BLOG: Fulkerson provides update on the Patellofemoral Foundation

The Patellofemoral Foundation was founded in 2003 with the goal of improving patellofemoral education and research regarding the complex patellofemoral joint for both patients and practitioners, particularly surgeons. At that time, many patients were being treated with standard surgeries and protocols without much understanding about the origin of pain or instability.

Former world champion tennis player Ivan Lendl joined the initial board of directors, along with myself, Eric Dahlinger and Peter Jokl, MD. Smith & Nephew and DJOrtho helped with major funding along with one of my patients, J. William Hartman of Rosenberg, Texas.

John P. Fulkerson

Since that time, the foundation has supported the study and travel of 12 young academic surgeons to travel the world and spend time with leaders in the field to develop skills and knowledge pertaining to the patellofemoral joint. ISAKOS, with the primary support of then president John A. Bergfeld, MD, became an important and devoted partner of the Patellofemoral Foundation. With support of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and particularly Nicholas A. Sgaglione, MD, the Patellofemoral Foundation has sponsored and run several hands-on patellofemoral surgery courses on cadaver knees for orthopedic surgeons, as well as worked with the International Patellofemoral Study Group on its course management.

The Patellofemoral Foundation has developed and maintained Patellofemoral Online Education, which can be found at www.patellofemoral.org.

Reference:

www.patellofemoral.org

John P. Fulkerson, MD, is a clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and practices at Orthopedic Associates of Hartford in Farmington, Conn. He is also president of The Patellofemoral Foundation.

Disclosure: Fulkerson reports he receives royalties from DJO Global and is a patent holder for DJO Global.