ISKSAA WRIGHTINGTON TRAVELLING FELLOWSHIP 2022
At the outset, I would like to thank all the ISKSAA committee members for allowing me to be a fellow under Prof Lennard Funk for 2 weeks. The two weeks were filled with knowledge, brainstorming and interactive sessions regarding variety of upper limb surgeries
My fellowship period as per the discussion with my fellowship coordinator was from 6th of June to 19th of June.
My first day was a pleasant surprise to see the vast variety of upper limb injuries being treated at this centre. I was welcomed by Prof L.Funk and his fellow and was given a brief tour of the operation theatre and wards. On the very first day, I was introduced to the operation theatre. I was introduced to other surgeons in the upper limb unit and attended multidisciplinary team discussion held by the shoulder unit every week.
The 2 weeks involved observing a variety of surgeries with interesting discussions and a few presentations. There were also fellows with the surgeons who interacted and exchanged ideas regarding various procedures.
The routine of an OT day in the UK was a very good learning experience. I observed the meticulous method of patients consent followed by team meeting between the surgeon, staff nurse and the anaesthetist where all patient concerns were discussed. Prior to surgery, the check list was performed and documentation of every step was done which was an important learning experience.
The fellowship covered vast areas of shoulder and upper limb surgeries observed by me which were performed by various shoulder surgeons. These included
- Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (with custom prosthesis)
- Anatomical Shoulder Arthroplasty
- Rotator Cuff Repair with Superior Capsular Reconstruction
- Latarjet Procedure
- 1st Carpo-Metacarpal joint arthroplasty
- Proximal interphalyngeal joint arthroplasty
- Terrible Triad Elbow fracture fixation
- Elbow arthroscopies
- Scapular fracture fixation
- Rotator cuff repair
- Bankart surgery
- Pectoralis major repair
It was an interesting approach to see that most were day care procedures and I had detailed discussion regarding the post-operative protocol. We also discussed how the UK population differed from India in terms of demands of the upper limb.
Working under his mentorship was a boon to me. I witnessed an array of different techniques used in surgery and ways to handle complications. All in all, it was a complete package for a fortnight. I benefitted hugely and feel indebted to him for all the help he offered during my stint as a fellow.
I would recommend anyone who is fond of learning arthroscopy and a special interest in upper limb to do a fellowship at the institute for all-round development in sports medicine. I was treated humbly and with all the warmth from the fellows and junior attendees. The staff was great and supportive in all steps of my two weeks.
I wholeheartedly thank ISKSAA for giving me an opportunity to visit Wrightington for the fellowship. I hope to continue my bond with ISKSAA with same enthusiasm. Wishing ISKSAA the best.
Thank you
Regards
Karan Jinda
