ESSKA is an organisation devoted to education since 1984, first primarily in the knee, gradually expanding into all fields of arthroscopy and sports traumatology. The Oslo congress will highlight the modern ESSKA, which includes sports and recreation related injuries and degenerative problems in all joints, a major influx of soft tissue sport injuries as well as the influence of sports injury prevention. The programme for the four days put together by Jon Karlsson and Jacques Menetrey will emphasize the importance of ESSKA in our field in Europe and the rest of the world. Look for many new areas and stronger influx from the young ESSKA generation. The congress will also have a strong Physical Therapy programme. From a scientific and educational viewpoint, there are many reasons to visit Oslo June 9-12, 2010!
Oslo is a perfect city for a sports medicine related congress. With its location between the mountains and the sea and a population which puts major emphasis on exercise and outdoor life, Oslo is ready to greet our visitors in a most friendly way. The city of Oslo is more than 1000 years old and with its access to the sea, has always been a city of travellers and visitors. While the Vikings conquered Europe with ships and swords, the modern Norwegians have conquered the world with their oil and shipping business. Be sure to take a stroll around town to see the emerging landmark of Oslo, the new Holmenkollen ski jump, and to enjoy the view of the city from above. Do not miss the ski museum while you are up there! Take the harbour boat over to Bygdøy and see the ancient heroes of Norway- the Viking ships that have crossed the Atlantic more than a thousand years ago and the polar ships that have taken Norwegian explorers to the North and the South Pole. Breathe in the contemporary Oslo while strolling on Karl Johan, the main street named after Karl Johan, the Swedish King in the 1800s. Renew friendships in the cafés on the oceanfront while watching the busy life in the harbour! For those who want to get a feeling for the recreational life, we recommend a bike trip to Nordmarka, the beautiful recreational area surrounding Oslo. Take time out from your busy schedule and go for a one-hour bike trip in the silence of the forest and the hills and meet the inhabitants of Oslo on their turf. We want you to feel like a Norwegian while in Oslo! Use your feet, go for a run, have a snack on the oceanfront, try the many varieties of Norwegian fish and the Norwegian beer!
The ESSKA congress is not only a place for science and education, but also a good opportunity to meet ESSKA members, renew friendships and create new ones. We know that you will find ESSKA stimulating and perhaps a future tool for you in your personal development in orthopaedics and sports medicine. Take the opportunity to find what ESSKA can offer you: not only the congress but a modern, interactive web site, an excellent journal, courses around Europe and good colleagues. If you are not already a member, join ESSKA and be part of the modern development of orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine!
We promise to make your visit to Oslo worth while and look forward to be your hosts in June 9-12th 2010. Come join us!
Lars Engebretsen
President of ESSKA Knut Jæger Hansen
Chair of the Congress Committee
