Frontiers of Orthopaedic Surgery

KSSTA

The podcast explores the latest research and clinical advances in orthopaedics, featuring insights from experts, authors, and editors behind the ESSKA Journals, KSSTA and JEO. Through concise highlights and focused discussions, each episode brings key developments in knee surgery and sports traumatology directly to clinicians, researchers, and trainees.

Episodes

  1. 3 hr ago

    The Rise of Functional Knee Phenotyping – Implications for Research and Practice

    What if knee replacement surgery started with the knee in front of you, not a textbook standard? That's the premise behind functional knee phenotyping, the topic of this episode with host Joaquin Moya-Angeler and guests Michael Hirschmann and Sebastien Lustig. Rather than applying rigid mechanical alignment rules across the board, this approach asks surgeons to read each patient's unique anatomy and soft tissue behaviour – and to plan surgery around it. Hirschmann and Lustig walk through what that looks like in practice, from balancing soft tissue dynamics to using 3D imaging and robotic navigation to understand how a knee actually moves. It's a shift that's still finding its footing in clinical practice – the guests are honest about the learning curve – but the potential upside for patient outcomes and satisfaction has both experts optimistic about where the field is headed. Tune in for a grounded, expert look at one of the more significant shifts happening in TKA today. Papers, books and resources discussed: More about Stephen Howell: https://www.drstevehowell.com/for-physicians/  Leal-Blanquet, J., Haddad, F., Lustig, S., Bonnin, M., Van Hellemondt, G., Rivière, C., Pujol, O. and Hirschmann, M.T. (2026), Restoring the native knee or designing the ‘optimal prosthetic’: Alignment, phenotypes and AI-powered personalization in total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc., 34: 800-803. https://doi.org/10.1002/ksa.70147 Andriollo L, Koutserimpas C, Gregori P, Vermue H, Hirschmann MT, Lustig S. Dynamic Alignment of the Knee (DyAK) Classification: Advancing Knee Evaluation in Robotic Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2026 Jul;41(7S1):S147-S154. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2026.03.008. Epub 2026 Apr 1. PMID: 41945034: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41945034/ jingle track (baby jean) provided by mobygratis Subscribe to Frontiers in Orthopaedic Surgery to stay at the cutting edge of research, innovation, and clinical practice in orthopedics.

    The Rise of Functional Knee Phenotyping – Implications for Research and Practice
  2. 17 Jul

    The Potential of Orthobiologic Therapies in Joint Preservation

    Host Joaquin Moya-Angeler sits down with Elizaveta Kon and Laura de Girolamo to unpack the fast-growing field of orthobiologics – biologic therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), used to treat joint and musculoskeletal conditions. The conversation opens with a quickfire round of ten questions, giving both guests a chance to weigh in on where the field currently stands. One theme comes through clearly: PRP preparation and outcomes still vary significantly from case to case, which makes understanding the underlying pathology essential before recommending treatment. From there, the discussion turns to why orthobiologics have grown so quickly – a mix of genuine clinical need, biological appeal, and market pressure. Osteoarthritis patients, who often have few good treatment options, are a major driver of this demand. But Kon and de Girolamo are careful to flag the downside of that rapid growth: neither the evidence base nor the regulatory frameworks have kept pace, leaving clinicians and patients alike navigating a fair amount of confusion. Managing expectations is where the episode spends real time. Biologics can meaningfully improve symptoms and quality of life, but they're not a cure – and both guests stress that clinicians need to communicate that clearly and honestly with patients from the outset. Looking ahead, the conversation covers where the field is heading next: the potential of gene therapy, the push for standardisation in how products are prepared, and ongoing research into personalised protocols that account for each patient's specific condition. Kon closes with practical advice for practitioners – stay focused on the individual patient in front of you, and choose biologic products backed by solid evidence. Papers, books and resources discussed: More on ESSKA Orthobiologics Initiative: https://www.esska.org/news/593282/ESSKA-Orthobiologic-Initiative-ORBIT-Consensus-Process-on-Blood-Derived-Products-.htm Optimizing Clinical Use of Biologics in Orthopaedic Surgery: Consensus Recommendations From the 2018 AAOS/NIH U-13 Conference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328167386_Optimizing_Clinical_Use_of_Biologics_in_Orthopaedic_Surgery_Consensus_Recommendations_From_the_2018_AAOSNIH_U-13_Conference jingle track (baby jean) provided by mobygratis. Subscribe to Frontiers in Orthopaedic Surgery to stay at the cutting edge of research, innovation, and clinical practice in orthopedics.

    The Potential of Orthobiologic Therapies in Joint Preservation
  3. 18 May

    The Past, Present, and Future of Knee Osteotomies

    In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of knee osteotomies with esteemed orthopedic surgeons Dr. Matthieu Ollivier and Dr. Kristian Kley. Key themes: Historical significance of knee osteotomiesMisconceptions surrounding themTechnical aspects of performing osteotomies (e.g. 3D planning software and patient-specific instrumentation)Importance of preserving this techniquePapers, books and resources discussed: "Femoral and Tibial Bony Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Are Present in More Than 50% of Healthy Individuals." Micicoi G, Jacquet C, Khakha R, LiArno S, Faizan A, Seil R, Kocaoglu B, Cerciello S, Martz P, Ollivier M. Am J Sports Med. 2021 Dec;49(14):3816-3824. doi: 10.1177/03635465211050421. Epub 2021 Oct 28. PMID: 34710345 Free article. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34710345/ "The Effect of Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Forces and Knee Stability Compared With Slope Reduction Osteotomy in the Setting of Increased Posterior Tibial Slope." Lemme NJ, Badida R, Molino J, Quinn M, Hague M, Fleming BC, Owens BD. Am J Sports Med. 2025 Jul;53(8):1912-1920. doi: 10.1177/03635465251338236. Epub 2025 May 21. PMID: 40396207  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40396207/ "Posterior tibial slope and further anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the anterior cruciate ligament–reconstructed patient." Webb JM, Salmon LJ, Leclerc E, Pinczewski LA, Roe JP. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2013;41(12):2800–2804. doi:10.1177/0363546513503288 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24036571/ “Considerations of the Posterior Tibial Slope in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction” Nazzal EM, Musahl V, Getgood A, et al. Journal of ISAKOS, 2022 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35653051/ ESSKA European Certification Programme (with Osteotomies Around the Knee Module): https://esskaeducation.org/european-certification?utm_source=esska_educ_certif "Principles of Deformity Correction" by Dror Paley: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-642-59373-4 "Osteotomy : with an inquiry into the ætiology and pathology of knock-knee, bow-leg, and other osseus deformities of the lower limbs" by William MacEwen: https://wellcomecollection.org/works/dtmhbeus jingle track (baby jean) provided by mobygratis. Subscribe to Frontiers in Orthopaedic Surgery to stay at the cutting edge of research, innovation, and clinical practice in orthopedics.

    The Past, Present, and Future of Knee Osteotomies

About

The podcast explores the latest research and clinical advances in orthopaedics, featuring insights from experts, authors, and editors behind the ESSKA Journals, KSSTA and JEO. Through concise highlights and focused discussions, each episode brings key developments in knee surgery and sports traumatology directly to clinicians, researchers, and trainees.

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