ISKSAA PUNJAB TRAVELLING FELLOWSHIP 2022

Recipient: Dr. Akhil
Guidance by: Dr. Avtar Singh

Introduction:
I am delighted to share my experiences during the International Society for Knowledge for Surgeons on Arthroscopy and Arthroplasty (ISKSAA) Punjab Traveling Fellowship in 2023. This incredible journey of knowledge and surgical skills took place under the expert guidance of Dr. Avtar Singh, and I am truly grateful for this invaluable opportunity.At the outset, I am very grateful to ISKSAA President Dr Pushpinder Singh Bajaj sir and Chairman Prof Lalit Maini sir for short listing me for the prestigious ISKSAA PUNJAB travelling fellowship 2023.

Destination: Amritsar, Punjab, India
Punjab, a land rich in culture and history, provided the backdrop for this enlightening journey. The fellowship took me to Amandeep hospital group, across the region, offering a diverse range of experiences.

Clinical Observations:
Under Dr. Avtar Singh's guidance, I had the opportunity to witness and participate in several primary and revision arthroplasty procedures. The exposure to advanced surgical techniques, patient care, and the nuances of joint surgeries was invaluable. Dr. Singh's expertise and commitment to patient well-being were truly inspiring. I had the honor of participating in joint replacement and complex trauma surgeries alongside Dr. Avtar Singh, a renowned expert in the field. Throughout these procedures, Dr. Singh generously imparted a wealth of technical insights, highlighting key strategies to avoid common pitfalls. His approachability and willingness to address my questions were greatly appreciated. During our academic discussions, he openly shared his extensive experience, covering a wide range of cases.

Our conversations extended beyond the intricacies of surgical techniques. We delved into various aspects of patient care, encompassing aspects such as patient selection, pre-operative preparations, implant selection, post-operative rehabilitation, follow-up procedures, potential complications, and overall surgical outcomes.

Several noteworthy cases and procedures that caught my attention during my time here included:

Arthroplasty:

Robotic-assisted total knee and unicondylar replacements using the CORI system by Smith and Nephew in the United States.
Performances of various knee replacement types, including cruciate retaining and posterior stabilised knees.
Innovative approaches such as tourniquetless total knee replacements, subvastus and medial parapatellar approaches.
Bilateral total knee replacements in a single surgical session.
Revision total knee replacements.
A comprehensive range of hip replacement procedures, encompassing cementless and cemented stems, cemented cups, bipolar, and short stems.

Trauma:
Complex pelvi-acetabular surgeries.
Treatment of challenging non-unions in long bones.
Fixation procedures for scapula fractures.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for periprosthetic fractures.
ORIF and corrective osteotomies for neglected fractures.
Fixations for periarticular fractures.

In addition to my hands-on exposure to these surgeries, I actively participated in the academic theory classes offered as part of the Institute's DNB curriculum. These sessions covered diverse topics, including presentations by DNB candidates. The academic atmosphere also included a journal club discussion on the past, present, and future of osteoporosis management. Furthermore, we engaged in x-ray discussions focused on selected cases that had been operated on in recent days.

Cultural Immersion:
Beyond the surgical suite, my time in Punjab was enriched by cultural immersion. From indulging in local cuisine to visiting historical sites and participating in traditional celebrations, I gained a deeper appreciation for the region's vibrant heritage.I was fortunate to build a life time memory by visiting amritsar golden temple and Attari-Wagha Border.

Acknowledgments:
I am deeply grateful to the International Society for Knowledge for Surgeons on Arthroscopy and Arthroplasty for this incredible opportunity. My heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Avtar Singh for his mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support throughout the fellowship.

Conclusion:
The ISKSAA Punjab Traveling Fellowship 2023 was a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. It reinforced my commitment to advancing surgical knowledge and fostering cultural understanding in the global medical community. I look forward to applying the insights gained during this fellowship to benefit my patients and colleagues in the years to come.

Thank you.
Dr. Akhil K Thomas
ISKSAA PUNJAB TRAVELLING FELLOW 2023