Over 1,000 delegates and 180 national and international faculty to explore next-generation arthroplasty, with IAA’s first large-scale cadaveric workshop and 25 interactive scientific sessions
Ahmedabad : The future of joint replacement surgery will take centre stage in Ahmedabad as IAACON 2026, the 22nd Annual Conference of the Indian Arthroplasty Association (IAA), brings together more than 1,000 registered delegates and 180 national and international faculty from October 23 to 25 at Club O7. The conference, themed “Evolving Arthroplasty – Robotics, Kinematics and Innovation,” will focus on the growing role of artificial intelligence, robotics, surgical navigation and innovative techniques in arthroplasty.
Announced at EPIC Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad, the three-day conference will provide a platform for orthopaedic specialists, surgeons and academic experts to exchange knowledge, discuss evolving surgical practices and explore emerging technologies in joint replacement.
“IAACON 2026 represents an important milestone for the Indian Arthroplasty Association, bringing together leading experts to advance the standards of arthroplasty practice in India. Our endeavour is to create a platform that combines contemporary knowledge with meaningful academic and surgical exchange,” said Dr. H.P. Bhalodia, Organising Chairman.
A major focus of the conference will be AI-assisted and robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, including the use of advanced navigation technologies and 3D camera-assisted surgical systems. Dr. H.P. Bhalodia will conduct a dedicated session on AI-assisted total hip replacement surgery using Intellijoint technology, highlighting the potential role of advanced surgical navigation in enhancing surgical precision.
The scientific programme will feature demonstrations of Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty and Total Hip Replacement, along with approximately 30 surgical videos. Expert panels will discuss complex clinical cases, rare periprosthetic fractures and challenging joint infections, providing participants with practical insights into difficult surgical decision-making.
“With more than 1,000 delegates and 180 national and international faculty, IAACON 2026 is designed as a comprehensive academic forum with a strong focus on practical learning. The first large-scale cadaveric workshop in IAA’s history will further strengthen the hands-on dimension of the programme,” said Dr. Dhiraj Marothi Jain, Organising Secretary.
IAA’s First Large-Scale Cadaveric Workshop
A key highlight will be the IAA’s first large-scale cadaveric workshop, scheduled for October 22 at B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. The workshop will use 12 cadaveric specimens to demonstrate advanced procedures including Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement, Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty, Total Knee Arthroplasty and Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.
The workshop will also feature participation from 10 international faculty, including four experts from Australia, three from Ireland, two from the United States and one from the United Kingdom.
“IAACON 2026 provides a valuable platform for arthroplasty specialists to exchange experience, discuss evolving clinical practices and learn from diverse perspectives. Participation from experts across India and overseas will encourage meaningful academic dialogue and collaborative learning,” said Dr. Dimple Parekh, Organising Co-Chairman.
Consensus Document and Interactive Scientific Sessions
The Indian Arthroplasty Association will also present its consensus document, designed as a practical reference to help younger surgeons understand established surgical approaches, support consistent clinical decision-making and contribute to improved patient outcomes.
Senior specialists will discuss the recommendations of the document during a dedicated two-hour session. The conference will feature 25 scientific sessions, with each session concluding with remarks from senior doctors, practical take-home messages and an opportunity for students and faculty to raise questions.
In addition, five halls will simultaneously host workshops using anatomical bone models, providing participants with further opportunities for practical learning.
“The scientific programme focuses on contemporary challenges and evolving techniques in arthroplasty, covering robotic and non-robotic approaches, Relive and InBox surgical sessions and focused workshops to support practical understanding of complex surgical decision-making,” said Dr. Deepak Dave, Scientific Committee Chairman.
C.S. Ranawat Gold Medal Competition
IAACON 2026 will also introduce the C.S. Ranawat Gold Medal Competition, which has received approximately 140 submissions. Two papers will be selected for the competition.
The conference will feature the inaugural C.S. Ranawat Memorial Lecture, to be delivered by Dr. Parag Sancheti. The programme will also include inaugural and valedictory ceremonies, bringing together leading arthroplasty specialists from across India and overseas.
With its combination of scientific sessions, live and recorded surgical learning, hands-on workshops, international participation and discussions around AI and robotics, IAACON 2026 is set to provide a comprehensive platform for advancing knowledge and skills in contemporary arthroplasty.
