In an effort to encourage young orthopaedic surgeons to specialise in the field, Hyderabad based Kamineni Hospitals will now offer fellowships in arthroscopy, recognised by Indian Arthroscopy Society (IAS).

Dr. J.V.S. Vidyasagar, Head of the Department of Orthopaedics, Kamineni Hospitals, said that arthroscopic treatment is a boon to patients suffering from injuries on ligaments relating to the knee, ankle and elbow as well as dislocation of shoulder.

Arthroscopic treatment is better than open surgery as the endoscopic examination facilitates accurate diagnosis, quick sutures and the patient can be discharged on the same day. Of late, arthroscopy is finding its application in treating spinal cord injuries also.

Dr.David Rajan, President of IAS, said that neglected trauma and infection still is a major part of orthopaedic practice. Not every orthopaedic surgeon need to be own the equipment for performing arthroscopic surgery, he added.

IAS organised its 2nd Annual Conference at Hyderabad between 10th and 12th, October at Kamineni Hospital premises. IAS is to organise its 3rd Annual Conference on October 8, 9, and 10, 2004 at Mumbai. Orthopaedic surgeons from the SAARC countries and Australia are likely to participate.