Gujarat CM Inaugurates IAACON 2026 in Ahmedabad; Experts Discuss Robotics in Joint Replacement

• Bilkul Online | Ahmedabad
• 24 October 2026

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated IAACON 2026 in Ahmedabad on Friday, bringing together leading orthopaedic specialists to discuss advances in joint replacement surgery, robotics and innovative surgical techniques. The 22nd Annual Conference of the Indian Arthroplasty Association is being held at The Forum, Celebration & Convention, Club O7, and will continue until 25 October.

The conference features 205 national and nine international faculty members, with a programme focused on clinical case discussions, surgical techniques and emerging technologies in arthroplasty.

Gujarat Emerges as a Major Joint Replacement Hub

Experts at the conference highlighted the growing scale of joint replacement procedures in India, with more than three lakh total hip and knee replacement surgeries performed annually. Gujarat has emerged as one of the leading states in the country in terms of the volume of these procedures, strengthening its position in advanced orthopaedic care.

Addressing the gathering, Bhupendra Patel highlighted the importance of restoring mobility and improving patients’ quality of life. He said the exchange of knowledge among specialists could contribute to better patient care and support the training of the next generation of surgeons.

Robotics and Surgical Innovation Take Centre Stage

Organised around the theme “Evolving Arthroplasty: Robotics, Kinematics & Innovation,” IAACON 2026 covers hip, knee and shoulder replacement procedures, including primary, complex and revision surgeries.

Robotics is a key focus of the conference, with an industry exhibition showcasing image-based, imageless and AI-enabled 3D robotic technologies. Participants will have the opportunity to explore different systems and discuss their applications in surgical planning, implant positioning and clinical practice.

Dr H. P. Bhalodia, Organising Chairman, said the introduction of new technologies makes it important for surgeons to assess available evidence and understand where these tools can improve surgical practice. The conference provides a platform for specialists to exchange experiences, evaluate different approaches and discuss their suitability for individual patients.

35 Scientific Sessions and Four Debates Planned

The academic programme includes 35 scientific sessions and four debates, supported by 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 examine clinical decisions and discuss challenges encountered in practice.

Key topics include implant alignment and design, infection management, surgical outcomes and enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. The discussions will also address the management of difficult cases and the choices involved in complex procedures.

Dr Dhiraj Marothi Jain, Organising Secretary, said the programme has been designed to encourage open discussions, particularly among young surgeons, by giving participants sufficient time to question established approaches and share their experiences.

Cadaveric Workshop Precedes Main Conference

The conference follows a cadaveric workshop conducted at B. J. Medical College on 22 October. 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 workshop provided practical learning opportunities ahead of the main scientific programme, which continues until 25 October with further discussions on surgical techniques, clinical cases and technologies shaping joint replacement surgery.

IAACON 2026 brings together the Indian Arthroplasty Association, Indian Orthopaedic Association, Gujarat Orthopaedic Association, Ahmedabad Orthopaedic Society and Ahmedabad Arthroplasty Association, providing a platform for national and international specialists to exchange knowledge and explore developments in orthopaedic care.

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