President introduction

The goal of this new association was to group European key opinion leaders in the field of the degenerative knee. Knee experts in Europe were invited to join the new association and strengthen and consolidate the European knowledge and expertise.

Previous meetings in Lisbon, Barcelona and Rome took place in an informal atmosphere with lively and intense scientific discussions. During these meetings EKA bylaws were developed and in collaboration with the ESSKA board a new structure for sections within ESSKA was developed.

EKA membership can only be obtained by invitation and strict criteria are used for eligibility for membership. Besides orthopaedic surgeons scientists can also become member. The maximum number of members is limited.

The main four goals of EKA are:

1)     Advance the knowledge of the degenerative knee pathology and knee arthroplasty.

2)     Provide an appropriate educational setting to improve knowledge and treatment of the arthritic knee

3)     Enhance education, research and treatment

4)     Promote professional standards for the best care to patients

EKA will organise in the year with the ESSKA congress the scientific program and education section on knee arthroplasty and osteotomy. Every other year an open 2 days EKA congress will be organised and the first open EKA meeting will take place next November 2011 in Vienna. Besides the aforementioned open meetings each year a closed EKA meeting is organised for the EKA members only.

Together with ESSKA the new born EKA is looking forward to spread the European expertise and improve treatment of the arthritic knee patient by knowledge exchange, education and research. We all look forward to meet all of you in future meetings!

Ate Wymenga

President EKA