AFACOT

About Us

The Association of German-French Orthopedists and Traumatologists, commonly referred to as AFACOT, represents a collaborative initiative stemming from the joint efforts of the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) and the French Society of Orthopedic and Traumatologic Surgery (SOFCOT). This collaborative endeavor marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 13th anniversary in October 2023.
On November 11, 2009, a noteworthy event occurred when Chancellor Angela Merkel, for the first time, participated in the commemorative ceremonies commemorating the conclusion of World War I in Paris. This occasion prompted a spirit of camaraderie and a shared aspiration to further enhance the cooperation between the two nations.
The subsequent evening during the annual congress of French orthopedists and trauma surgeons in Paris, esteemed medical professionals including Prof. Yves Catonné, Prof. Laurent Sedel, Prof. Thierry Judet from France, and Dr. Harald Kuhn from Germany convened and mutually resolved to establish a cross-border association. Subsequent to preliminary discussions in April 2010 held in Baden-Baden, the formal establishment of AFACOT took place in Berlin. Prof. Pfeil, Prof. Thomsen, Dr. Kuhn, Dr. Gerdes-Kuhn, alongside distinguished French counterparts Prof. Bollini, Prof. Sedel, Prof. Sautet, Dr. Tracol, and Dr. Henky, solidified this vision during the German Capital Congress, with the esteemed patronage of Prof. Eulert. Over the years, this initiative has manifested as a sequence of alternating annual scientific conferences and regional gatherings, thereby facilitating the exchange of expertise and nurturing a dynamic intercultural bond.

A notable instance of this exchange involved the transmission of advanced knowledge by French colleagues in the domain of bipolar hip cups, a technique renowned for augmenting stability, particularly within revision surgeries. In parallel, German professionals introduced their French counterparts to the intricacies of the minimally invasive short stem prosthesis technique. This exchange has evolved over time, transitioning from initial user meetings into a robust platform for sharing experiences.
The pioneering leaders of this collaborative endeavor, namely Prof. Dr. Joachim Pfeil from Wiesbaden and Dr. Pierre Henky from Strasbourg, along with their proactive associates, exhibited commendable dedication in revitalizing the professional and personal bonds between these neighboring nations. In 2016, Dr. Harald Kuhn from Lohne on the German front, and Dr. Philippe Tracol from Cavaillon on the French front, both founding members of AFACOT, assumed leadership roles within the society. The subsequent years witnessed a series of joint congresses held in various cities including Baden-Baden, Paris, Berlin, Toulouse, Cavaillon, Wiesbaden, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Muenster, and even extending to the French overseas territories. With a membership tally exceeding 200 professionals, this society has effectively contributed to diplomatic bridges that harmonize both professional and cultural dimensions, underscored from a quintessential French perspective as “savoir vivre et savoir faire.”

Congress Registration

If you wish to Register in the AFACOT congress, please proceed as follows:

Click on the link below ‘Register’
Complete the form (if possible) completely
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Membership

If you wish to become a member in AFACOT, please proceed as follows:

download the appropriate application form
complete the form (if possible) completely
send the completed form by mail to info@afacot.com

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Mission

AFACOT, a collaborative initiative established through the partnership between the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) and the French Society of Orthopedic and Traumatologic Surgery (SOFCOT), is fundamentally dedicated to fostering scientific and collegial exchange within the realm of Orthopedics and Traumatology. The organization’s core objectives encompass the revitalization of specialized congresses that delve into specific thematic domains. These gatherings facilitate a comprehensive juxtaposition of customary practices prevailing within each nation vis-à-vis those of their neighboring counterpart.

The focal areas of AFACOT’s endeavors encompass a comprehensive spectrum, prominently encompassing hospital hygiene protocols, specialized surgical interventions employing diverse techniques, and post-treatment modalities. In furtherance of these pursuits, the society meticulously orchestrates observation programs and internships that stand as veritable conduits for the exchange of best practices and advanced methodologies.

Although the global scientific discourse predominantly unfolds in the medium of English, AFACOT serves as an exemplar wherein the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of scholarly contributions in both German and French are increasingly acknowledged and esteemed.

The symposiums convened under the aegis of AFACOT meticulously amalgamate a robust scientific rigor with the nuanced art of diplomatic bridge-building. The society’s inclusive ethos extends its membership to esteemed medical professionals hailing not only from Germany and France but also encompasses Swiss and Austrian counterparts, thereby encapsulating a truly transnational collaborative sphere.

The ambit of AFACOT’s influence further extends to productive industrial partnerships, wherein members from both countries converge to catalyze innovative and pragmatic solutions within the domain of Orthopedics and Traumatology.

AFACOT’s inclusive ethos is underscored by its open-door policy, wherein any dedicated medical practitioner possesses the opportunity to attain membership. Pertinent updates and communiqués are seamlessly disseminated through an efficient email distribution network, thereby ensuring a cohesive and informed membership base. It is noteworthy that AFACOT refrains from imposing membership fees, thus ensuring that the pursuit of knowledge and professional growth remains accessible and unburdened.