EHS Travelling Fellowship 2025 to Spain
This Fellowship took place in Spain, in two leading areas of orthopaedic surgery: Madrid and Malaga. Dr Stijn Bolink, Hip and Trauma surgeon at Deventer Hospital, the Netherlands, and Dr Andrea D’Amelio, Hip and Trauma surgeon at AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Italy, present their report…
The EHS Travelling Fellowship to Spain started on 4th May 2025 in Madrid, and ended on 17th May in Malaga. In Madrid, we alternated visits to the hip units of La Paz University Hospital and La Princesa University Hospital for a total of seven days. After taking the high-speed train from Madrid to Malaga, we spent three consecutive days at the Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital.
Madrid
La Paz University Hospital
Affiliated to the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
Host: Prof Eduardo García-Rey
La Paz Hospital is a large tertiary centre and one of the most renowned institutions in Spain. We had the opportunity to assist in a variety of hip arthroplasty surgeries with different hip surgeons from their orthopaedic department. This included robotic-arm assisted (MAKO) primary THA, several complex primary cases such as severe DDH and post-traumatic protrusio acetabuli, and various revision cases using different implants and surgical techniques, including:
- 3D printed model-assisted surgery
- Bone impaction grafting techniques
- Modular stems
- Dual mobility cups
Furthermore, we visited the hospital’s 3D lab to gain a better understanding of the clinical applications of 3D model printing in orthopaedic surgery. We were also able to try their Virtual and Augmented Reality (VAR) applications for preoperative simulation and intraoperative navigation.
In addition, we visited the biomedical research institute IdiPAZ, where Gema Vallés Pérez showed us around and presented past and current research projects conducted in association with the hip unit of La Paz University Hospital.
La Princesa University Hospital
Affiliated to the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
Host: Prof Jose Cordero Ampuero
La Princesa University Hospital is located in the centre of Madrid and provides medical care to a predominantly elderly population. In addition to elective surgery, a particularly large number of hip fractures are treated here.
Prof Jose Cordero-Ampuero and his team of consultants and residents allowed us to assist in many hip fracture surgeries, as well as elective primary and revision total hip arthroplasties.
As fellows, we both presented our current research projects, followed by a fruitful exchange of knowledge and ideas. We particularly enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere at La Princesa and the team’s strong commitment to excellent patient care.
Malaga
Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital
Affiliated to the University of Malaga
Host: Prof Plácido Zamora Navas
At Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital in Malaga, Prof Plácido Zamora Navas and his team made us feel very welcome and truly part of the department. We attended morning and afternoon operating lists, including regular primary THAs, a failed hip fracture treated with a modular stem, a chronic PJI converted to a Girdlestone procedure, and a Vancouver C periprosthetic fracture treated with ORIF.
Between surgeries, we discussed complex cases and shared experiences. We also had the opportunity to visit the IBIMA Health Research Institute. Malaga proved to be a fantastic place to conclude our travelling fellowship.
Beyond the clinical and research-related exchange of knowledge and skills, we enjoyed an exceptional gastronomic experience thanks to the hospitality of staff at each institution. In our spare time, we also embraced Spanish culture and lifestyle in the beautiful cities of Madrid and Malaga.
We would like to thank the European Hip Society for providing this invaluable opportunity, with special thanks to Samantha Stokes for her outstanding support. We are also deeply grateful to our hosts: Prof Eduardo García-Rey, Prof Jose Cordero Ampuero, and Prof Plácido Zamora Navas, whose hospitality and generosity made this travelling fellowship a truly unforgettable experience.
If you are interested in applying for an EHS Fellowship, watch out for the next announcement after summer and email us to join the mailing list at samstokesehs@gmail.com
