The Patellofemoral Foundation (PFF) proudly presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to João Espregueira-Mendes, MD, PhD, in recognition of his remarkable career and global impact in the field of orthopaedic sports medicine. The award was given during a special ceremony in Munich, Germany, where he was joined on stage by PFF Board members Drs. Jason Koh, Laurie Hiemstra, and Dan Green.
Dr. Espregueira-Mendes currently serves as President of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) for the 2025–2027 term. A renowned orthopaedic surgeon, researcher, and educator, he is the Chairman of Clínicas Espregueira – a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence – and leads the Orthopaedic Department at Minho University in Portugal. His specialization in knee surgery and orthobiologics has allowed him to treat elite athletes across the globe and contribute significantly to clinical innovation and academic scholarship.
With over 15 major distinctions, more than 300 published works, and over 700 lectures delivered worldwide, Dr. Espregueira-Mendes has shaped the future of orthopaedics through groundbreaking research in ligament injuries, cartilage repair, and regenerative medicine. He also invented the Porto Knee Testing Device, pioneering new diagnostic and surgical techniques that continue to redefine best practices.
This well-deserved honor from PFF highlights not only a distinguished career but also Dr. Espregueira-Mendes’s unwavering commitment to advancing orthopaedic care and education on a global scale.