We would like to present our 6th International Conference “We are not ready for the joint replacement!”. The event will take place at Žalgiris Arena Amphitheater (Kaunas, Lithuania) on 13th of March, 2025

Most complex clinical cases and outstanding lectures will be presented by lecturers experienced in their field from United Arab Emirates, USA, Netherlands, Italy, France, Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland Latvia and of course, Lithuania. The presentations will include many practical examples. We will talk about knee, hip and shoulder injuries, their treatment, rehabilitation and prevention! As usual, we are planning a workshop with advanced equipment.

INVITATION! After the conference, all participants are invited to watch the Euroleague game Zalgiris - Paris

Pricing

ATTENTION! Ticket to the Euroleague game Zalgiris - Paris will be provided when you will check in the Conference.

AGENDA

ŽALGIRIS ARENA
Start time	End time	Title	Speaker	Country
10:00	10:10	Menisci surgery in children – is it different from adults?	Viktorija Brogaite Martinkeniene, M.D., Ph.D. Viktorija Brogaite Martinkeniene, M.D., Ph.D. Viktorija Brogaite Martinkeniene has been an orthopedic trauma surgeon at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos Children's Orthopaedics and Traumatology Department since 2016, and Kardiolitos Klinikos since 2022. She specializes in knee and shoulder arthroscopy in both pediatric and adult patients, as well as research into meniscus repair outcomes in children and adolescents. She has been pursuing her doctoral (PhD) studies at Vilnius University's Faculty of Medicine since 2023. Viktorija is a member of both the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS) and the Lithuanian Arthroscopy and Sports Traumatology Association.	Lithuania
10:10	10:20	Bucket handle medial meniscus tear fixation.	Liudas Bazaras, M.D. Liudas Bazaras, M.D. Liudas Bazaras is an esteemed orthopedic surgeon and President of the Lithuanian Arthroscopy and Sports Traumatology Association (LASTA). As the second speaker of the conference, he will be one of the first to open the discussions at „We Are Not Ready for Joint Replacement!“ Dr. Liudas Bazaras is a highly experienced specialist in arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery, focusing on the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, thigh, lower leg, and knee joints. Beyond his clinical expertise, he is an active member of the scientific community, regularly participating in international courses and fellowships to refine his skills and stay at the forefront of medical advancements. His dedication to professional growth ensures that his patients benefit from the most modern and effective treatment options available. I ABOUT PRESENTATION: In this session, Dr. Bazaras will provide a comprehensive overview of bucket handle medial meniscus tear fixation, starting with a theoretical introduction before guiding attendees step by step through a clinical case. The presentation will feature arthroscopic images and videos, offering an in-depth look at the techniques and decision-making process involved in these complex procedures. As one of the first presentations of the conference, this session will set the stage for deeper discussions on innovative knee joint preservation strategies.	Lithuania
10:20	10:30	Complications after menisci fixation surgeries. Viktoras Jermolajevas, M.D.		Lithuania
10:30	10:40	Meniscus root repair has never been so simple.	Filip Hudecek, M.D. Filip Hudecek, M.D. Dr. Filip Hudecek, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon from Brno, Czech Republic, with 27 years of experience, specializing in arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery as well as sports medicine. He practices at St. Anne's University Hospital and IC Clinic, a private center for outpatient surgical procedures. Beyond clinical practice, his passion lies in innovation and education. In 2020, he founded Drillbone, a Brno-based MedTech company that has successfully developed and launched two innovative surgical instruments, already in use in over 10 countries. Dr. Hudecek travels worldwide to collaborate with orthopedic centers, advocating for transosseous techniques, which he believes represent the future of orthopedic surgery. I ABOUT PRESENTATION: In this presentation, Dr. Hudecek shares his approach to meniscus root repair, explaining the rationale behind the Drillbone instrument design and how it simplifies the surgical procedure.	Czech Republic
10:40	10:50	Lateral meniscus tear in popliteus region and RAMP tear fixation from posterior portals. Rimtautas Gudas, M.D., Prof.		Lithuania
10:50	11:00	How I do meniscus fixation?	Madis Rahu, M.D., Ph.D. Madis Rahu, M.D., Ph.D. Madis Rahu, PhD, is lecturer and orthopaedic surgeon specialized in sports trauma at the Department of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Tartu University and Tartu University Hospital(Estonia). In private praxis he is working in Confido Medical Centre. He is grounder and member of Estonian Arthroscopy and Sports Trauma Society (EASTS) and International Society for Sports Traumatology of Hand (ISSPORTH); a member of ESSKA (European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy) since 1994; member of Board of Education Committee ESSKA 2010 – 2014; Ambassador of EASTS by ESSKA since 2017. My research focuses on the sports injuries, especially on shoulder instability, throwing shoulder injuries and knee injuries. My lecture is based on my experience of how and in what cases to save meniscus, how to maintain his mobility and achieve anatomical integrity.	Estonia
