India–Europe Collaboration Sets New Benchmark in Sports Medicine Research: JASSM Releases Landmark IAS–ESSKA Special Issue

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, the editors described the issue as “a milestone in international academic collaboration”.

Q. What makes this special issue unique?

A. Dr. Thomas Patt (Guest Editor and President ESSKA): This is the first-ever joint special issue between IAS and ESSKA. It brings together experts from India, Austria, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Poland, Nepal and several other international centres, creating a truly global platform for evidence-based sports medicine. Rather than being a routine collection of articles, this issue reflects where contemporary arthroscopy and sports medicine stand today—patient-centred, evidence-driven and internationally collaborative.

Q. What are the major scientific highlights?

A. Dr. Arumugam Sivaraman (Guest Editor and Past President of IAS): The issue includes editorials, invited reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, narrative reviews, original research, and a technical case report. Several articles focus on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, including graft selection, lateral extra-articular tenodesis, rehabilitation protocols, and the role of posterior tibial slope in graft survival. Other important topics include popliteus tendon disorders, posterior cruciate ligament injuries, high tibial osteotomy, meniscal root tears, shoulder instability, rotator cuff repair, blood flow restriction therapy, injuries in elite football and long-track speed skating, and a bibliometric analysis of sports injury research in India spanning 25 years.

Q. Why is international collaboration important in sports medicine?

A.: Dr. SR Sundarrajan (President, IAS): Clinical challenges are increasingly global. International collaboration allows researchers to combine diverse clinical experiences, larger datasets and complementary expertise. The partnership between IAS and ESSKA demonstrates how collaborative science can generate stronger evidence and ultimately improve patient outcomes. It also provides Indian researchers greater international visibility while facilitating knowledge exchange with leading European centres.

Q. How does this issue reflect the growing contribution of Indian researchers?

A. Dr. Raju Vaishya (Editor-in-Chief of JASSM): India now contributes significantly to sports medicine research because of its large patient volumes, expanding research ecosystem and increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice. This special issue showcases that the Indian investigators are not only producing high-quality research but are also leading international collaborations. The inclusion of a bibliometric analysis of Indian sports injury research further highlights the remarkable growth of the field over the past two decades.

Q. What message would you like to give to young orthopaedic surgeons and researchers?

A. Dr. Rajeev Raman (Secretary, IAS): Research should become an integral part of clinical practice. High-quality systematic reviews, meta-analyses and well-designed clinical studies are essential for improving patient care. I hope this special issue inspires young surgeons to participate in collaborative research, publish impactful work and contribute to advancing sports medicine globally.

Dr. Sujit Jos (Editor, JASSM) acknowledged the contributions of the IAS and ESSKA leadership, guest editors, authors, reviewers and the editorial team for making the special issue possible. He noted that the collaboration serves as a model for future international partnerships aimed at advancing orthopaedic research and improving patient care worldwide.