What an incredible experience it was at the 30th FESSH Congress in Helsinki!
The event brought together hand surgery professionals from around the globe for innovation, education, and celebration. As we reflect on this landmark Congress, we’re excited to share highlights, announce award winners, and look ahead to upcoming opportunities within FESSH.
In this issue, we also celebrate new members, showcase innovative projects, and offer ways for you to get involved with FESSH’s future initiatives. Stay tuned!
Thank you to everyone who attended the 30th FESSH Congress. It was a truly memorable event, and your participation made it even more special.
To read the full message from Brigitte van der Heijden, the President of FESSH, click the button below!
The FESSH Congress 2025 in Helsinki was nothing short of exceptional!
Over 2,000 participants joined us for four days of cutting-edge research, expert-led sessions, and exciting networking opportunities. We saw a high number of attendees, including:
· 1,556 surgeons
· 162 therapists
· 304 industry representatives
The Educational Afternoon saw a record-breaking 486 participants (100 more than ever before), and our fully booked FESSH Party brought together over 800 attendees for an unforgettable night of celebration.
The event was a true success, highlighting the innovation and collaboration at the heart of FESSH. We can’t wait to build on this momentum at our next Congress.
Mark your calendars for 3-6 June 2026 as we head to Basel for the next chapter in the FESSH Congress journey.
We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our newest members: the Croatian Society for Surgery of the Hand, who join us as a full member, and the Pakistani Society for Surgery of the Hand, who have become an associate member of FESSH!
As we continue to expand our network of hand surgery societies across Europe and beyond, we are excited about the new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and growth that these additions bring. These partnerships are vital in fostering a stronger, more interconnected global hand surgery community.
We look forward to working with our new members, sharing expertise, and advancing the field of hand surgery together. Welcome aboard!
We are also excited to announce the winners of the FESSH 2025 Shark Tank Award sponsored by KLS Martin, where bold, innovative ideas in hand surgery are showcased and celebrated.
This year's competition featured impressive entries that reflect the creativity and dedication of surgeons pushing the boundaries of medical practice.
1. Cosima Prahm (Germany) – "Burning Hand"
XR-based Pain Modulation for CRPS and Neuropathic Pain.
2. Luca Häfliger (Switzerland) – "Next-Generation Radiographic Evaluation in Hand Surgery: Artificial Intelligence Tools for CMC I OA"
3. Xavier Gueffier (France) – "3D Reality Apple Vision Pro"
Congratulations to all of them, and thank you for sharing your incredible work with the FESSH community!
Congratulations to the winners of the FESSH Palm d’Ore Social Media Award!
· Best Artwork Post: Dr. Andrii Lysak
· Best Educational Post: Dr. Letizia Marenghi
· Best Trainee Post: Xander Smi
Each winner received a €300voucher for FESSH courses, along with the prestigious Social Media Award Certification.
A big thank you to everyone who participated and shared their creativity with the community!
Are you passionate about shaping the future of hand surgery in Europe?Do you want to contribute your expertise, vision, and leadership to one of the most influential organisations in the field? Now is your chance to get involved!
FESSH is currently seeking dynamic, dedicated individuals to fill key positions within our Council for the term 2026-2029. As a member of the FESSH Council, you will play an instrumental role in guiding the organisation’s direction, advancing education, and supporting the growth of hand surgery across Europe.
Available Positions
We are looking for individuals who are eager to take on the chair positions in the following committees:
·Clinical Practice Committee
·Communication Committee
·Congress Committee
·Relationship Committee
·Research Committee
·Journal Committee
·YEHS Committee
The application deadline is 1 December 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your mark on the future of hand surgery in Europe!
For more information on the positions and how to apply, please visit:
The competition for hosting the 2029 FESSH Congress was fierce, with six amazing cities vying for the honour. After months of anticipation, we are thrilled to announce that the 2029 FESSH Congress will be held in Porto!
Congratulations to Porto and the Portuguese Hand Society (SPOCMA) for their winning bid! The city’s rich cultural heritage, coupled with the dynamic spirit of the local hand surgery community, promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
The FESSH Academy Advanced Course (FAAC) will be taking place from 17–19 October 2025 in Budapest, Hungary.
This specialized course will focus on arthroplasty of the hand and wrist, offering a rich, hands-on experience that includes cadaver lab sessions, small group discussions, and expert-led lectures.
If you’re looking to enhance your skills in hand and wrist arthroplasty, don’t miss this opportunity! There are still a few spots available for both surgeons and observers.
As we look back at the success of the FESSH 2025 Congress in Helsinki, we are inspired by the collaboration, innovation, and growth that define our community. We are excited for what lies ahead and look forward to seeing you at future events, including FESSH 2026 in Basel and beyond.
Thank you for your continued dedication to advancing hand surgery and for being part of the FESSH family.
