- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to inaugurate IAACON 2026 on October 23
- Over 1,000 delegates and 150 national and international faculty to explore the future of arthroplasty
- First large-scale cadaveric workshop in Indian Arthroplasty Association’s history scheduled for October 22
- AI-assisted hip replacement, robotic surgery and navigation to headline 25 scientific sessions
- International experts to demonstrate advanced joint-replacement techniques across four surgical procedures
NE HEALTH BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, OCT 19
Can artificial intelligence, robotic assistance and precision-based surgical techniques make joint replacement more predictable, personalised and effective? That question will take centre stage in Ahmedabad as orthopaedic specialists from India and abroad assemble for IAACON 2026, the 22nd Annual Conference of the Indian Arthroplasty Association (IAA), bringing emerging technologies and hands-on surgical learning into sharp focus.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is scheduled to inaugurate the three-day conference, to be held from October 23 to 25 at The Forum Convention, Club O7 Road, Ahmedabad. Organised around the theme “Evolving Arthroplasty – Robotics, Kinematics and Innovation,” the event is expected to bring together more than 1,000 delegates and over 150 national and international faculty members to examine advances in joint-replacement surgery.
AI and robotics take centre stage
The scientific programme will feature 25 interactive sessions, approximately 30 surgical videos, expert panels and workshops covering artificial intelligence, robotic-assisted surgery, surgical navigation, complex joint infections and periprosthetic fractures.
A dedicated session by Dr. H.P. Bhalodia will focus on AI-assisted total hip replacement using Intellijoint technology, highlighting the growing role of technology-assisted planning and precision in orthopaedic surgery.
The discussions are expected to provide a platform for specialists to exchange clinical experience, examine evolving surgical approaches and assess how technological advances can be integrated into clinical practice.
First large-scale cadaveric workshop in IAA history
A major highlight will precede the main conference: a cadaveric workshop on October 22 at B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. Described by the organisers as the first large-scale workshop of its kind in the IAA’s history, it will use 12 cadaveric specimens for practical demonstrations.
The workshop will cover four procedures: the Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement, Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty, Total Knee Arthroplasty and Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.
Ten international faculty members from Australia, Ireland, the United States and the United Kingdom are expected to participate, bringing diverse clinical perspectives to the hands-on programme.
The workshop is designed to complement the scientific sessions by enabling participants to study surgical anatomy and techniques in a practical learning environment.
Consensus, research and a prestigious memorial lecture
IAACON 2026 will also feature the IAA’s consensus document intended to support surgical decision-making, alongside the C.S. Ranawat Gold Medal Competition, in which two papers will be selected.
The C.S. Ranawat Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Dr. Parag Sancheti, adding a distinguished academic component to the programme.
Dr. Dhiraj Marothi Jain, Organising Secretary, will be part of the conference’s organising leadership, supporting academic exchange and practical learning.
Together, the scientific sessions, surgical demonstrations and research presentations are intended to encourage discussion on established practices as well as emerging approaches in arthroplasty.
A platform for the next phase of joint replacement
For orthopaedic surgeons and postgraduate residents, the conference offers an opportunity to engage with experienced practitioners, review surgical innovations and exchange knowledge across subspecialties.
As AI-assisted planning, robotic systems and surgical navigation become increasingly prominent in orthopaedics, a key question for clinicians is how these tools can deliver meaningful benefits to patients while maintaining sound clinical judgement and evidence-based decision-making.
IAACON 2026 invites orthopaedic surgeons, postgraduate residents and eligible medical professionals to participate in the academic programme. Spot registration will be available, according to the organisers.
Conference at a glance
October 22: Cadaveric workshop — B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad.
October 23–25: Main conference — The Forum Convention, Club O7 Road, Ahmedabad.
Registration: Through the official IAACON 2026 registration channels; spot registration available.