EFORT PRESS RELEASE

New techniques for forming cartilage from stem cells and the specifics and development of each sub-specialisation in orthopaedics and traumatology worldwide are the central issues at the International Congress of EFORT (European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology), which is taking place for the first time in Portugal, until 7 June.

The international and Portuguese orthopaedics communities attending, to a total of 6,000 orthopaedists, are addressing the orthopaedics scenario at this meeting, which was organised by the Sociedade Portuguesa de Ortopedia e Traumatologia (SPOT). The aim of the congress is to enable the participants to share knowledge and experiences in the field, particularly in the areas of traumatology, prosthetic reconstructive surgery and cutting-edge technologies like arthroscopy and the treatment of cartilage damage.

The different orthopaedic sub-specialisations dealing with prevention, management and treatment are one of the main subjects of discussion during the congress. The importance that orthopaedics has acquired in recent years has led to the creation of sub-specialisations in the hip, spine, knee and shoulder, among others, making more effective diagnosis and intervention possible in these different areas of the locomotive system.
The World Health Organisation launched the Bone and Joint Decade (2000-2010) due to the socio-economic impact of these diseases worldwide and the frequent disability that they cause, with the resulting reduction in productivity. The idea was to raise people’s and governments’ awareness of problems of the locomotive system and to contribute to the prevention of fractures caused by osteoporosis, such as hip fractures, and to greater investment in research and development in this specialisation.

By organising this meeting in Portugal, SPOT wishes to contribute to the advance of knowledge in this sphere at a national and European level, to play an active part in the standardisation of prevention, assessment and treatment protocols and to alert the public to this effort, contributing to the discussion of orthopaedic health problems in Portugal.

About EFORT
EFORT - European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology currently represents 34 countries, to a total of 35,000 orthopaedists. EFORT fosters scientific research and development in orthopaedics, focussing on education and prevention, which is why it organises its international congress every two years.
The federation is able to play an important role in joint actions in different countries, such as records of prostheses applied and the fight against osteoporosis. The fact that it includes not only countries’ societies but also specialists’ associations results in greater visibility for the latest and most appropriate diagnostic and treatment resources for different conditions.
EFORT plays a vital part in standardising education and assessment criteria in orthopaedics in Europe. An example of this is the European Orthopaedics Exam, which is taken annually and qualifies those passing it to practise orthopaedics in any country of the community.

About SPOT
SPOT was formed in 1950 with the aim of contributing to the training, practice, development and dissemination of orthopaedics and traumatology of all aspects of the locomotive system, from prophylaxis of diseases and deformities to the cure stage, to the benefit of patients. In addition to its Board of Directors, which represents it and is responsible for contacts with the government, social partners and general public, SPOT has sections for different, specific diseases, which are the society’s scientific and educational driving force. These sections work together at the National Orthopaedics Congress, which is held annually, and hold meetings for their members addressing the specific areas of orthopaedics in which they work.
SPOT has contributed to road safety drives, the anti-osteoporosis campaign and multiple training initiatives in the field of education and sports.