTA

KSSTA has achieved a 2025 Impact Factor of 5.5.

The journal is now ranked:

• #16/322 in Surgery
• #8/126 in Sport Sciences
• #6/146 in Orthopaedics

These results reflect the continued trust that authors, reviewers, editors and readers place in the science published in KSSTA.

We feel truly honoured by this recognition and would like to warmly congratulate everyone who has contributed to this achievement: our Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editors, Associate Editors, Editorial Board members, reviewers, authors, publisher and editorial teams.

This success is the result of a shared commitment to publishing high-quality, clinically relevant and scientifically rigorous research in knee surgery, sports traumatology and arthroscopy.

Thank you to the entire KSSTA community for making this possible.

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Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics (JEO)

The Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics (JEO) has achieved a 2025 Impact Factor of 3.2 and is now ranked as a Q1 journal.

We are extremely proud of the journal’s continuous growth and of the increasing recognition received by the high-quality science published in JEO.

This achievement reflects the dedication and commitment of our Editors-in-Chief, Deputy Editor, Associate Editors, Editorial Board members, reviewers, authors, publisher and editorial team.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to this important milestone and to the continued development of JEO as a leading Open Access journal in experimental and translational orthopaedic research.

ESSKA 2026 in Prague will be remembered as a landmark moment in the history of our Society. Under the theme “History Inspires Science”, more than 5,000 delegates from 95 countries gathered at the O2 Universum, in Prague, creating an atmosphere of exceptional energy, collaboration, and scientific exchange.

The scale of this year's Congress reflected the growing global reach of ESSKA. With 5,028 registered participants, 431 faculty members and speakers, and representatives from nearly 100 countries, Prague became a truly international meeting point for orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, sports medicine professionals, and industry partners.

The scientific programme showcased the very best of contemporary musculoskeletal medicine. Delegates benefited from more than 150 hours of educational and scientific content, alongside 32 free paper sessions that highlighted emerging research and innovative clinical practice. The enthusiasm of the scientific community was evident in the remarkable 2,256 abstracts submitted and the presentation of 1,280 ePosters, demonstrating both the quality and breadth of research being conducted around the world, and we thank all those involved in contributing to the scientific quality of the event. Special thanks go to our Congress President, Vojtech Havlas, Scientific Chair Thomas Tischer, and Scientific Co-Chairs, Raghbir Khaka, and Jakub Kautzner for many months of meetings and decisions leading up to the event.

Beyond the lecture halls, the Congress buzzed with discussion, networking, and knowledge-sharing. Partners and exhibitors played a vital role in enriching the experience, helping to create an environment where innovation, education, and collaboration could thrive.

Most importantly, the success of ESSKA 2026 was driven by the passion and engagement of its delegates. Every session, discussion, and interaction contributed to an unforgettable Congress that not only celebrated scientific excellence but also strengthened the global ESSKA community.

We extend our deepest gratitude to every delegate, faculty member, exhibitor, and partner who joined us in Prague. Thanks to your support, ESSKA 2026 has set a new benchmark for future Congresses. Thank you for making this biennial highlight such an extraordinary and memorable milestone.

Dear ESSKA members, esteemed colleagues,

It is a profound honour and privilege to step into the role of 20th ESSKA President for the 2026-2028 term. It is undoubtedly a great challenge to lead such a dynamic and constantly developing scientific society like ESSKA. Looking back to when I first attended an ESSKA congress in 1998 in Nice, and comparing it to today, the organisation's evolution is truly incredible.

Based on elements such as the number of members, the number of congress participants, and the abundance of educational activities, I would dare to say that today ESSKA is undoubtedly the largest orthopaedic company in Europe. I honestly believe that one of the secrets of this success is the fact that the company is truly a European community that is open to everyone, from a small country like Luxembourg to a large one like Germany. Within this logic, although coming from a relatively small country, I was given the opportunity to become the first Greek president of the society. Therefore, from 1998 as a simple conference participant until assuming the presidency in 2026 is a long road, but the “ESSKA dream” came true because the society offered to me (and every young colleague) so many opportunities for participation, improvement, and development through many scientific activities such as travel scholarships, participation in committees, conferences, etc. For me, the key point in this journey was my selection as a travelling fellow for the ESSKA-APKASS Travelling Fellowship in 2006. A few years later, in 2014, my fellowship godfather, Matteo Denti, suggested I join the ESSKA board as treasurer.

Orthopaedic medicine is evolving rapidly. From breakthroughs in robotic-assisted surgery and biologics to critical discussions on healthcare equity, our field stands at the cutting edge of medicine. ESSKA’s main missions are education and research.

As we look towards the future, we will continue to invest, improve, and grow our educational programme to provide as many opportunities as possible for the new generation of orthopaedic surgeons in Europe to become familiar with the new techniques of arthroscopy, arthroplasty, and the treatment of sports injuries.

We will support and encourage research activities to improve the quality of life of patients. A very good example of the contribution of the company's research activity to improving patient quality is the consensus programmes. I always keep in mind the impact that the first consensus on degenerative meniscal tears and the avoidance of unnecessary surgeries had on the orthopaedic community. This result contributed to the direction of, as the father of medicine, Hippocrates, said, "First of all, do no harm." I really would like to thank Philippe Beaufils, ESSKA Consensus Projects Advisor, for the incredibly productive and methodical work he has done over the last 10 years.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our immediate past president, Joan Carles Monllau, for his exceptional leadership and tireless dedication to our community. His methodical guidance has resulted in the company's amazing progress over the last two years. Thank you very much indeed, Joan Carles.

Welcome to the 2026-2028 Board Members, Council Members, Committee and Working Group Chairs. I look forward to working together in steering this great society for the next two years.

Congress

The ESSKA Congress was an incredible success, with over 5,000 delegates attending from all around the world to share knowledge, form friendships, and inspire each other.

Thanks to delegates, speakers, sponsors, and the city of Prague for making this the most successful ESSKA Congress yet.

The energy at the event was high, with an incredibly positive atmosphere, and I look forward to the next ESSKA Congress taking place in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2028.

Education & Professional Development

ESSKA Academy & Webinars

The new ESSKA Academy celebrated its 2nd birthday and continues to go from strength to strength. Viewer numbers are at an all-time high, and the ESSKA Academy is fast becoming a leading source of orthopaedic training and knowledge.

Observerships & Mentorships

ESSKA has just expanded its mentorship programme, allowing for 24 positions per year, which is a really important step in guiding the newer generations of orthopaedic surgeons.

We have launched the observership programme, which enables ESSKA members to observe experienced surgeons in their operative and clinical environments, gaining insight into surgical techniques, decision-making processes, and institutional workflows.

European Certification Programme

ESSKA’s European Certification Programme continues to be a highlight of our education offering, with 5 new modules for 2026.

I’m pleased to inform you that the ESSKA European Certification Programme will be available in partnership with leading universities in Europe: from this year on with Barcelona and Thessaly Universities, and more to come! This collaboration between ESSKA and European universities aims to build up a credential. The ESSKA European Certification Programme is the next step. I am very excited that my university, the University of Thessaly, Greece, will soon host the ACL and meniscus modules.

More European universities are expected to join this programme in the near future.

Thanks to our continuous professional education partners: Newclip Technics, Zimmer Biomet, and Smith & Nephew for their ongoing support in delivering orthopaedic education to our members and the wider orthopaedic community.

Journals: KSSTA and JEO

ESSKA Journals, KSSTA and JEO, have both received notable increases in their Impact Factors and journal rankings.

With KSSTA achieving a Journal Impact Factor of 5.0, and JEO receiving an Impact Factor of 2.7.

These remarkable achievements reflect the outstanding contributions of our authors, reviewers, and editorial teams. Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence in orthopaedic and sports medicine research!

I am also pleased to announce the launch of the new Podcast – Frontiers of Orthopaedic Science – in conjunction with KSSTA, with many thanks to Michael Hirschmann and Podcast host Joaquin Moyer Angelo for the time and dedication to this venture.

Consensus Projects

ESSKA’s Consensus Projects continue to unite the orthopaedic community, advising on best practices, with 5 new projects undertaken between 2024-2026 across key areas such as meniscal ramp and root tears, UKA, and rotator cuff tears; promoting best practices in patient care across multiple domains and procedures.

The 2024-2026 consensus projects were released at the ESSKA Congress in Prague and are now available to view for free on the ESSKA Academy.

Women in ESSKA

Our Women in ESSKA initiative continues to thrive, increasing ESSKA female membership by 3%, which is a huge amount when you consider that female orthopaedic surgeons only make up an average of 8% of the orthopaedic community globally.

Round 3 of the WIE mentorship programme is currently open for applications for mentors and mentees – a great opportunity for established female orthopaedic surgeons to encourage the new generation.

