Southeast Asia Journey, Part 5: IAACON and the Heart of Indian Orthopedics

After a full day in Delhi, we traveled to Lucknow to attend the Indian Orthopedic Association National Meeting, known as IAACON. From the moment we arrived, I was greeted by the president of the association with remarkable kindness and hospitality. Lucknow is a city rich in culture and history, and its warmth was evident the moment we stepped into the conference venue. The energy, enthusiasm, and attendance at IAACON were inspiring, reflecting how deeply committed the orthopedic community in India is to advancing patient care.

Over the next two days, I had the privilege of serving in multiple roles at the meeting. I was a moderator, chairperson, and speaker on a variety of topics including complex total hip replacements, robotic knee replacements, muscle-sparing surgical approaches, and partial knee replacements. I also hosted two live surgeries and participated in several panel discussions alongside surgeons from across India and around the world. Each session highlighted the global momentum behind technological adoption and the shared desire to refine surgical techniques for better patient outcomes.

Every evening, the conference organizers hosted cultural events that showcased the beauty of Indian tradition. From live local music to incredible regional cuisine, these experiences added depth and connection to the trip. One of the most memorable parts of the meeting was meeting surgeons who are performing inverse kinematic alignment with VELYS in the same way that I am. Many had watched the videos and educational content we've created, and they came with thoughtful, specific questions about technique and workflow. It was both humbling and exciting to see how this shared knowledge is shaping practice across the world.

Throughout the conference, I had the chance to connect one-on-one with many surgeons who were eager to discuss their cases, challenges, and experiences. I learned about the severe deformities they frequently treat and the unique obstacles they face regarding access to care. The surgeons in India work incredibly hard—often six days a week—and many perform thousands of operations per year. Their dedication to their patients and to continuous improvement was both impressive and deeply motivating.

IAACON was an exceptional event, bringing together some of the world's leading minds in hip and knee replacement surgery. The conversations were rich, the hospitality was unmatched, and the sense of community was profound. It was an honor to be part of such a well-organized and impactful meeting, and I left Lucknow inspired by the passion, resilience, and expertise of the Indian orthopedic community.