ISAKOS History

About ISAKOS

ISAKOS Mission Statement

Advance the worldwide exchange and dissemination of education, research and patient care in arthroscopy, knee surgery and orthopaedic sports medicine.

ISAKOS Strategic Plan

View the current ISAKOS Strategic Plan, outlining key goals and strategies that guide the organization's direction, ensuring alignment of resources and efforts to achieve long-term.

ISAKOS was Formed

By the merger of the International Arthroscopy Association (IAA) and the International Society of the Knee (ISK) in 1995 at the IAA & ISK Combined Congress in Hong Kong.

ISAKOS Works With

Regional and National societies who share similar goals, providing a larger arena where these national societies and continental organizations can combine their strengths in an international forum.

ISAKOS is on the Rise

With more than 4,000 members from 100+ countries and regions around the world.

ISAKOS gratefully acknowledges the support for countries with limited resources
provided by: Arthrex

The ISAKOS Congress

A Legacy of Global Collaboration: ISAKOS Biennial Congress Locations

The ISAKOS Congress is held every two years, uniting orthopaedic professionals from around the world in a shared mission of advancing knowledge, innovation, and surgical excellence. Each Congress is hosted in a new international city, reflecting the commitment to international representation and cultural exchange. Past ISAKOS Congress locations have included:

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina (1997)
  • Washington, D.C., USA (1999)
  • Montreux, Switzerland (2001)
  • Auckland, New Zealand (2003)
  • Hollywood, Florida, USA (2005)
  • Florence, Italy (2007)
  • Osaka, Japan (2009)
  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2011)
  • Toronto, Canada (2013)
  • Lyon, France (2015)
  • Shanghai, China (2017)
  • Cancun, Mexico (2019)
  • Virtual-ISAKOS 2021: Global
  • Boston, USA (2023)
  • Munich, Germany (2025)

A Global Connection of Orthopaedic Leaders

The ISAKOS Congress brings together orthopaedic surgeons of all experience levels, as well as leaders from national and regional societies around the world, to exchange the latest knowledge, research, and innovations in orthopaedic care. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, global diversity, and exceptional scientific content, the Congress offers a dynamic program that includes:

  • Scientific Paper Sessions
  • Expert Discussions and Debates
  • Symposia
  • Live Surgical Demonstrations
  • Electronic & In-Person Posters
  • Instructional Course Lectures
  • Lunch Time Sessions
  • Meet-the-Expert Sessions
  • Hands-on Workshops
  • Technical Exhibits

Beyond the scientific program, attendees enjoy a vibrant social calendar featuring a Welcome Reception, a dedicated Spouse and Guest Program, Young Professionals and Women of ISAKOS gatherings, and a variety of engaging social events.

Become a Member of ISAKOS

ISAKOS membership is open to individuals with an interest or expertise in arthroscopy, knee surgery, and orthopaedic sports medicine.

Annual Dues are US$449 and include an annual subscription to Journal of ISAKOS: Joint Disorders & Orthopaedic Sports Medicine.

Ready to join? Simply complete the online membership application - your membership will be processed immediately.

ISAKOS Membership Benefits

Learn More

ISAKOS Archives
An initiative of the ISAKOS Archives Committee Travel through time and learn about the creation and development of ISAKOS. From the merger of ISK and IAA to form ISAKOS, to photo galleries, storytellers, video archives, and more.

ISAKOS Giants in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Video Series
View the Giants in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine series of video interviews--each episode features an up-close interview highlighting the contributions of living legends who have helped to make ISAKOS the excellent organization that it is today. Videos are available on Global Link and podcasts are available wherever you get your podcasts.

ISAKOS 25th Anniversary: The Road to Create ISAKOS 25 Years Ago
Presented at the ISAKOS 2021 Global Congress
Learn about the development of the International Arthroscopy Association (IAA) with its foundation in 1974, to the International Society of the Knee (ISK) founded in 1976. The spread of Arthroscopy to other joints and it's overlap with Sports Medicine made leaders realize this would change the face of orthopaedics and discussed the creation of ISAKOS to meet mutual demands. Also learn about how orthopaedics and orthopaedic surgeons reacted to the revolutionary advances of the late 70s and early 80s and how the group wanted it to be flexible enough to meet the changing needs and be truly international.

Annual Financial Report

The ISAKOS Finance Committee meticulously strategizes ISAKOS's budget for each term, ensuring prudent allocation of our members' funds to elevate and enrich our diverse educational programs optimally. This commitment is underscored by our unwavering dedication to securing a safe and sustainable financial future for the organization. Review the current ISAKOS financial report, membership update and latest Form 990.

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