Congratulations to Berte Bøe on becoming 1st Vice President. I am happy that everything we achieve over the next 2-year period will be passed into hands as capable as yours.

Governance and Structure

ESSKA is always looking for ways to grow and create more value for our members, and as part of this, the society has undergone a restructuring within our sections, committees, and working groups to ensure we are delivering the right kind of initiatives, events, and programmes to best reflect our demographic.

The Future of ESSKA

Our goal is to build upon our strong foundation while making the society more accessible, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of our members. During my tenure, my primary focus will be on three key initiatives:

• Expanding our educational outreach and mentorship programmes for early-career members.
• Enhancing the quality and global reach of our official journals and publications.
• Improving digital collaboration and networking opportunities across our global chapters.

The strength of our society lies in its diverse and passionate membership. I am committed to leading an organisation that thrives on your direct input. Whether you are a student member or a seasoned professional, I encourage you to share your ideas, write for our newsletters, and consider joining one of our committees.

Thanks & Acknowledgements

Thank you to the 2024-2026 board and council for their leadership over the last two years, to our corporate partners, Arthrex, Enovis, and Smith & Nephew for their ongoing support, and to our members for their enthusiasm, interest, and dedication.

I am convinced that a large part of the society's success is undoubtedly due to the very strong and highly professional team of the ESSKA executive office. I would therefore like to extend a big thank you to both the CEO, Zhanna Kovalchuk, and the other members of the ESSKA team.

The strength of our society lies in its diverse and passionate membership. I am committed to leading an organisation that thrives on your direct input. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the upcoming years. Thank you for your continued trust and support.

I am very lucky to have a board of directors around me with such great and capable people. Together, I am certain that the best days for ESSKA lie ahead.

Warmly,

Michael Hantes
ESSKA President
2026-2028

ESSKA is pleased to announce a new collaboration with leading European universities to deliver modules within the ESSKA European Certification Programme.

Through this initiative, ESSKA will offer two certification modules — ACL and Meniscus — delivered in partnership with the University of Thessaly (Larissa) and the University of Barcelona.

The European Certification Programme allows surgeons to benchmark their skills against ESSKA’s European Standards of Excellence. Developed by hundreds of experts across Europe and built on the ESSKA Core Curriculum, the programme provides a structured and independent assessment of surgical competence.

By working with universities, ESSKA is bringing its internationally renowned European Certification Programme into recognised academic environments at national level. This approach supports high-quality education, strengthens clinical credibility and contributes to the continuous improvement of patient care across Europe.

Each module combines online learning, in-person surgical skills assessment and clinical reasoning evaluation.

Applications are now open for the Barcelona modules.

Authors
Pieter (Spike) Erasmus
Knee Clinic Stellenbosch, South Africa
Manuel Vieira Da Silva
Trofa Saúde Hospital Braga Sul, Braga, Portugal
School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal

Introduction

Obligatory patellar dislocation is one of the most misunderstood conditions in pediatric patellofemoral surgery. These children present not with traumatic instability, but with predictable, painless lateral displacement of the patella during every flexion or extension cycle. Because the problem is developmental rather than post-traumatic, standard surgical strategies used for recurrent patellar dislocation frequently fail.

Correctly distinguishing between dislocation in flexion and dislocation in extension is the cornerstone of successful treatment. Each type differs in pathoanatomy, clinical presentation, and surgical approach. Misinterpretation at this early stage leads to inappropriate reconstruction, unnecessary distal realignment, persistent instability, or quadriceps dysfunction.

This article provides a practical, experience-based guide to distinguishing these two entities and implementing a structured surgical strategy. Two concise clinical cases are included to demonstrate the decision-making process.

What Makes Obligatory Dislocation Unique?

In contrast to recurrent traumatic dislocation, which results from acute injury to the medial soft tissues, obligatory dislocation is considered a developmental disorder and is characterized by:

• Predictable lateral displacement during a specific phase of motion,
• Absence of pain at the moment of dislocation,
• Often bilateral involvement,
• Associated abnormalities of extensor mechanism length, trochlear morphology, patellar shape, patellar height, and muscle balance.

The age of presentation is typically 5–12 years, when children struggle with running, squatting, or sports requiring cutting or jumping.

Early recognition prevents years of inappropriate treatment and poor surgical outcomes.

Two Distinct Clinical Phenotypes

1. Obligatory Dislocation in Flexion
(patella dislocates during knee flexion)

Clinical recognition

These children show a visible lateral translation or “clunk” as the knee flexes. A classical presentation is the inability to extend the knee from a flexed position without using the opposite foot. Depending on the severity, squatting is often impossible.

Underlying pathology

• Tight lateral retinaculum
• Short quadriceps mechanism (vl, vi, rf)
• Weak or elongated vastus medialis
• Stretched medial retinaculum/ capsule
• Lateralised patellar tendon tibial insertion
• Abnormal trochlear morphology
• Hyperplastic lateral condyle
• Hypoplastic patella
• normal patellar height (no patella alta)

2. Obligatory Dislocation in Extension
(patella dislocates during terminal extension)

Clinical recognition

These patients display a marked J-sign or even a “jumping” J-sign, with lateral displacement occurring painlessly near extension. Gait abnormalities, valgus alignment, hyperlaxity or subtle toe-walking may be present.

Underlying pathology

• Patella alta
• Dysplastic trochlea
• Normal-sized patella with large lateral facet
• Lax medial structures in extension
• Lateralised patellar tendon tibial insertion
• Secondary contributors:
• Hyperlaxity
• Genu valgum

A Practical Algorithm for Surgical Planning

A. Surgical Management of Dislocation in Flexion
(focus on proximal structures)

1. Lateral retinacular lengthening and release
2. Quadriceps releases
3. Medial retinaculum plication / VMO advancement
4. Quadriceps tendon lengthening
5. Patellar tendon medialization
6. Trochleoplasty (selected cases)
7. MPTL reconstruction (optional)
8. Derotation osteotomy

B. Surgical Management of Dislocation in Extension
(focus on distal alignment and medial stability)

1. MPFL reconstruction
2. Patellar tendon medialization
3. Correction of patella alta
4. Lateral retinacular lengthening
5. Combined MPFL and MPTL reconstruction
6. Trochleoplasty (selected cases)
7. Patelloplasty

Growth-Plate Considerations

• MPFL origin ~8.5 mm distal to physis
• Risk of growth disturbance if trochleoplasty performed too early
• Safe trochleoplasty possible in carefully selected adolescents
• Distalization must avoid physeal violation

Illustrative Cases

Case 1: Dislocation in Flexion

Patient: 12-year-old girl, difficulty running and rising from a squat. No trauma.

Case 2: Dislocation in Extension

Patient: 12-year-old boy with painless lateral patella displacement around 30° of extension.

Key Points for Clinicians

• Obligatory patellar dislocation is developmental, not traumatic.
• The most important step is distinguishing flexion vs extension dislocation.
• Flexion type → proximal pathology.
• Extension type → distal/medial pathology.
• Standard MPFL reconstruction is unsuccessful if underlying pathology is overlooked.

Key Messages

Correct classification is the cornerstone of success. MPFL reconstruction fails when underlying pathology is not addressed. Surgery must follow anatomy, not habit.

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Figures

Figure 1 – Axial schematic representation of the patellofemoral joint in obligatory patellar dislocation in flexion.

Figure 2 – Axial schematic representation of the patellofemoral joint in obligatory patellar dislocation in extension.

Figure 3 – Stepwise surgical algorithm for the management of obligatory patellar dislocation in flexion.

Figure 4 – Stepwise surgical algorithm for the management of obligatory patellar dislocation in extension.

Figure 5 – Clinical appearance in obligatory patellar dislocation in flexion.

Figure 6 – Imaging findings in obligatory patellar dislocation in flexion.

Figure 7 – Surgical treatment for obligatory patellar dislocation in flexion.

Figure 8 – Postoperative CT imaging after surgical treatment for obligatory patellar dislocation in flexion.

Figure 9 – Clinical outcome at 6 weeks after surgical treatment for obligatory patellar dislocation in flexion.

Figure 10 – Imaging findings in obligatory patellar dislocation in extension.

Figure 11 – Surgical correction of patella alta in obligatory patellar dislocation in extension.

Supplementary Material

Supplementary Video 1 - Obligatory patellar dislocation in flexion.

Supplementary Video 2 - Obligatory patellar dislocation in extension.

ESSKA Times Editor and 2nd Vice President, Berte Boe interviews Joaquin Moya-Angeler about hosting ESSKA’s new Podcast in collaboration with KSSTA Journal – The Frontiers of Orthopaedic Surgery.

1. What kind of conversations did you want to create that simply do not happen in manuscripts, guidelines, or congress lecture halls?

Interestingly, the idea for the podcast came while I was preparing for the New York Marathon. Long training runs require a lot of distraction, so I ended up listening to almost every orthopaedic podcast I could find. Some had interesting formats, but I felt something was still missing.

