FORTE 2026 international conference showcases latest advances in robotic orthopaedic surgery

Kochi: The latest developments in robotic orthopaedic surgery came under the spotlight at FORTE 2026, an international conference organised by VPS Lakeshore Hospital at Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty.

The conference featured scientific sessions, panel discussions, case-based presentations, interactive discussions and live robotic surgery demonstrations. Experts from Australia, England and other countries participated in the event, which focused on recent advances in joint arthroplasty, robotic technology and its growing role in orthopaedic surgery.

The conference was inaugurated by SK Abdulla, Managing Director, VPS Lakeshore Hospital.

Speaking on the occasion, SK Abdulla said the conference was organised not merely to showcase technology but to evaluate it through scientific evidence, critical discussions and knowledge sharing.

Dr George Jacob, Organising Chairman of FORTE 2026, said it is important to create greater awareness about the rapidly evolving technologies in healthcare. "It is my responsibility to share with my fellow surgeons what I have learnt about the latest advancements in robotic technology to help improve knee replacement outcomes," Dr George said.

Abhishek Poduri, Group CEO, VPS Lakeshore Hospital, said robotics complements the expertise of surgeons and helps improve precision during surgery. Robot-assisted knee replacement procedures, he said, offer greater accuracy, contributing to better patient outcomes and quality of life. Healthcare institutions, he added, should continue to adopt the best technologies available in modern medicine.

Renowned Australian orthopaedic surgeon Dr Brett Fritsch said FORTE 2026 reflected the rapid progress India has made in robotic orthopaedic surgery. Conferences of this nature, he said, provide an important platform to assess the expanding role of robotic technology in clinical practice.

Doctors who attended the conference said the live robotic surgery demonstrations were among the highlights of the programme.

Orthopaedic surgeons, arthroplasty specialists and researchers from across the country participated in the conference. Scientific sessions were led by internationally recognised faculty, including Dr Payam Tarassoli, Dr Ajit Kumar, Dr Thadi Mohan, Dr Srinivas Thati, Dr Manan Shah and Dr Mukesh Laddha.

Along side Dr George Jacob, Dr Jacob Varghese, Head of Orthopaedics, VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Dr Appu Benny Thomas, Dr Vinay Jaison Chacko, Dr Jose Thomas Pappanacherry and Dr Ebin Rahman spearheaded the conference.