11:00	11:10	Meniscus fixation plus wrapping with scaffold. Markas Fiodorovas, M.D.		Lithuania
11:10	11:20	Rehabilitation after meniscus repair - ESSKA consensus	Petras Mikucionis Petras Mikucionis Petras Mikucionis is a leading figure in the physiotherapy community and one of the most experienced specialists in sports rehabilitation. His expertise plays a key role in ensuring fast and effective recovery for athletes after injuries. Beyond his clinical practice, he has been actively involved in academia, having lectured at the Lithuanian Sports University and contributed to scientific literature as a co-author of the book "Fundamentals of Rehabilitation in Sports," which received considerable recognition. With multiple summers spent working alongside the Lithuanian men's basketball team and experience in various championships, P. Mikucionis brings a wealth of theoretical and practical knowledge to the conference. His presentation will focus on rehabilitation strategies following meniscus repair, reflecting the latest insights and expert consensus from ESSKA (European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery & Arthroscopy). PRESENTATION: Rehabilitation After Meniscus Repair – ESSKA Consensus In this session, P. Mikucionis will provide an expert overview of rehabilitation approaches following meniscus repair, aligning with the latest ESSKA consensus. The discussion will offer valuable insights into post-operative recovery, helping professionals refine their strategies to ensure optimal patient outcomes.	Lithuania
11:20	11:30	How to image an unhappy patient after meniscus repair? Vaida Sipavičienė, M.D., Ph.D.		Lithuania
11:30	11:40	The Role of Ultrasound in Diagnosing Meniscal Pathology	Saulius Rutkauskas, M.D., Ph.D. Saulius Rutkauskas, M.D., Ph.D. MD PhD Assoc Prof Saulius Rutkauskas finished a Radiology residency at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in 2009. During the study, he gained interest in unique MSK ultrasound diagnostic possibilities. The radiologist evaluates ultrasonographically more than 100 patients with various MSK pathologies weekly. One-third are pediatric patients. The doctor heads the Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound Society in Lithuania and has organized over 80 local and international ultrasound seminars and conferences dedicated to MSK Ultrasound. He has co-authored two textbooks and more than 16 peer-reviewed articles on ultrasound. MD Saulius Rutkauskas is a member of the Ultrasound Subcommittee of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) and the European Society of Radiology (ESR) and giving lectures and tutoring in many international MSK Ultrasound-dedicated seminars in the Finland, Italy, Latvia, Estonia, Nederland, India, Colombia and USA. | ABOUT PRESENTATION: This lecture will explore the role of ultrasound in diagnosing and assessing meniscal pathology, highlighting its advantages in musculoskeletal imaging. It will focus on the practical application of ultrasound, covering techniques, and common challenges in evaluating meniscal injuries. By the end of the lecture, participants will understand how ultrasound can complement other imaging modalities in accurately detecting meniscal abnormalities.	Lithuania
11:40	11:50	Meniscal repairs - what are our possibilities?	Maciej Uchowicz, M.D., Ph.D. Maciej Uchowicz, M.D., Ph.D. I am Shoulder and Knee Surgeon with more than 20 years of surgical experience and more than 7000 surgeries done. I have had an opportunity to work at national and international hospitals of different levels of competence. I am a Member of ESSKA, ISAKOS and AAOS societies. My first presentation is an overview of modern surgical techniques and devices that are currently used for the meniscal repairs. The second presentation contains a description of patients with 3 years of follow-up after implantation of artificial anterior cruciate ligament implant.	Poland
11:50	12:00	Discussion
12:00	13:00	Lunch
13:00	13:30	Workshop, industry
13:30	13:40	Autocart cartilage repair possibilities in day surgery. Thomas Patt, M.D., Ph.D.		Netherlands
13:40	13:50	MaioRegen latest results: preclinical and clinical data. Roberta Miale, Finceramica		Italy
13:50	14:00	Tips and tricks implanting cartilage scaffold. Rimtautas Gudas, M.D., Prof.		Lithuania
14:00	14:10	Revolutionizing Knee Surgery: The Role of Robotics in Total Knee Arthroplasty.	Salim EL Masri, M.D. Salim EL Masri, M.D. .	United Arab Emirates
14:10	14:20	Anterior cruciate ligament with synthetic implant - a presentation of case series.	Maciej Uchowicz, M.D., Ph.D. Maciej Uchowicz, M.D., Ph.D. I am Shoulder and Knee Surgeon with more than 20 years of surgical experience and more than 7000 surgeries done. I have had an opportunity to work at national and international hospitals of different levels of competence. I am a Member of ESSKA, ISAKOS and AAOS societies. My first presentation is an overview of modern surgical techniques and devices that are currently used for the meniscal repairs. The second presentation contains a description of patients with 3 years of follow-up after implantation of artificial anterior cruciate ligament implant.	Poland