At some point I realized that ESSKA and the KSSTA journal did not yet have a podcast, which seemed like a missed opportunity. I mentioned the idea to Juan Carlos Monllau and Michael Hirschmann, they liked it, and the brainstorming started.

The concept was simple: take key hot topics in knee surgery and bring together two experts to discuss them in an open conversational format, without slides or formal presentations.

And for the record, I did manage to finish the marathon, in part thanks to some of those podcasts, so hopefully the one we are recording may help other runners the same way.

2. What sets this podcast out amongst others?

What makes this podcast unique is its close connection with the KSSTA journal and the ESSKA scientific community. It allows us to discuss not only the science, but also the perspectives of the people shaping the field.

The format is also very structured and dynamic. Each episode includes two guests and a host, and we start with a short lightning round of yes or no questions, which often sparks interesting discussion later in the episode.

The project has also benefited from strong collaboration, including support from the KSSTA office, particularly Danai Papaioannou, guidance from Editor in Chief Michael Hirschmann, the work of podcast producer Hanna Siemaszko, and support from the ESSKA office.

3. Is the podcast science? Or social?

Ideally both. Science is serious, but conversations about science do not always have to be.

The foundation is scientific, focusing on research and clinical decision making, but the conversational format makes the discussions more accessible and engaging.

4. What has surprised you most since recording the first episodes?

What surprised me most is how natural and open the conversations become once we move away from the traditional lecture format. It reminds me of the discussion part of a congress session, where people finally say what they really think.

That is usually where experts share their experience, reflections, and sometimes different perspectives on cases or concepts, which often makes for the most interesting part of the conversation.

5. Was there a gap in the way scientific content and editorial perspectives are currently communicated that you felt a podcast could help bridge?

Yes. Scientific articles are essential but necessarily concise and structured. What is often missing is the broader editorial perspective behind the research, including why certain questions matter and how new findings are interpreted within the field.

Podcasts also make it easier to integrate these conversations into daily life. Whether driving, travelling, working out, or going for a run, people can stay connected to the conversation. I personally enjoy going for a 10k run on the weekend while listening to inspiring people discuss knee surgery with real passion.

6. If you could change one thing about how knowledge is shared in orthopaedic surgery today, what would it be, and does this podcast contribute to that change?

I would encourage scientists to focus more on quality rather than quantity of research. We produce an enormous number of studies, but what really moves the field forward is rigorous and meaningful work, not just a higher number of publications.

I also believe we need to speed up how science is communicated. The current process often involves many bureaucratic steps that slow down how quickly results reach clinicians. Ideally, surgeons should be able to focus on collecting high quality data, while journals and new technologies help streamline the analysis and dissemination of the results.

Interestingly, this is something we discuss in the podcast with Michael Hirschmann, particularly how artificial intelligence and new technologies may help reshape how scientific information is analysed and communicated.

7. Who should definitely be listening to this podcast, and who might be surprised to find they enjoy it?

Young surgeons and trainees will probably benefit the most, as they can hear directly from leading experts about how they approach clinical questions and interpret evidence.

But I believe many senior surgeons may also enjoy it, as the discussions revisit key concepts and reflect on how orthopaedics continues to evolve.

8. Who are you most excited to have on the podcast next? Who is the guest of your dreams?

If I could choose a dream guest, even historically, I would have loved to record a conversation with Michael Freeman and John Insall, two remarkable figures who made fundamental contributions to knee surgery and knee biomechanics.

So far, we have already recorded episodes with Andy Williams and Antonio Klasan, Matthieu Ollivier and Kristian Kley, and Elizaveta Kon and Laura De Girolamo. Upcoming recordings will include Michael Hirschmann and Sebastian Lustig, Juan Carlos Monllau and Jon Karlsson, and David Dejour and Peter Verdonk.

In addition, we will record several episodes during the ESSKA Congress in Prague, where we will bring together a senior and a junior profile to discuss the same topic from different perspectives. Guests will include Martin Lind, Alberto Grassi, James Robinson, Ayoosh Pareek, Reha Tandogan, Daniel Perez Prieto, Stefano Della Villa, and Romain Seil.

Overall, the goal is to invite leading figures across the different areas of knee surgery, while also giving space to younger voices who are helping shape the future of the field.

9. When will the podcast launch? And how can people listen to it?

Episodes will be available through the ESSKA website and major podcast platforms.

We hope it becomes a place where the orthopaedic community can stay connected to new ideas and conversations shaping the field.

The ESSKA Congress (20–22 May 2026) will deliver a comprehensive and dynamic scientific programme, featuring more than 150 hours of expert-led content.

The Scientific Programme provides a unique platform for presentations and discussions on advancing research at both clinical and basic science levels across all of ESSKA’s specialist areas.

Highlight and Keynote Lectures delivered by leading international experts are balanced with symposia, hot topic debates, free paper sessions, and Instructional Course Lectures (ICLs). A wide range of formats is used to deliver quality education, accredited with CME credits (ECMEC®s) by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME®).

Catch up on demand

To ensure you don’t miss a moment, all scientific sessions will be made available to congress delegates on-demand via the ESSKA Academy. Whether you are unable to attend a session live or wish to revisit key insights, you will have the flexibility to catch up at your convenience.

• 🕕 Watch sessions within 24 hours of the live presentation
• 🗓️ Access all content for 3 months after the congress*

*ESSKA Member Delegates will continue to have access beyond this period

With such an extensive programme, this ensures you can experience the full value of the congress on your schedule.

Register for the ESSKA Congress Here!

We are pleased to offer an additional benefit to participants of the upcoming ESSKA Congress.

Delegates who complete their registration before 7 May will be eligible for complimentary inner-city travel in Prague, provided in collaboration with the Prague Convention Bureau.

The travel pass will be valid:

• From 00:00 on the day preceding the congress
• Until 23:59 on the day following the congress

It can be used across all municipal public transport services within Prague, including trams, metro, buses, trolleybuses, and ferries.

Please note:

• The ticket is valid only within Prague city zones (P, 0, B)
• It is not valid on the Airport Express (AE) bus line, on trains, or on transport outside Prague city limits (zones 1, 2, 3, etc.)

Further details, including how to access and use your travel code, will be shared with eligible delegates closer to the congress.

We encourage you to complete your registration before 7 May to take full advantage of this benefit.

New this year at the ESSKA Congress, we are pleased to introduce Run for Science, a 5 km Charity Run & Walk designed to bring our community together in support of a meaningful cause.

Taking place just before the congress, this special pre-congress event offers participants the opportunity to add movement to their congress experience while contributing to charity. Open to all registered congress participants, the run welcomes both runners and walkers of all levels.

Places are strictly limited, and we strongly encourage you to log in to your registration profile and add the run as soon as possible to secure your start place.

All proceeds will be donated to charity — every step truly makes a difference.

The ESSKA-EKA focus meeting “ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES IN KNEE SURGERY” was held successfully on October 3–4, 2025, in Brixen, Italy. The meeting focused on the use of modern technologies in primary and revision TKA, HTO, and musculoskeletal infections.

This meeting was attended by European orthopaedic surgeons (specialists and trainees), infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, biomedical engineers, and students from Paracelsus Medical University (Salzburg, Austria), the University of Innsbruck (Austria), the University of Bozen (Italy), the University of Trento (Italy), and other universities in Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

The local scientific committee (Christian Schaller, Michael Engl, and Pier Francesco Indelli) put together a truly outstanding event. The scientific sessions covered a wide range of key topics — from osteotomies around the knee and alignment and personalised arthroplasty to technology in primary and revision arthroplasty and periprosthetic joint infections in the digital era. Each session reflected the high scientific level and fruitful discussions that define ESSKA-EKA. A special session was dedicated to “in-training” and “junior” orthopaedic surgeons and biomedical engineers.

This high-level scientific meeting catalysed collaboration among basic science and clinical researchers in knee surgery, policymakers, and leading industry leaders to address global economic challenges, with a focus on evidence-based policies, sustainable innovations, and qualitative science communication.

The Brixen ESSKA-EKA focus meeting’s takeaways also included the adoption of responsible, transparent, and inclusive scientific practices. The social activities in the beautiful city of Brixen and throughout the Südtirol region perfectly captured the spirit of the Südtiroler community and ESSKA-EKA members.

Join us at our next EKA Focus meeting in Thessiloniki, Greece - 11th-12th September 2026

14 September – 27 September 2025

Fellows:
Ioannis Kougioumtzis (Greece)
Jakob Merkač (Slovenia)

The 2025 ESSKA NEWCLIP TECHNICS Osteotomy Travelling Fellowship was an exceptional educational journey across France and the United Kingdom, beginning on 14 September 2025 in Marseille and concluding on 27 September 2025 in London. Throughout this period, we had the privilege of visiting and working with some of the most respected surgeons in the field of knee surgery and osteotomies. The fellowship provided a continuous and enriching exchange of knowledge, experience, and perspectives that will undoubtedly influence our future surgical practice and professional development.

