Kenneth A. Johnson
The fifth WVOC jointly hosted by ESVOT and VOS in Barcelona Spain from 12 to 15 September
2018 was without any doubt, the best one yet. With over 70 internationally acclaimed
speakers, dispersed across six concurrent sessions, the 1000 participants were spoilt
for choice. A new feature of the congress was the provision of simultaneous translation
into French, German, Italian and Spanish. Barcelona was at her best, with perfect
weather, an excellent venue and the distractions of an irresistible array of art and
culture, especially the work of Gaudi, Picasso, Miro and Dali.
State of the art lectures were very popular. Professor Martin Fischer from Friedrich-Schiller
University Jena in Germany revealed new data on canine locomotion gained by biplanar
fluoroscopy, such as the rotary motion of the scapula during running, coxofemoral
subluxation in hip dysplasia, and lateral motion of the pelvis in the French bulldog.
In addition, Dr. Dror Paley, the father of CORA and limb deformity talked about new
techniques of minimally invasive limb lengthening using telescoping interlocking nails
in the tibia and femur. In comparison to conventional techniques of Ilizarov type
distraction, the morbidity of this surgery was minimal. Indeed, there were so many
other interesting lectures on new techniques, technology and trends, it is impossible
to mention but a few things. One had to be there to appreciate it.
The outstanding social programme provided additional opportunities at which to meet
old friends and colleagues, and to make new ones. Congratulations to Professor Peter
Böttcher, ESVOT president, and the entire team who worked very hard to make this a
memorable event. Thank you so much. You have set a very “high bar” for the organizers
of the next WVOC. We are looking forward to it!
