~Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurates IAACON 2026 in Ahmedabad, bringing together national and international experts to discuss joint replacement surgery, robotics and orthopaedic innovations.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Oct 23 (VNI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Bhai Patel inaugurated IAACON 2026, the 22nd Annual Conference of the Indian Arthroplasty Association, in Ahmedabad on Friday.
The three-day conference brings together national and international orthopaedic specialists to discuss advancements in joint replacement surgery, robotics, surgical techniques and innovations aimed at improving patient care.
The conference features 205 national and nine international faculty members and will continue until October 25 at The Forum, Celebration & Convention, Club O7, Ahmedabad.
Highlighting the growing importance of joint replacement surgery, experts at the conference noted that India performs more than 3 lakh total hip and knee replacement surgeries annually. Gujarat has emerged as one of the leading states in the country in terms of the volume of joint replacement procedures, strengthening its position as a destination for advanced orthopaedic care and clinical excellence.
The conference is being held under the theme “Evolving Arthroplasty: Robotics, Kinematics & Innovation.” Its academic programme covers hip, knee and shoulder replacement procedures, ranging from primary surgeries to complex and revision operations. Through clinical case presentations, surgical videos and debates, specialists will discuss different surgical approaches and the application of emerging technologies in clinical practice.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Bhai Patel said, “For patients and their families, regaining mobility can mean returning to work, managing everyday tasks independently and taking part in community life again. As specialists gather in Ahmedabad to discuss advances in joint replacement, I hope the knowledge shared here will help strengthen patient care and support the training of the next generation of surgeons.”
IAACON 2026 brings together the Indian Arthroplasty Association, Indian Orthopaedic Association, Gujarat Orthopaedic Association, Ahmedabad Orthopaedic Society and Ahmedabad Arthroplasty Association.
Robotics is a major focus of this year’s conference, with an industry exhibition showcasing image-based, imageless and AI-enabled 3D robotic technologies. Delegates will have the opportunity to explore different robotic systems and learn about their applications in surgical planning, implant positioning and joint replacement procedures.
Dr H. P. Bhalodia, Organising Chairman of IAACON 2026, said, “With new technologies entering joint replacement surgery, surgeons need opportunities to look closely at the evidence and discuss where these tools can help. Bringing experienced faculty together in Ahmedabad allows us to learn from different approaches, question our assumptions and consider what is appropriate for each patient.”
The scientific programme includes 35 sessions and four debates, alongside surgical videos, case-based discussions and dedicated sessions for young surgeons. Each scientific session will include 10 to 15 minutes for questions, allowing delegates to discuss surgical decisions, clinical challenges and practical experiences.
Key topics include implant alignment and design, infection management, surgical outcomes and enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. The case-based format will enable participants to compare surgical approaches and learn how experienced specialists manage complex clinical situations.
Dr Dhiraj Marothi Jain, Organising Secretary of the conference, said, “A difficult case can lead to a valuable conversation, especially when surgeons have the time to explain what they considered and why they chose a particular approach. We have built that time into the programme and want delegates, particularly young surgeons, to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their own experiences.”
The conference provides orthopaedic surgeons and postgraduate students with an opportunity to interact with national and international faculty members and participate in three days of scientific exchange, knowledge-sharing and professional development.
IAACON 2026 follows a cadaveric workshop held at B. J. Medical College on October 22. Approximately 70 faculty members and 180 delegates participated in guided training covering the direct anterior approach to hip replacement, unicondylar knee replacement and reverse shoulder replacement.
The conference will continue until October 25, featuring further scientific discussions, surgical techniques, clinical case presentations and demonstrations of technologies shaping the future of joint replacement surgery. VNI NEWS, IAACON 2026 Ahmedabad, IAACON 2026, Bhupendra Patel, Indian Arthroplasty Association, Joint Replacement Surgery, Orthopaedic Conference, Robotics in Surgery, Ahmedabad News, Gujarat News, Orthopaedic Innovation, Club O7 Ahmedabad, VNINews, VNINews.com