This fellowship offered us the unique opportunity to meet highly skilled, dedicated, and inspiring professionals. Their warm hospitality, openness, and collegial spirit were evident in every aspect of daily clinical work, from the operating theatre to outpatient clinics. We were deeply impressed by their generosity in sharing expertise and experience, and we are sincerely grateful for the outstanding educational value and professional connections gained during this journey.

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Institute of Movement and Locomotion
Aix–Marseille University Hospital, Marseille, France
14–17 September 2025
Host: Professor Matthieu Ollivier

Marseille represented the first milestone of our fellowship, where we had the privilege of spending several days with Professor Matthieu Ollivier, a highly innovative, dedicated, and hard-working Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. Professor Ollivier masterfully balances clinical practice, research, teaching, and family life, while maintaining an impressive surgical workload, performing up to 19 surgical cases per week. His institution regularly attracts fellows from France, Europe, and across the world.

During our stay, we moved between three operating rooms, observing advanced osteotomy techniques, including suprapatellar and infrapatellar high tibial osteotomies as well as posterior tibial slope–correcting osteotomies. In addition, we attended ACL reconstructions and MCL reconstructions using different surgical techniques. Our operative experience was further enriched through in-depth discussions, educational video sessions, and structured reviews of the current literature. The Institute of Movement and Locomotion strongly promotes clinical excellence and continuous education (Figure 1).

Despite the intensive clinical programme, we were also able to explore the beauty and history of Marseille. Professor Ollivier kindly organized a short tour of the city and its surroundings for us, offering us a memorable cultural experience. We were equally impressed by the local cuisine, which added to the overall richness of our stay. The Marseille experience left us with lasting memories and a strong desire to return in the future.

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Newclip Technics
Knee Osteotomies & PSI Course, SKYLAB, Nantes, France
18–19 September 2025

The Newclip Technics Knee Osteotomies & PSI Course in Nantes took place in a superbly designed, state-of-the-art educational facility, offering excellent infrastructure and hands-on training opportunities on multiple cadaveric specimens.

This course provided an outstanding educational experience by combining theoretical lectures, case-based discussions, and practical surgical training, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded learning environment. Our trainers — Dr Jörg Dickschas (Germany), Dr Jean-Marie Fayard (France), and Dr Roberto Negrin Vyhmeister (Chile) — were not only recognized experts in the field of knee osteotomies, but also exceptionally approachable and generous educators, sharing their extensive knowledge and clinical insights (Figure 2).

In addition, we had the unique opportunity to visit the Newclip Technics manufacturing facilities, gaining insight into the entire process from raw materials to final implant application. This experience provided valuable understanding of implant design, biomechanics, and quality control, and remains one of the most distinctive aspects of the fellowship. This course represents an essential step in the professional development of any surgeon aiming to specialize in osteotomies around the knee.

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Centre Orthopédique Santy
Lyon, France
20–24 September 2025
Host: Dr Jean-Marie Fayard

Lyon represented the third major milestone of our fellowship, where we spent an intensive and highly educational period with Dr Jean-Marie Fayard, one of the leading knee surgeons in the region. During our stay, we were exposed to a large volume of complex knee procedures, with particular emphasis on corrective osteotomies, slope-changing osteotomies, a high number of ACL reconstructions, and extensive experience with anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstructions performed using the Lyon technique.

We closely followed Dr Fayard’s work in the operating theatre, observing various surgical strategies, intraoperative decision-making processes, and technical nuances related to both primary and revision ACL surgery, often combined with extra-articular procedures. The high surgical volume allowed repeated exposure to similar procedures, facilitating a deeper understanding of indications, technical execution, and intraoperative problem-solving (Figure 3).

In addition to operative experience, we accompanied Dr Fayard during ward rounds and outpatient clinics, gaining valuable insight into postoperative management, long-term follow-up, and outcome assessment. This comprehensive exposure to surgery, inpatient care, and outpatient evaluation provided a holistic understanding of modern knee surgery pathways.

Alongside the intensive clinical programme, our stay in Lyon also included a rich social and cultural experience. We explored the city’s historical heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and world-renowned gastronomy, making the stay both professionally rewarding and personally memorable.

---

Guy’s Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust
London, United Kingdom
24–27 September 2025
Host: Mr Raghbir Khakha

London represented the final key destination of our fellowship, where we spent an intensive and highly instructive period with Mr Raghbir Khakha, a knee surgeon with extensive expertise in complex realignment procedures around the knee. During our stay, we were exposed to several demanding cases, including double-level osteotomies and femoral derotational osteotomies, offering valuable insight into advanced deformity correction strategies.

Over the course of two days, we observed a high volume of surgical procedures, allowing focused observation of preoperative planning, intraoperative decision-making, and technical execution, particularly in cases involving multiplanar deformities. These experiences reinforced the importance of precise alignment assessment and individualized surgical strategies (Figure 4).

The clinical programme was complemented by discussions on indications, patient selection, and postoperative rehabilitation protocols, further deepening our understanding of the role of corrective osteotomies in contemporary knee surgery. In addition, the London visit provided opportunities for professional networking and informal exchange of experiences during social gatherings, fostering open dialogue and collegial collaboration.

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With Gratitude

The 2025 ESSKA NEWCLIP TECHNICS Osteotomy Travelling Fellowship has been a truly remarkable experience, rich in education, collaboration, and the formation of lasting professional friendships. We wholeheartedly recommend this fellowship to future candidates seeking advanced training in knee osteotomies.

We sincerely thank ESSKA for selecting us for this fellowship and Newclip Technics for their generous financial support. Special appreciation goes to Mr Joseph Ramesh, Project Manager and Education Coordinator at ESSKA; Ms Malorie Verdon, Events Project Manager at Newclip Technics; Ms Sophie Plantier, Academic Secretariat at Centre Orthopédique Santy; and Ms Maria Thomas, Visiting Professional Programme Assistant Administrator at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, for their continuous and invaluable support and coordination.

Finally, from the bottom of our hearts, we extend our deepest gratitude to all hosts, surgeons, residents, and fellows who warmly welcomed us and made this fellowship an unforgettable professional and personal experience.

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Explore ESSKA Fellowships

To view currently open fellowships and explore upcoming opportunities within ESSKA, please visit the following link:

https://esskaeducation.org/fellowships

Figure 1.

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Figure 4.

ESSKA continues to take meaningful steps towards improving gender representation within orthopaedics through the Women in ESSKA Mentorship Programme. With the successful completion of Round 2, the initiative further strengthens its commitment to creating a supportive, visible and empowering space for women within the society and the wider profession.

Mentorship Details

The Women in ESSKA Mentorship Programme was developed to provide structured guidance, professional development and peer support for female orthopaedic surgeons at different stages of their careers.

Round 2 (July 2025 – March 2026)

• 10 mentees selected
• 5 mentors selected
• 10 mentorships successfully completed

Each mentorship pairing was designed to foster open dialogue, career guidance and practical advice on navigating professional challenges within orthopaedics. The programme continues to build a growing network of women connected through shared experience, ambition and support.

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Mentee Feedback

“When I submitted my application, I had recently become a mother. I was incredibly happy about the arrival of my baby, but also a bit worried about what returning to work would be like. For a few months, balancing the two wasn’t easy: at work, I felt like I was taking time away from my child, and at the same time I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to become a good surgeon. This experience, and especially meeting my mentor, Dr. Kjersti Kaul Jennsen, showed me that I can be both, and that it’s possible to find a balance and make both roles work. I came back more motivated than ever. I know it won’t always be easy, but I also know that with the right organization, it is possible. Thank you for this opportunity. I learned so much during this experience, both professionally and personally, and this is something I will carry with me going forward. I hope the professional connection that started with my mentor and with the other brilliant professionals I met will continue in the future.”

- Alessandra

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“Some experiences don’t just teach you — they change you.”

“The “Women in ESSKA Mentorship Programme” with Ingerid Baksaas Aasen in Norway was exactly that for me. A huge thank you to Dr. Aasen for what you taught us in and outside the OR — not only the technical skills, but also the calm focus and confidence you brought into every moment. Watching you work was truly inspiring, and I’ll carry those lessons with me for a lifetime.

A big thank you to the entire team at Martina Hansens Hospital for the warm welcome and support throughout the experience. And thank you as well for sharing the “Norwegian experience” with us (sauna and ice-bathing included!) 🇳🇴 And sharing this journey with my partner in crime, Katerina, from Greece🇬🇷, made it even more special!

Thank you ESSKA - European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery & Arthroscopy for this unforgettable experience. It reinforced my belief that women can do anything. Be anything. And we deserve to take up space while doing it.”

