The third annual FIFA Medical Center webinar, held on December 7 in collaboration with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Cedars-Sinai, and U.S. Soccer, was a resounding success. With over 330 unique participants from across the globe, including the U.S., UK, Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa, the event highlighted the global reach and relevance of soccer/football-related sports medicine. The diverse representation was a testament to the universal importance of the topics discussed and the shared challenges faced by athletes worldwide.
The webinar covered topics pertinent to soccer athletes, focusing on common injuries and cutting-edge treatment approaches. Key discussions included management strategies for hamstring injuries, PCL and ACL reconstructions, ACL restoration using the BEAR implant, ankle instability, and the role of orthobiologics in recovery. Additionally, the webinar addressed crucial mental health concerns among soccer athletes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care that includes both physical and psychological well-being.
The event highlighted the importance of individualized treatment strategies, with particular attention paid to gender differences in injury patterns and rehabilitation needs. The speakers underscored that soccer athletes, at all levels, require tailored care to ensure optimal outcomes and that proper diagnosis and evidence-based treatment remain paramount.
As an annual event, the FIFA Medical Center webinar provides a platform for education and collaboration among medical professionals and sports practitioners worldwide. This year's sessions were designed to challenge participants and encourage further research, particularly in female athletes, who need more focused investigation and understanding.
Special thanks to Ryan Kimball, Julia Ralph, and Michelle Roberts for their exceptional planning and operational coordination, which ensured a seamless and impactful experience. We also thank our distinguished Duke Orthopaedics faculty speakers, Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, Dr. Kendall Bradley, and Dr. Cesar de Cesar Netto. Their expertise in sports medicine, female athletes, foot and ankle specialties, and commitment to advancing the field contributed significantly to the event.
Kimball shared, "We are confident that participants left the webinar with enhanced tools and insights to diagnose better, treat, and rehabilitate common soccer injuries. We hope this year's webinar deepened attendees' understanding of soccer medicine's complexities and motivated further advancements in the field, particularly women's health. We thank everyone for participating and look forward to continuing these critical conversations."