Participation in the 2026 KSES – SOFEC Exchange Travelling Fellowship program

Korean Shoulder Traveling Fellowship 2026

I am Yoann Dalmas, Albi hospital, Albi, France, young French shoulder surgeon. We (3 travelling fellows) have just returned from two unforgettable weeks as part of the Franco–Korean Traveling Fellowship, which took place from March 26 to April 10.

The Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society (KSES), the French Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (SOFEC), and the French-speaking Arthroscopy Society (SFA) joined forces to organize these two weeks entirely dedicated to shoulder surgery.

We were accompanied throughout the fellowship by our Godfather, Dr. Jérôme Garret.

The fellowship began in Busan with the annual KSES Congress. This meeting, of exceptionally high scientific quality, gave us the opportunity to discover the current trends and hot topics in shoulder surgery across Asia and to meet surgeon from all over Korea, and south east Asia.

We then visited ten centers throughout the country (one in Busan, two in Daegu, one in Yeosu, and six in Seoul), where we were welcomed at every stage by internationally renowned surgeons.

During these visits, we were introduced to new arthroscopic techniques that are not currently practiced in France.

As French surgeons—often known as “biceps killers”—we discovered biceps rerouting techniques. We also learned different approaches to subscapularis repair, as well as anterior and superior capsular reconstruction techniques.

We learned the lower trapezius transfer with Achilleus tendon allograft technique for irreparable rotator cuff tears.

The main difference we observed between our two countries was the importance placed on biological augmentation in rotator cuff repair surgery.

Allodermal patches are not used in France, and we were impressed by their popularity and frequent use in Korea, particularly for rotator cuff tears considered at high risk of retear.

The use of statins or parathyroid hormone to improve rotator cuff healing rates was also a fascinating discovery for us.

Overall, we were fortunate to experience a fellowship that was both professionally and personally enriching. The visits to each center were marked by stimulating discussions and a deep immersion in a warm and welcoming culture.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our hosts for their hospitality, generosity, and the quality of the time we shared together, both in the operating room and around the dinner table.

We would also like to thank the KSES committee for organizing this unique experience.

We look forward to continuing these exchanges and to welcoming a Korean delegation to France in June 2027!

감사합니다

Yoann DALMAS
Albi hospital, Albi, France