-Judith

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Overall Goals: Why This Matters

Women represent on average only 7% of orthopaedic surgeons globally. Against this backdrop, ESSKA is actively working to ensure that the society is a diverse and inclusive environment in which female surgeons can thrive.

Over the past four years, female membership within ESSKA has increased from 9% to 12.4%, placing the society well above the global average. While there is still progress to be made, this upward trend reflects sustained effort and strategic initiatives aimed at improving representation.

The Women in ESSKA Mentorship Programme is one such initiative. By investing in structured mentorship, visible role models and professional support networks, ESSKA is not only encouraging individual career development but also contributing to long-term cultural change within orthopaedics.

Join the Conversation: Women’s Round Table at the ESSKA Congress

As part of this ongoing commitment, ESSKA invites all women in ESSKA to attend the Women’s Round Table at the upcoming ESSKA Congress.

This dedicated session provides an open forum to discuss challenges, opportunities and future actions to further improve representation and inclusion within the field.

Further details regarding date, time and registration will be available via the ESSKA Congress programme.

Thanks to our Official Supporters of the Women in ESSKA Programme

 

Tommy Frøseth Aae
Ferran Abat
Fatemeh Abbasi
Mohammadreza Abbasian
Hassaan Abdel Khalik
Nasef Mohamed N. Abdelatif
Ahmed H Abdelazeem
Mohammed Anter Abdelhameed
Mohamed Abdelmoneim
Elisabeth Abermann
James Abesteh
Kathleen S Abrams
Assala Abu Mukh
Leonard Achenbach
Andrea Achtnich
Jakob Ackermann
Nobuo Adachi
Marco Adriani
Saverio Affatato
Piero Agostinone
Parth Agrawal
Sufian Ahmad
Imran Ahmed
Marc-Daniel Ahrend
Philipp Ahrens
Qi Ai
Xin Ai
Zhehong Ai
Manabu Akagawa
Ryuichiro Akagi
Mehmet Akan
Esedullah Akaras
Kiyokazu Akasaka
Esin Akbaş
Burak Menderes Akdoğan
Umut Akgun
Doruk Akgün
Ibrahim Akkawi
Mustafa Akkaya
Cansu Akkuş
Ralph Yao Akoto
Vasileios Akrivos
Domenico Albano
Jose Albarello
Muhammed Oguzhan Albayrak
Francesco Alberti
Peter R Aldinger
Ayyoub A. Al-Dolaymi
Zyad Aldosari
Eduard Alentorn Geli
Domenico Alesi
Cristiano Alessandro
Maslah Idiris Ali
Aboud AlJabari
Ian Al'Khafaji
Tine Alkjaer
Sachin Allahabadi
Jorge Luis Alonso Reyes
Prisca Alt
Tjarco DW Alta
Abdulaziz Fahad Altammami
Emanuele Altovino
Abtin Alvand
Alaowei Amanah
Rita Amaral
Luca Ambrosio
Masaki Amemiya
Elias Ammann
Thomas Amouyel
Mette Renate Andersen
Alan Goce Andonovski
Renato Andrade
Alexandro Andrade
Octavian Andronic
Hermann Anetzberger
Peter Angele
Lucia Angelelli
Ana Catarina Angelo
Chayanin Angthong
Fares Ani
Elmar Anliker
Jeremy K Ansah-Twum
Nuno Antonio
Kelly Anzola
Nicholas Apseloff
Hossein Arabi
Paulo Araujo
Gustavo Araujo Nunes
Antonio Arenas-Miquelez
Elizabeth A Arendt
Camila Arias Montes
Nele Arnout
Kamilla Arp
Paolo Arrigoni
Elena Artioli
Amy Arundale
Jomar Aryee
Cody Ashy
Okan Ateş
Atesch Ateschrang
Halis Atıl Atilla
Aaron Atlas
Thomas Aubert
Jesper Augustsson
Dana Avraham
George Mihai Avram
Tacettin Ayanoglu
Olufemi Ayeni
Umit Aygun
Clara Azevedo

Jorge Velázquez Saornil
Fatemeh Abbasi
Mohammad Yaseen Abbasi
Josefin Abrahamson
Enoch Acheampong
Mohamed Aboelnour Adran
Marco Adriani
Piero Agostinone
Marc Ahrend
Ovunc Akdemir
Mustafa Akkaya
Vasileios Sotirios Akrivos
Akram Aldawoudy
Ayyoub Al-Dolaymi
Domenico Alesi
Hazim Alhiti
Tasneem AlHosanie
Bander S Alrashedan
Yusuf Altuntas
Luca Ambrosini
Luca Ambrosio
Ghislain Aminake
Farid Amirouche
Elias Ammann
Luca Andriollo
Luca Andriolo
Peter Angele
Ana Catarina Ângelo
Filippo Maria Anghilieri
Giuseppe Anzillotti
Gustavo Aparicio
Paulo Araujo
Pablo Arauz de Robles Claver
Antonio Arenas
Elizabeth Arendt
Claudia Arias
Fereshteh Asgharzdaeh
Cody Ashy
Mohamed Askar
Mehmet Askin
Thomas Aubert
George Mihai Avram
Hasan Aydin
Olufemi R Ayeni
Umit Aygun
Wenbin Bai
Kristen I. Barton
Eva Bax
Philippe Beaufils
Roland Becker
Wouter Beel
Kyriakos Bekas
Horea Rares Ciprian Benea
Alessandro Bensa
Marina Besalduch
Simone Bignozzi
Vivek Bilolikar
Salvatore Bisicchia
Carlo Biz
Benjamin Bloch
Berte Boe
Barbara Boer
Angelo Boffa
Olivia Bohe
Davide Edoardo Bonasia
Raffaele Borghi
Ulrich Bosch
Francesco Bosco
Nicolas Bouguennec
Kevin Bouelo-Pam
Achilleas Boutsiadis
Murat Bozkurt
Kristin Briem
Thorben Briese
Fabrizio Brindisino
Mats Brittberg
Matthias Brockmeyer
Simon Bueschges
Syed Imran Bukhari
Burak Çakar
Filippo Calanna
Nuno Camelo Barbosa
PABLO CAÑETE
Giacomo Capece
Gianluigi Capone
Silvio Caravelli
Marco Cardinale
Alessandro Carrozzo
Simone Cassin
Etienne Cavaignac
Malik Çelik
Ibrahim Fatih Cengiz
Tosca Cerasoli
Simone Cerciello
Sabrina Chelli
Hong Chen
Monica Chhabra
Alexis Rae Chow
Alexandre Coelho Leal
Dan Cohen
Riccardo Compagnoni
Serban Andrei Constantinescu
Pietro Conte
Jacopo Conteduca
Viviana Cortes Franco
Riccardo Cristiani
... [continue list as needed] ...

ESSKA at AC Forum Annual Meeting 2026: Learning, sharing and leading by example in Gothenburg

In January, members of the ESSKA team travelled to Gothenburg, Sweden, to take part in the AC Forum Annual Meeting 2026 — a 2½-day gathering dedicated to advancing association management and congress organisation across Europe.

Bringing together leading international associations, the Annual Meeting is a space for open exchange, fresh thinking and practical learning. Designed with input from members and the AC Forum Education Working Group, the programme combines contemporary debates with real-world case studies, alongside insights from external experts.

This year’s host city proved an inspiring backdrop. Known as Scandinavia’s heart of innovation and industry, Gothenburg offers one of Europe’s largest fully integrated city-centre venues, with hotels, restaurants and congress facilities all within walking distance — an ideal environment for focused discussion and connection.

Learning from peers across the association world

Across the three days, the ESSKA team engaged in sessions exploring developments in member engagement, education strategy, congress planning and organisational sustainability. The format encouraged honest conversations and practical knowledge-sharing, with member-led case studies offering tangible ideas that associations can implement immediately.

For ESSKA, the meeting was not only an opportunity to learn from peers but also to contribute our own experiences to the wider community.

Leading by example: spotlight on Women in ESSKA

A highlight of the programme was ESSKA’s own Alicia Triebsch’s presentation during the session “Leading by Example – DEI is Never Out of Fashion.”

Alicia introduced the Women in ESSKA initiative, sharing how the programme supports greater representation, visibility and opportunities for women within the orthopaedic and sports medicine community. The session sparked meaningful discussion around how associations can embed diversity, equity and inclusion into everyday practice — not as a trend, but as a long-term commitment.

The initiative resonated strongly with fellow associations, prompting valuable exchanges of ideas and approaches that ESSKA can continue to build upon.

ESSKA CEO Zhanna Kovalchuk also played an active role in the programme, moderating the session “Educating our Healthcare Workforce of Tomorrow,” which explored how associations can future-proof education, support evolving professional needs and equip the next generation of healthcare specialists.

