Bhubaneswar: Sports Science India (SSI), a Bhubaneswar-based sports science centre, organized the first edition of SSI International Arthroscopy Conference-2024, here today.

Sports surgeons, physiotherapists and sports science experts from different parts of the country as well as international speakers discussed about the new surgery techniques and rehabilitation programmes for female athletes. The conference was themed around issues and injuries related to the knee.

As many as five International, 30 national and 10 state faculties deliberated on various topics in the day-long conference having at least 10 sessions and workshops. Powered by CONMED Corporation, SIRONIX, BIOTEK and Avana, the event was a comprehensive academic symposium featuring live demonstrations, engaging panel discussions, keynote presentations, and hands-on workshops.

Speaking about the importance of the event, Hyderabad-based Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy surgeon, Dr Ajay Singh Thakur, said: “The biggest problem the athletes face is injury and its management. So, the present focus in the arthroscopy and sports science world is how to prevent the injuries. Moreover, female athletes are eight times more prone to injuries and have special concerns due to hormonal factors, menstrual cycle and anatomical differences from their male counterparts, leading to energy deficiencies. In such a scenario, these conferences are needed to exchange ideas and discuss new ways to cater to the sportspersons, especially female athletes, who are also taking up high-end sports.”

One of the biggest takeaways from the conference was that the experts believed early injury prevention programmes can be beneficial for athletes.

“This conference sends a message that sports surgeons and physiotherapists have to work together. After surgery rehab will help prevent an ACL tear. We must start ACL prevention programme for female athletes as early as 9 or 10 years of age and for males, it should be started by 12. These prevention programmes, if started early, can reduced the chances of ACL tears,” said Dr Brett C Barnes, who is an active fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

“The increased inclination towards sports has put forth a profound responsibility for the sports medicine and arthroscopy experts. The aim should be to provide world-class medical care and rehabilitation to our athletes so that not just their injuries are healed, but they make a triumphant return to the field,” said Dr Sarthak Patnaik, founder of SSI and president of the conference.

Some of the topics discussed at the event included Female Athlete Triad, Biomechanics of Athletic Knee, Effect of Menstrual Cycles and Contraception on ACL injury, graft choice in female athlete ACL, Hamstring Harvest, Bucket Handle Tear, Role of Hyaluronic Acid, among others. The conference was conducted under the aegis of Indian Arthroscopy Society, Odisha Arthroscopy Society and Odisha Orthopaedics Association.

Dr Swarnendu Samant of Fortis Hospital Anandapur (Kolkata) was honoured with SSI Best National Mentor Arthroscopy Award-2024. Dr PC Dey, a Bhubaneswar-based Orthopaedic, honoured with SSI Arthroscopy Patron Award.