Hemsedal 2025 marked the fifth time FICEBO participated in the legendary research meeting in the Norwegian mountains. Over the years, this annual gathering has become an important tradition for our group—not only for showcasing our latest research but also for reconnecting with colleagues and shaping new ideas.
This year, FICEBO was represented by Tuomas, Saara, Kati, Teppo, and Thomas. Teemu was also scheduled to attend in person, but due to illness had to deliver his presentation remotely via Zoom.Special thanks to Tuomas, who served on the program committee alongside the meeting’s host Jens-Ivar Brox, helping shape another high-quality event.
One of the key scientific highlights from our group was Thomas’s presentation on preliminary data from the FIMAGE trial, which focuses on rotator cuff pathology. Rotator cuff disorders were, in fact, the main theme of Hemsedal 2025. Ian Harris (Sydney, Australia) presented an update on the ARC trial, a sham-surgery controlled RCT investigating degenerative rotator cuff tears. Some senior members of the Hemsedal group—particularly Ville Äärimaa and Teppo—have supported Ian in designing the study. Now, led by Tuomas, FICEBO has decided to join ARC as a recruiting center. It’s our way of helping Ian complete the trial—and returning a favor, since Ian has provided pivotal support to FICEBO’s work over the years. But more on ARC in a future update…
As always, Hemsedal stood out for its methodological excellence. Many trials presented during the meeting have been—or will be—published in leading journals, some even in the Big Five journal. This year’s program continued that tradition, with thought-provoking talks such as Stefan Moosmayer’s talk on “Challenges with minimal important difference and patient-accepted symptoms” and Tuomas’ talk where he shared anew research idea involving the use of waiting lists for surgery as a natural setting for comparative studies.
Among a number of remarkable RCTs, the presentation that left the strongest impression on us came from Mirad Taso. He showcased the results of his recent NEJM Evidence publication comparing surgery and rehabilitation for cervical radiculopathy (in both stenosis and disc herniation patients). A few years earlier, Mirad had presented the idea in Hemsedal as a younger researcher. Now, more experienced, he returned to present the trial’s published results. A truly moving moment that captured the essence of what makes Hemsedal special.
But of course, Hemsedal isn’t *just* about research. The meeting is equally about reconnecting with brilliant people, exchanging ideas, learning from others—and occasionally sharing a perspective of our own. And an occasional drink, too.
While the snow was sparse this year, the sun (as always) made an appearance, adding its own touch of magic to the slopesand conversations alike.
A fantastic meeting once again. Looking forward to Hemsedal 2026!
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