ESSKA ( European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy) is a leading European learned society, founded in 1982. Today, it brings together more than 15,000 professionals from over 100 countries, all united by the same mission: to improve patients’ quality of life by raising the standard of care in the fields of sports traumatology, knee surgery and arthroscopy.

A vocation: clinical excellence and continuing education
ESSKA’s main objective is to unite orthopaedic surgeons, clinicians and scientists around innovation and research in sports surgery and degenerative joint pathology. A European leader in knee surgery, arthroscopy and sports traumatology, the learned society is built on several pillars:
- Education: through modular training programs, webinars, practical courses and fellowships, ESSKA offers a comprehensive educational offering, tailored to all levels of experience.
- Research: by publishing in leading scientific journals such as KSSTA (Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy) and JEO (Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics), and by supporting consensus projects and clinical studies.
- International cooperation: ESSKA collaborates with numerous national and international companies, promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices on a global scale.
Innovative, accessible training programs
ESSKA offers high-level continuing education, structured around a number of courses and programs. Courses are offered in a variety of formats.
Fellowships and mentorships: immersion programs in reference centers, for in-depth clinical and surgical experience.
Practical courses Held at ESSKA-approved centers, these sessions enable participants to practice on anatomical models or simulators, under expert supervision.
Webinars and e-learning: via theESSKA Academy, an online platform offering up-to-date, peer-reviewed teaching resources.
Specialist Core Curriculum
- 289 core competencies, including history-taking, consideration of co-morbidities and patient context, clinical examination and diagnoses, best evidence-based consideration of alternatives, and surgical planning.
- Various approaches to the knee, shoulder, foot and ankle, hip, elbow and forearm, sports medicine.
ESSKA Certification Programme
- ESSKA core specialization structured in modules.
- Each module consists of 3 in-depth assessments and results in an ESSKA Certificate of Excellence in the field.
These programs enable surgeons to specialize in specific areas, such as knee and hip surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy and minimally invasive techniques, sports medicine and injury prevention.
A commitment to research and innovation
The ESSKA plays a key role in the advancement of sports surgery research. It regularly publishes clinical studies, meta-analyses and recommendations to standardize practices and improve patient outcomes. Its congresses, held every two years, are a key opportunity to present the latest innovations and debate the future challenges facing the specialty.
Why is ESSKA an essential partner?
- International recognition: ESSKA is a major player in Europe and worldwide, collaborating with companies such as ISAKOS, APKASS and EFORT.
- Access to a community of experts: becoming an ESSKA member means joining a network of committed professionals, benefiting from preferential rates for conferences and training courses, and access to exclusive resources.
- Impact on clinical practice: ESSKA programs are designed to be directly applicable in the operating room, enabling surgeons to improve their skills and deliver better quality care.

In conclusion
The ESSKA embodies excellence in sports surgery and arthroscopy, combining training, research and international cooperation. For healthcare professionals wishing to train in the latest techniques or contribute to the advancement of the discipline, the ESSKA represents an invaluable resource.
References :
To find out more :
- Consult the calendar of upcoming ESSKA events: ESSKA Events
- Discover the benefits of membership: ESSKA Membership