In addition, Zhanna contributed to dedicated CEO discussions, exchanging strategic insights with fellow association leaders, and took part in the Women in ESSKA panel, reinforcing ESSKA’s ongoing commitment to inclusive leadership and meaningful representation across the orthopaedic community.

Sharing expertise through campfire sessions

ESSKA’s contribution continued through interactive campfire sessions facilitated by Education Manager, Ben McIlroy and Marketing & Communications Manager, Bryony Edwards. These smaller, discussion-led formats encouraged open dialogue and peer learning, allowing participants to explore challenges and solutions collaboratively.

From education delivery models to engagement strategies, the sessions reflected ESSKA’s hands-on experience and reinforced the value of practical, community-driven learning.

Strengthening connections for the future

Beyond the formal programme, the Annual Meeting provided time to connect with colleagues from associations across Europe, strengthening relationships that support future collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Events like AC Forum remind us that while every organisation has its own focus and community, many of the challenges and opportunities are shared. By learning from one another, we collectively raise standards across the association sector and give back greater value to the heart of our organisations - our members.

ESSKA returned from Gothenburg energised, inspired and equipped with fresh ideas to enhance how we serve our members.

Following a highly successful first edition, applications are now open for the KSSTA / JEO Rising Stars Programme 2026. This one-year initiative offers early- and mid-career clinicians and researchers the opportunity to engage in peer review, receive mentorship from senior editors, and contribute directly to the editorial work of the ESSKA journals.

Selected participants will have the opportunity to:

• Serve as active reviewers for KSSTA and JEO
• Receive mentorship from senior editors
• Participate in structured reviewer training and journal clubs
• Collaborate on a final systematic review or editorial for publication

Participation is voluntary and involves a commitment of approximately two reviews per month over a 12-month period, alongside engagement in the programme’s educational activities.

Key dates

• Application deadline: 15 February 2026
• Programme start: 1 March 2026

Eligibility

Applicants must be under 45 years of age and have at least 10 Medline (PubMed)-indexed publications.

Full details and the application form are available here!

High-quality peer review is the foundation of strong journals. We warmly encourage eligible colleagues to apply and to share this opportunity within their professional networks!

ESSKA President’s Christmas Editorial 2025

As we reach the end of 2025, I would like to take a moment to reflect on another year of progress, connection, and shared purpose within our ESSKA community. In a world that continues to face uncertainty and division, it is inspiring to see how our society remains united by a common goal: advancing orthopaedics and sports medicine for the benefit of our patients. Our strength lies in collaboration, and the past two years have shown just how far we can go when we work together.

Two Years of Growth and Momentum

The period since our record-breaking Congress in Milan has been defined by innovation and steady expansion across all areas of ESSKA. Whether through education, research, or international cooperation, our collective efforts have helped strengthen ESSKA’s role as a leading European and global authority in our field.

Congress

Preparations for the 22nd ESSKA Congress in Prague are well underway. The scientific programme has been developed, registration has opened, and a record number of abstract submissions with a total of 2046 submissions being received. I warmly encourage all colleagues to participate and look forward to welcoming you to Prague in May 2026 for what promises to be another exceptional meeting.

Education & Professional Development

ESSKA Academy & Webinars

The ESSKA Academy continues to grow from strength to strength, with excellent engagement from members across more than 100 countries. We have hosted over 35 webinars in the past two years, and more than 20 new sessions are planned for 2026. This year also saw the launch of our new AI Video series pioneered by ESSKA’s AI Working Group, offering innovative ways to explore surgical techniques and concepts.

European Certification Programme

The ESSKA European Certification Programme continues to establish a benchmark of excellence, with 14 modules delivered across 2024 and 2025, now spanning 10 specialist areas. A further six modules are planned for 2026, each offering significant member benefits.

• Meniscus
• Revision Arthroplasty
• ACL
• Osteotomy
• Multi-Ligament
• Rotator Cuff

Fellowships, Courses & Endorsed Training

ESSKA Fellowships, hands-on courses, and endorsed “All About…” courses have continued to flourish. We have delivered a wide range of training opportunities across Europe, and 2026 will bring new Observerships programme alongside expanded course availability and member discounts.

Journals: KSSTA and JEO

This has been a remarkable year for our journals. KSSTA achieved its highest-ever Impact Factor at 5.0, while JEO continued its upward trajectory, reaching 2.7. We were also proud to launch the Rising Stars initiative, strengthening collaboration between KSSTA and JEO and supporting the next generation of researchers. My sincere thanks go to our Editors-in-Chief and the reviewers, authors, and contributors who make these successes possible.

Consensus Projects

ESSKA’s Consensus Projects continue to deliver high-quality, evidence-based guidance for the global orthopaedic community. Five projects were completed in 2024, and five more are progressing toward presentation at the Prague 2026 Congress. I extend my gratitude to all Sections, collaborators, and our Scientific Advisor for their dedication.

Women in ESSKA

Our Women in ESSKA initiative has continued to thrive, completing its first mentorship rounds and delivering 3 well-attended webinars. We were honoured that the initiative received the 2025 European Association DEI Award, recognising our commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting women in orthopaedics. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our sponsors Smith + Nephew and Zimmer Biomet.

Sections & Committees

Across Europe, our Sections have hosted specialist focus meetings bringing colleagues together for focused scientific discussion and shared learning. I thank all Chairs, Co-Chairs, and organising teams for their work in advancing knowledge within their respective domains.

International Collaboration

ESSKA has continued to strengthen partnerships with societies across Europe and beyond. Our presence at key international meetings and our collaboration with partner and affiliated societies remain central to our shared vision for improving patient care globally. See our upcoming patronage events here.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Next year promises further development across ESSKA’s educational and scientific initiatives. Members can look forward to expanded Academy content, new Observership opportunities, the continuation of fellowships, over 20 webinars, and member benefits across courses, endorsed training, and journal publishing. Strategy, accessibility, and excellence will continue to guide ESSKA’s growth.

Thanks & Acknowledgements

My heartfelt thanks go, once again to the ESSKA Board and Council for their leadership and continued support, and to our Corporate Partners Arthrex, Enovis and Smith + Nephew for their ongoing support. I would also like to extend sincere gratitude to our Executive Office and the dedicated team whose efforts make all our activities possible.

As we conclude an inspiring year, I encourage all members to remain engaged—whether through participating in a webinar, contributing to a project, or connecting with us at an event. Your involvement is at the heart of ESSKA’s success.

On behalf of the ESSKA Board, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a peaceful and restorative festive season.

Joan Carles Monllau
ESSKA President

At ESSKA, we believe research should do more than sit on a shelf—it should inspire progress, spark discussion, and make a difference in clinical practice. That’s why our journals, Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (KSSTA) and the Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics (JEO), are at the heart of our mission to connect science and surgery.

Publishing with ESSKA means joining a community that values quality, collaboration, and real-world impact. From experienced surgeons to early-career researchers, our authors contribute to shaping the standards of modern sports medicine and orthopaedics across Europe and beyond.

Our recent collaboration with Wiley on the ESSKA Congress Best Paper Award showcased this perfectly. The initiative not only celebrated exceptional research but also encouraged more members—and new voices—to engage with ESSKA’s journals. For many, it was a reminder that great research deserves recognition, visibility, and a global platform to reach peers and clinicians alike.

ESSKA Journals continue to thrive because of our shared values:

• Clinical relevance: Every article aims to inform better decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
• Accessibility and collaboration: We champion approachable, well-structured research that invites conversation across disciplines.
• Mentorship and opportunity: We help early-career researchers navigate the publishing process, providing guidance that empowers them to share their findings with confidence.

By publishing with KSSTA or JEO, you’re contributing to a vibrant community that celebrates excellence, nurtures talent, and drives orthopaedic innovation forward.

👉 Read Wiley’s article on the ESSKA Best Paper Award collaboration here.

Pietro Spennacchio, ESSKA-AFAS Chair
Joao Vide, ESSKA-AFAS Board Member

Acute Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) are relatively common injuries increasing in frequency globally due to an overall increase in athletic activity, especially among men in their thirties and forties [1,2]. ATRs affect individuals ranging from professional athletes and recreational sportsmen to everyday patients with normal functional demands. These serious injuries are not infrequently associated with long-term functional deficits and a permanent inability to regain the pre-injury level of performance and activity [3].

In around 20% of cases, diagnosis of an acute Achilles tendon rupture is delayed due to failure to recognise the injury or patients not seeking medical attention because they underestimate the severity of the injury [4]. This can lead to the injury becoming chronic, a challenging condition associated with a significant decrease of the quality of life of those affected [5].

In recent years, the management of Achilles tendon ruptures has undergone a paradigm shift, driven by the findings and interpretations of randomised controlled trials [6,7]. Several surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols are now recommended for both operative and non-operative approaches [8,9] and the optimal management for both acute and chronic ATR remains a subject of ongoing debate.

