Hyd: Orthopaedic Summit Focuses on Robotics, Synthetic Ligaments and Evidence-Based Joint Care
Hyderabad, Sept 6 (TNT): More than 250 orthopaedic surgeons from across India participated in the 10th Arthroplasty Arthroscopy Summit 2026, held at the Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, here on Sunday.
The one-day summit was organised by Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad, under the aegis of the Telangana Orthopaedic Surgeons Association (TOSA) and Twin Cities Orthopaedic Society (TCOS).
Senior orthopaedic specialists and young professionals discussed challenging clinical cases, emerging technologies and practical approaches to patient care.
Dr Mithin Aachi, Course Director of the summit and Senior Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad, said robotic knee replacement had emerged as an important treatment option, but its long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness, particularly in the Indian context, needed continued evaluation.
The summit also discussed the role of injections in patients with advanced knee arthritis.
Experts observed that injections were unlikely to provide meaningful or lasting relief in severe arthritis, where knee replacement could be a more appropriate option for suitably selected patients.
The participants also deliberated on newer keyhole procedures for ACL injuries, including synthetic ligament technology, and ways to make such advanced treatments accessible and cost-effective for Indian patients.
Dr N. Somashekar Reddy, Organising Chairman of the summit and Senior Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, said the event focused on evidence-based developments in orthopaedic treatment and their practical application.
He said the scientific sessions critically examined emerging techniques for their clinical efficacy, safety and long-term outcomes, while distinguishing genuinely beneficial innovations from technologies that lacked adequate evidence.
Dr Satish Mutha of Hinduja Hospitals, Mumbai, and President-Elect of the Mumbai Orthopaedic Society, said the discussion-driven format of the summit encouraged scientific debate on emerging treatment modalities and areas of clinical controversy.
Dr Samundeeswari of Care Sports Injury Centre, Chennai, said discussions covered robotic-assisted surgery, intra-articular injections for knee osteoarthritis, synthetic ligament augmentation and reconstruction for ACL injuries, cell-based therapies and advances in shoulder arthroplasty.
The scientific programme covered joint replacement, arthroscopy and sports injuries, joint preservation and cartilage, spine surgery, trauma, periprosthetic joint infection, shoulder and elbow, foot and ankle, orthopaedic oncology and regenerative orthopaedics, among other areas.
The summit also highlighted newer approaches to cartilage lesions, joint preservation and minimally invasive shoulder procedures.
Experts discussed the evolving role of robotic technology in joint replacement, noting that while robotics could improve surgical precision and reproducibility, its ability to deliver superior long-term outcomes and justify additional costs remained under evaluation.
The role of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in osteoarthritis was also discussed. Experts cautioned against considering PRP a proven cure or cartilage-regenerating treatment for severe osteoarthritis, where definitive procedures such as total knee replacement may be required in appropriately selected patients.
The discussions further examined synthetic ligaments and internal bracing, which were described as promising technologies for selected ligament repairs and augmentation procedures, while stressing the importance of appropriate indications and patient selection.
The overarching message of the summit was that medical innovation should be adopted alongside scientific evidence, surgical expertise, patient expectations and cost considerations, with technology matched to the right patient and clinical indication.
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