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IAACON 2026 to Bring Robotic Joint Surgery to Ahmedabad

IAACON 2026 in Ahmedabad to Focus on Robotics, AI and Hands-on Joint Replacement Training

Ahmedabad, September 29, 2026: Orthopaedic surgeons from India and abroad will meet in Ahmedabad next month to discuss how robotics, artificial intelligence and newer surgical methods are changing joint replacement procedures.

The 22nd Annual Conference of the Indian Arthroplasty Association, IAACON 2026, will be held from October 23 to 25 at Club O7 in Ahmedabad. The organisers said more than 1,000 delegates and 180 national and international faculty members are expected to attend. The conference theme is “Evolving Arthroplasty – Robotics, Kinematics and Innovation”. The official conference website confirms the October 23-25 dates and Ahmedabad venue.

IAACON 2026: Ahmedabad Hosts Major Joint Replacement Meet

The meeting comes as joint replacement surgery becomes increasingly dependent on better planning, imaging, navigation and computer-assisted systems. These tools are being studied and used to help surgeons plan bone cuts, implant position and movement during operations. Their role, however, remains linked to the surgeon’s clinical decisions and the needs of each patient.

At IAACON 2026, the scientific programme will examine AI-assisted instruments, robotic systems and 3D camera-assisted surgery. Dr H.P. Bhalodia is scheduled to conduct a session on AI-assisted total hip replacement using Intellijoint technology.

“IAACON 2026 represents an important milestone for the Indian Arthroplasty Association, bringing together leading experts to advance the standards of arthroplasty practice in India. We endeavour to create a platform that combines contemporary knowledge with meaningful academic and surgical exchange,” said Dr H.P. Bhalodia, Organising Chairman.

The conference will also include demonstrations involving unicondylar knee arthroplasty and total hip replacement. About 30 surgical videos are planned, along with discussions of complex cases, rare periprosthetic fractures and difficult joint infections.

For surgeons, such cases are important because joint replacement is not limited to routine knee and hip operations. Previous surgery, infection, bone loss, fractures around an implant and unusual anatomy can make treatment much harder. The choice of implant, surgical approach and reconstruction method can vary from one patient to another.

A major part of the Ahmedabad meeting will take place before the main conference. On October 22, the Indian Arthroplasty Association plans to hold what organisers describe as its first large-scale cadaveric workshop at B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.

The workshop will use 12 cadaveric specimens. Surgeons will demonstrate the Direct Anterior Approach for hip replacement, unicondylar knee arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Cadaver-based teaching is already used at medical training centres in India. In 2026, courses at institutions including IRCAD India and Sharda University have included hands-on hip and arthroplasty training. AIIMS New Delhi also included a cadaver course in its 2026 Current Concepts in Arthroplasty programme. These courses allow surgeons and trainees to study anatomy and surgical approaches in a controlled teaching setting.

Recent programmes also show growing interest in combining cadaver training with robotic systems. A 2026 cadaver course at Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences included hands-on training with a robotic total knee replacement system.

Ten international faculty members are expected to take part in the IAACON workshop. Four are from Australia, three from Ireland, two from the United States and one from the United Kingdom.

“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.

The conference will also bring attention to how surgeons make decisions during difficult operations. The Indian Arthroplasty Association is set to present a consensus document intended to help younger surgeons understand established surgical approaches and make decisions in common clinical situations.

Senior specialists will discuss the recommendations for two hours. The programme has 25 scientific sessions, with each session planned to end with comments from senior doctors, practical points for participants and questions from students and faculty.

Five halls will also run workshops at the same time using anatomical bone models.

“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.

Dr Dimple Parekh, Organising Co-Chairman, said the meeting would bring specialists from India and overseas together for discussion of clinical practice and surgical experience.

“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.

The event will also introduce the C.S. Ranawat Gold Medal Competition. Organisers said around 140 submissions have been received, with two papers to be selected. Dr Parag Sancheti will deliver the first C.S. Ranawat Memorial Lecture.

The Indian Arthroplasty Association, the Indian Orthopaedic Association, the Gujarat Orthopaedic Association and the Ahmedabad Orthopaedic Society are among the organisations associated with the Ahmedabad conference.

IAACON 2026 is scheduled to end with a valedictory ceremony after three days of scientific sessions, surgical education and academic presentations. For Ahmedabad, the meeting will also bring a large group of specialists into the city at a time when technology-assisted joint replacement is becoming an important subject in orthopaedic education and surgical training.