In light of the current controversy, the AFAS section of ESSKA has decided to take action through two distinct initiatives:

1. The ESSKA-AFAS Formal Consensus Project on the management of acute and chronic ATRs, led by Mike Carmont, a renowned Achilles tendon researcher and surgeon, and co-chaired by Baris Kocaoglu (Editor of the ESSKA Academy platform) and Pietro Spennacchio (ESSKA AFAS Chair).
2. A worldwide survey on current trends in the management of chronic ATRs, led by João Vide.

The consensus initiative began in September 2024 with the selection of the project steering group, comprising experts from across Europe (Fig. 1), who are well-versed in the latest scientific evidence and the full spectrum of clinical cases.

Figure 1: Geographic representation of the Steering Group components across Europe.

Under the supervision of Philippe Beaufils, the neutral guarantor of the rigorous methodology adopted [10], the project Chairpersons have embarked on a two-year iterative process intended to provide updated guidance for all professionals involved in ATRs care.

During several challenging online meetings, the Steering Group first selected 32 questions relating to six specific themes within the ATR domain (terminology, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, return to sport, and complications), and then formulated the first draft of the related statements.

These were then subjected to two rounds of assessment from an independent group of 21 raters, which resulted in the statements being progressively refined. On 11 October 2025, a hybrid meeting involving the raters and the Steering Group in person and online was held at the Eich Klinik in Luxembourg to finalise the statements and determine the level of agreement for each one (fig. 2).

Figure 2: Working and social moments from the Luxembourg meeting, a hybrid event combining face-to-face and online participation.

The document containing the final statements is now ready for the next stage in the process: analysis by a group of European national scientific societies affiliated with ESSKA, to check geographical adaptability and readability.

Concomitant with this ambitious initiative, João Vide, an active AFAS board member from Lisbon, Portugal, decided to explore the current practices of orthopaedic surgeons worldwide regarding the assessment and surgical management of chronic Achilles tendon ruptures. To this end, he distributed a comprehensive web-based survey to 56 foot and ankle societies. A total of 667 responses from 60 countries were collected, making this the largest chronic ATR study to date (Fig. 3).

Figure 3: Geographical distribution of the retrieved survey responses.

The survey is currently under submission for publication, and a preview of the data is here reported.

The results revealed significant differences in the terminology and diagnostic methods used for chronic ATRs. While 36% of surgeons define “chronic” as >6 weeks post-injury, 20% consider four weeks sufficient. Diagnosis relies heavily on palpation and the Thompson test, with MRI (58%) and ultrasound (54%) both used — though MRI dominates (88%) for surgical planning.

Surgery was the preferred treatment in 90% of cases, with gap size being the main determinant of the technique. For small gaps ( <2 cm), most surgeons performed end-to-end repair (68%). For medium (2–4 cm) and large defects (>4 cm), practice varied, but the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer emerged as the most common option. When we assess subgroups of specialized foot and ankle surgeon and high volume surgeons, we observe a trend in favor of the FHL transfer for gaps >4cm (Table 1).

Table 1: Surgical strategies in relation to chronic ATR gap size

Gap Size	Subgroup	Most Preferred Techniques	Second Most Preferred	Notable Alternatives
<2 cm	All	End-to-end repair (68%)	V-Y advancement (13%)	FHL transfer (11%)
	F&A Subsp	End-to-end repair (68%)	FHL transfer (15%)	V-Y advancement (11%)
	High Vol	End-to-end repair (63%)	FHL transfer (21%)	V-Y advancement (8%)
2–4 cm	All	V-Y advancement (31%)	FHL transfer (29%)	Turndown flap (18%)
	F&A Subsp	FHL transfer (37%)	V-Y advancement (30%)	Turndown flap (14%)
	High Vol	FHL transfer (39%)	V-Y advancement (27%)	Turndown flap (13%)
4–6 cm	All	FHL transfer (46%)	Turndown flap (16%)	V-Y advancement (14%)
	F&A Subsp	FHL transfer (57%)	Turndown flap (15%)	V-Y advancement (13%)
	High Vol	FHL transfer (54%)	Turndown flap (13%)	V-Y advancement (8%)
>6 cm	All	FHL transfer (45%)	SemiT recon (12%)	Turndown flap (10%)
	F&A Subsp	FHL transfer (58%)	Turndown flap (8%)	SemiT recon (7%)
	High Vol	FHL transfer (50%)	SemiT recon (12%)	Allograft (10%)

Rehabilitation strategies also differed, though plaster in equinus, walker boots, and physiotherapy after 4–6 weeks were common. Outcomes were reported as slightly worse than for acute ruptures.

This global study further reiterates the need for evidence-based standard care guidelines for patients suffering from chronic ATRs — something that is indeed being addressed through the ongoing Consensus initiative!

The treatment of acute and chronic Achilles tendon ruptures is still the subject of much debate regarding the most effective treatment and rehabilitation methods. The AFAS team is proud to have made a concrete contribution to advancing knowledge in this unique field, with the aim of improving the standard of care for such critical injuries.

Then don't miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful town of Prague in May 2026, where you will hear the final results of the aforementioned Achilles Tendon initiatives and much more during the next ESSKA biannual congress.

Best regards to all!

Pietro Spennacchio and Joao Vide

Godfather: Thomas Patt (The Netherlands) Fellows:

Angelo V. Vasiliadis (Greece)
Lorenz Pichler (Austria)
Riccardo D’Ambrosi (Italy)

The 2025 ESSKA-ESMA-ISA Travelling Fellowship

The 2025 ESSKA-ESMA-ISA Travelling Fellowship was an incredible journey across India, beginning on the 21st of September in Pune and concluding on the 4th of October in Chennai. Guided by the remarkable "Godfather" Thomas Patt, the “Father” of ESSKA’s “Prevention for All” program, we spent two unforgettable weeks visiting some of the most prestigious orthopedic centers in the country, engaging in a continuous exchange of ideas that will stay with us for years to come.

Throughout this fellowship, we had the privilege of meeting highly skilled surgeons and dedicated professionals who exemplify excellence in both operating theatres and outpatient clinics. Their warm hospitality and willingness to share their knowledge made us feel like integral members of their teams.

We are immensely grateful to all those who contributed to making this fellowship an inspiring and memorable experience. Their generosity, expertise, and camaraderie have left a lasting impression on us.

Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital – Pune, 21 September to 25 September 2025

Host: Dr. Ashish Babhulkar

Our fellowship journey began in Pune, where we had the privilege of spending time with Dr. Ashish Babhulkar, a truly exceptional and passionate shoulder surgeon. His remarkable surgical skills left us in awe, but it was his humility, warmth, and generosity that made the deepest impression.

Observing Dr. Babhulkar in the operating room was a unique experience. The entire team worked in perfect sync, with the precision and harmony of a Swiss watch. Every step reflected not only technical excellence but also deep respect for the art and science of surgery.

We also had the pleasure of engaging with his team, particularly Dr. Shirish Pathak, an enthusiastic and outstanding surgeon in his own right. Our conversations ranged from clinical decision-making to broader aspects of patient care, and were both insightful and inspiring.

Dr. Babhulkar’s commitment to teaching and mentorship was evident in every interaction. His willingness to share knowledge, offer guidance, and engage in meaningful dialogue highlighted his role as both a master surgeon and a generous mentor.

What made the experience even more memorable was the heartfelt hospitality. Dr. Babhulkar welcomed us into his home for a wonderful evening with his family, a night filled with warmth, laughter, and inspiration. It was a touching reminder of how generosity and kindness enrich professional relationships.

Our time in Pune left us deeply inspired and grateful. It was the perfect start to our fellowship, setting the tone for the journey ahead.

Goa, 26 September to 28 September 2025

22nd Annual Conference of Indian Arthroscopy Society

The 22nd Annual Conference of the Indian Arthroscopy Society was a very well-organized and enriching event, held in a beautiful location that added to the overall experience. The congress provided an excellent platform to connect with fellow professionals, exchange ideas and lay the foundation for exciting future collaborations.

It also offered valuable opportunities to explore and try a wide range of orthopedic products from leading Indian companies, including Biotek, who generously supported us as a sponsor.

The scientific sessions were insightful and the social events created a relaxed and welcoming environment for meaningful networking. It was almost surreal to witness live music performances by local artists at the end of each day’s scientific program, a unique and delightful touch. We truly appreciated the thoughtful balance between academic learning and time to unwind.

Ganga Hospital – Coimbatore, 29 September to 1 October 2025

Host: Dr. S. R. Sundararajan

Our third stop on the fellowship journey brought us to Coimbatore, where we had the privilege of visiting the outstanding Department of Orthopaedics led by Dr. S. R. Sundararajan, the vice president of the Indian Arthroscopy Society.

