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EFORT Instructional Course on hallux valgus and ankle arthrosis: Sharing expertise in complication management
Lausanne, Switzerland; 28-29 November 2014
An EFORT Instructional Course (IC) will be conducted in Lausanne, Switzerland, in November on hallux valgus, ankle arthrosis and the management of complications in these two conditions. The topics are highly relevant says Dr. Mathieu Assal from Geneva who is organizing the upcoming IC along with Dr. Xavier Crevoisier from Lausanne.
Hallux valgus, ankle arthrosis and the management of complications in these conditions are the focus of an EFORT IC in November in Lausanne, Switzerland. “These topics are highly relevant since many patients suffer from such disorders, and they represent an important part of the foot and ankle surgeon’s daily activity,” Dr. Mathieu Assal, Head of the Foot and Ankle Centre at Clinique La Colline, Geneva, and President of the Swiss Foot and Ankle Society, explains. “However, both topics are very complex, offering a variety of surgical techniques of which each one has its specific indications and complications, depending upon the underlying pathology and patient demands.”
The upcoming IC in Lausanne will provide an opportunity to review experiences, evidence and delve more deeply into the recent advances in hallux valgus and ankle arthrosis surgery. Among the highlights relating to ankle arthrosis to be discussed at the course are joint preserving surgery, complications in total ankle replacement and new developments in ankle fusion. “Arthroscopic fusion techniques will be revisited”, says Assal. “The management of complications of fusion will likewise be discussed.”
The course will also cover percutaneous techniques in hallux valgus surgery. “Percutaneous hallux valgus surgery is known to present a slow learning curve and it can lead to a variety of complications,” according to Assal. “If the indication is correct and the surgeon proficient, this technique is very gratifying.”
The program of the IC puts particular emphasis on interactive case discussions and workshops. Assal said, “There will be five live surgeries performed by highly skilled experts. And there will be three workshops in which participants can get in touch with the different techniques that are being demonstrated and discussed.”
Instructional Courses form part of the extensive EFORT Educational Pyramid Program and their emphasis is geared to chief residents and young specialists who want to improve their skills in a special field. Referring to the target group, Assal notes the upcoming IC in Lausanne is “designed for advanced foot and ankle surgeons. Understanding of the underlying pathologies is being assumed, as indications and techniques will be discussed at an expert level.”
Apart from the high level of expertise from which participants can benefit at the IC in Lausanne, the host city may be an additional motive for taking part. Participants may be interested in taking some time after the course to visit Lausanne and its surroundings. “The region called ‘Lavaux’ with its surrounding vineyards is particularly beautiful, and one should try to enjoy a sunset there,” Dr. Assal said. “Another suggestion for spare time activities in the region could be hiking or shorter strolls in the vineyards along the so called ‘route du vin’.” The old part of the city with its chateau and cathedral, and Lake Geneva with its Riviera, e.g. Montreux, are also attractive places to visit.
- info
- More info available on: www.efort.org/ic-lausanne2014