Dr. Gonzalo Samitier Joins the ESSKA Advanced Knee Arthroscopy Course – ALL about Meniscus as Faculty
On 9–10 July 2026, Barcelona hosted the ESSKA Advanced Knee Arthroscopy Course – ALL about Meniscus, one of Europe’s leading educational courses dedicated to advanced knee arthroscopy and meniscal surgery.
Organized by ESSKA (European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery & Arthroscopy), the course brought together an international faculty of experienced knee surgeons to exchange knowledge, discuss the latest evidence, and provide hands-on training in modern techniques for meniscal preservation, repair, and reconstruction.
Dr. Gonzalo Samitier as International Faculty
Dr. Gonzalo Samitier participated as a member of the international faculty, contributing to both the scientific programme and the practical cadaveric laboratory sessions.
During the course, he delivered the lecture “How to Perform a Meniscal Allograft Transplantation (MAT)”, focusing on the principles, indications, and surgical technique of meniscal allograft transplantation, a procedure indicated for carefully selected patients with significant meniscal deficiency when preservation is no longer possible.
In addition to his lecture, Dr. Samitier worked alongside the faculty during the hands-on sessions, sharing surgical experience and discussing technical aspects of meniscal reconstruction with participants from different countries.
A Comprehensive Programme Focused on Meniscal Preservation
The course was directed by Prof. Miquel Dalmau-Pastor and Prof. Joan Carles Monllau, who developed a comprehensive scientific programme covering the full spectrum of meniscal pathology and treatment.
Topics included:
- Meniscal anatomy and biomechanics
Arthroscopic approaches and surgical access
Meniscal repair techniques
Complex meniscal tears
Meniscal preservation strategies
Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT)
Meniscal replacement procedures
The combination of expert lectures and intensive cadaveric training provided participants with the opportunity to refine surgical skills while discussing current concepts with internationally recognized knee specialists.
Advancing Knee Surgery Through Education
Preserving the meniscus has become a fundamental principle of modern knee surgery. Whenever possible, repairing and preserving native meniscal tissue is the preferred approach due to its essential role in load distribution, joint stability, and cartilage protection.
When preservation is not feasible, meniscal allograft transplantation may offer an effective treatment option for selected patients, helping to reduce pain, restore knee function, and protect the joint over the long term.