From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the department's high surgical volume and the remarkable efficiency with which cases, ranging from the shoulder to the ankle, were performed. The level of clinical skill and coordination within the team was truly impressive.

We were warmly welcomed by Dr. Terence Dsouza and Dr. Ramakanth Rajagopalakrishnan, who made us feel completely at home. Their hospitality created an inviting environment that encouraged open dialogue and collaboration.

During our stay, we observed advanced surgical techniques and took part in lively academic discussions, which allowed for a rich exchange of knowledge and perspectives. The department’s strong commitment to both clinical excellence and education was evident in every interaction and detail.

Outside the hospital, we had the chance to savor the flavors of local cuisine at a fantastic restaurant, an ideal way to relax and reflect after intensive days of learning. On our final day, we visited the renowned Isha Foundation, located near Coimbatore. Immersing ourselves in the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region added a unique dimension to our experience, offering both reflection and inspiration.

This memorable combination of academic rigor, warm hospitality and cultural exploration made our time in Coimbatore truly unforgettable.

Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre – Chennai, 1 October to 4 October 2025

Host: Prof. Sivaraman Arumugam (President of the Indian Arthroscopy Society)

Our final destination on the fellowship journey brought us to the esteemed Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre in Chennai, where we were graciously hosted by the renowned Prof. Sivaraman Arumugam. We were warmly welcomed by his outstanding team, including Dr. Prakash Ayyadurai and Dr. Suresh Perumal, whose hospitality and expertise made this last leg of the fellowship truly special.

This stop felt like a celebration of all we had experienced so far. A key highlight was the opportunity to participate in a cadaveric workshop focused on the shoulder and knee. This hands-on session was invaluable, allowing us to apply and refine the techniques we had observed throughout the fellowship. It also created a perfect environment to exchange tips, insights and perspectives with our peers in a collegial and engaging atmosphere.

We also had the privilege of touring the Department of Sports Medicine and Sports Science, where we were impressed by the well-structured facilities and the department’s commitment to advanced research and innovation. The academic environment was both inspiring and forward-thinking, reflecting a strong dedication to excellence in education and clinical practice.

To round off our visit, Dr. Prakash organized a memorable excursion to Mahabalipuram, a historic town in South India famed for its stunning temples and monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. With the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide, we explored this UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a delightful seafood lunch by the ocean, an experience that perfectly blended culture, history, and camaraderie.

This final chapter of our fellowship concluded on a truly high note, enriched by shared knowledge, meaningful connections and a deep sense of gratitude.

Looking Ahead

A special mention goes to Dr. Rajeev Raman, the dedicated secretary of IAS and the upcoming godfather for the next phase of this collaboration. His energy, commitment and vision for fostering international academic exchange have been truly inspiring.

As we look to the future, we are excited to strengthen our scientific collaboration with India, with plans for joint research and publications in respected journals, such as the Journal of Arthroscopic Surgery and Sports Medicine (Editor-in-Chief: Prof. Raju Vaishya) and the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics (Editors-in-Chief: Dr. Murali Poduval and Dr. Srinivas B.S. Kambhampati).

We are confident this marks the beginning of a long-lasting and mutually enriching exchange. And of course, we’re already looking forward to reconnecting with the entire Indian group of fellows and Dr. Rajeev Raman, their godfather, at ESSKA 2026 in Prague!

With Gratitude

The fellowship experience has been an incredible journey, rich in learning, collaboration, and the formation of lasting friendships. As it comes to a close, it’s time to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who made this dream possible.

We sincerely thank ESSKA-ESMA for selecting us, the Indian Arthroscopy Society for their flawless organization and Biotek for their generous financial support. A special note of appreciation goes to Dr. Daniel Haverkamp, Educational Secretary of ESSKA and Mr. Joseph Ramesh, Project Manager and Education Coordinator of ESSKA for their invaluable support and coordination.

Our final and most heartfelt thanks go to all the hosts, surgeons, residents, fellows and secretaries who welcomed us so warmly and shared unforgettable moments along the way.

]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:24:00 GMT https://www.esska.org/news/news.asp?id=714810 https://www.esska.org/news/news.asp?id=714810

A Look Back at Previous Editions and a Preview of What’s Ahead

Since the launch of the Meniscus Module within ESSKA’s European Certification Programme, surgeons from across the world have travelled to key European Cities to take part in one of the most highly regarded learning and assessment experiences in knee surgery. Combining rigorous theoretical learning with hands-on evaluation, the module continues to attract motivated clinicians seeking to benchmark their skills, learn tips and tricks from leading experts, and contribute to a growing community of orthopaedic excellence.

As applications open for the fourth edition, it is the perfect moment to reflect on the highlights of previous years, and to share what future participants can expect from the next chapter of this flagship programme.

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The 2023 edition brought ESSKA to the Smith & Nephew Headquarters in Watford, a venue that has fast become a key home for the programme’s in-person assessments. Across two intensive days, 23 participants were evaluated on advanced meniscus techniques aligned with the ESSKA Core Curriculum and the standards defined in the module.

The structure balanced focused cadaveric assessments with opportunities for discussion, peer learning, and the exploration of new technologies. Breakout sessions included access to the latest Virtamed terminals, allowing surgeons to refine their arthroscopic skills using state-of-the-art simulation.

One of the standout moments was the live demonstration of a meniscus transplantation by JEO Editor-in-Chief Professor Stefano Zaffagnini.

A strong sense of community characterised the 2023 edition. Delegates presented their clinical reasoning through case discussions, while faculty members, including Dr Cécile Toanen and Professors Kopf, Hulet, and Zaffagnini, shared a wealth of technical insight and practical experience. Some participants were working toward ESSKA’s Certificate of Excellence in the Arthroscopic Knee Domain which is attained by completing a selection of modules, demonstrating the long-term value of the programme for ambitious surgeons across Europe.

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The 2024 edition returned to the Smith & Nephew London Academy, welcoming 21 delegates representing 14 countries. With Professor Jacques Menetrey as Module Chair, the edition offered an immersive assessment experience grounded in more than a decade of ESSKA’s educational development.

Participants underwent over three hours of surgical-skills evaluation, interspersed with rich case discussions and expert-led sessions. The faculty delivered several standout learning opportunities:

• A detailed lecture on meniscus prosthesis by Dr Tony Van Tienen
• An in-depth anatomical knee dissection by Professors Sebastian Kopf and Brian Devitt
• Structured peer-to-peer case presentations, enabling surgeons to analyse complex scenarios under faculty guidance

The atmosphere was one of mutual support and shared purpose, echoed in participant feedback describing the module as invaluable for professional growth, particularly for surgeons seeking advanced mentorship and practical refinement.

The 2024 faculty team — Professors Menetrey, Seil, Kopf, Devitt, Perelli, Piontek, and Van Tienen — played an essential role in maintaining ESSKA’s high educational standards.

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Looking Ahead: What to Expect from the 4th Edition of the Meniscus Module

With the next edition scheduled for 2026 and applications currently being taken, the module continues to thrive, offering a structured pathway designed to assess knowledge and technical surgical skill, and build reflective clinical practice. Successful participants will demonstrate the capability to perform meniscal repair and reconstruction using contemporary techniques aligned with ESSKA’s Core Curriculum.

Structure of the 2026 Edition

Part 1 – Theory and Online Assessment
Participants will complete comprehensive preparatory reading and video-based learning before sitting a timed, multiple-choice examination. The assessment allows for three attempts across dedicated windows in March and April 2026.

Part 2 – In-Person Surgical Skills Assessment
Held at the Smith & Nephew London Academy on 30 April–1 May 2026, the in-person component remains the highlight of the module. Delegates will undergo a structured skills evaluation using cadaveric specimens and may present case studies for discussion with their peers and the faculty.

Part 3 – Reflective Clinical Practice
Participants will produce an 8–10 minute case-based video demonstrating their surgical approach, imaging, technique, and postoperative evaluation.

Core Competencies Covered

• Partial Meniscectomy
• Meniscal Repair
• Meniscal Root Repair
• Meniscal RAMP Repair
• Allograft Meniscal Transplantation
• Synthetic Meniscal Implant Implantation

2026 Faculty

Prof. Jacques Menetrey (Switzerland) returns as Module Chair for the 2026 meniscus module, supported once again by Co-Chair, Prof. Sebastian Kopf (Germany). Additional Faculty will be confirmed nearer the time.

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A Continuing Commitment to Excellence

As applications open for the fourth edition of the Meniscus Module, ESSKA prepares to welcome a new cohort of surgeons ready to demonstrate their skills, broaden their professional network, and contribute to the highest standards of arthroscopic knee surgery in Europe.

For participants, the programme offers not only a certification, but a transformative learning journey shaped by international faculty, hands-on assessment, and a shared pursuit of excellence.

Find out more about the next meniscus module and apply here.

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