14:20	14:30	My CAM and PINCER resection technique. Tips and tricks.	Valdemar Loiba, M.D.,Ph.D. Valdemar Loiba, M.D.,Ph.D. I am orthopedic surgeon Valdemar Loiba. My main fields of work are hip, shoulder and knee arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgeries. I have 15 years of experience and I have done more then 1000 hip arthroscopic and endoscopic surgeries. Hip arthroscopy is very rapidly evolving area with new techniques, implants, indications and rehab strategies. I ABOUT PRESENTATION: Hip impingement is most common reason for hip arthroscopy. With perfectly done surgery we can save patients hip from hip replacement and get patient back to his full physical activity. This is very important, because in most of cases hip impingement is problem of young and physically active people.	Lithuania
14:30	14:40	What's new in ESMA/ESSKA? Thomas Patt, M.D., Ph.D.		Netherlands
14:40	14:50	Rethinking Screening: A New Strategy to Prevent Sports Injuries	Joseph Janosky, DrPH Joseph Janosky, DrPH Dr. Joseph Janosky is an Assistant Professor at Lasell University in Boston, Massachusetts, serves as an Ambassador and Injury Prevention Expert for Youth, Inc., and is the Chief Consultant for the Yellow Finch Consulting Group. He has published dozens of peer-reviewed sports injury prevention studies and has lectured internationally about sports injury prevention and athlete health promotion. Dr. Janosky currently holds leadership positions with the American Public Health Association, the Coach Safely Foundation, the European Sports Medicine Associates, the National Council of Youth Sports, and the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) Society. I ABOUT PRESENTATION: In this presentation, Dr. Janosky explores an innovative approach to injury risk factor screening for youth sports participants designed to enhance athlete health and minimize time lost to injury. Highlighting the identification of the most prevalent injury risk factors through advanced - but practical - assessment techniques, this new approach underscores the need for a paradigm shift in screening practices among sports medicine practitioners.	United States
14:50	15:00	Discussion
15:00	15:30	Coffee break, industry
15:30	15:40	Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair: How Quick Pain Relief Accelerates Return to Daily Activities	Filip Hudecek, M.D. Filip Hudecek, M.D. Dr. Filip Hudecek, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon from Brno, Czech Republic, with 27 years of experience, specializing in arthroscopic shoulder and knee surgery as well as sports medicine. He practices at St. Anne's University Hospital and IC Clinic, a private center for outpatient surgical procedures. Beyond clinical practice, his passion lies in innovation and education. In 2020, he founded Drillbone, a Brno-based MedTech company that has successfully developed and launched two innovative surgical instruments, already in use in over 10 countries. Dr. Hudecek travels worldwide to collaborate with orthopedic centers, advocating for transosseous techniques, which he believes represent the future of orthopedic surgery. I ABOUT PRESENTATION: Dr. Hudecek reflects on the role of pain in the postoperative course. Evidence shows that patients experience faster pain relief after transosseous repair compared to anchor repair. He shares his four-year experience with transosseous rotator cuff repair, observing that his patients typically stop using analgesics during the second postoperative week. Any remaining pain, no longer masked by analgesics, serves as valuable feedback, helping them understand their limits in daily and work activities.	Czech Republic
15:40	15:50	My difficulties with arthroscopic Latarjet. Kaspars Udris, M.D.		Latvia
15:50	16:00	Revision rotator cuff surgeries. Viktoras Jermolajevas, M.D.		Lithuania
16:00	16:10	Physiotherapy for the hip impingement: how to plan the rehab and how to measure the outcomes.	Laimonas Šiupšinskas Ph.D. Laimonas Šiupšinskas Ph.D. Professor in Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Department of Sports Medicine. Clinical specialization in sports and orthopaedic physiotherapy: assessment, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of orthopaedic (pre, post-surgical) and sports-related conditions, acute and chronic joint pain treatment, return to sports after the sports injuries, sports injuries prevention and recovery. Physiotherapist of Lithuanian Men’s National Basketball Team I ABOUT PRESENTATION: I will share my experience in the treatment of hip impingement. In the presentation I will talk about how to differentiate between conservative care, physiotherapy and surgical treatment options according to symptoms, clinical signs and imaging findings. I will cover the main points how to plan the rehab and how to measure the outcomes after the surgical or conservative treatment of the femoroacetabular impingement.	Lithuania
16:10	16:20	Harnessing Manual Pressure: A Pathway to Enhanced Mobility and Function in Shoulder and Knee Rehabilitation.	Rolandas Kesminas, PT., MSc. Rolandas Kesminas, PT., MSc. Neuro-Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist & Educator With over 30,000 hours of clinical practice and nearly two decades of experience, Rolandas is a leading expert in neuro-musculoskeletal physiotherapy. As a part-time lecturer at Lithuanian Sports University, he is committed to educating future physiotherapists and sharing his knowledge of innovative manual therapy techniques. His clinical practice focuses on enhancing motor function and pain modulation through neurophysiological principles, particularly the application of manual pressure on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Rolandas has developed a unique approach to shoulder and knee rehabilitation, using manual pressure to modulate sensory and motor output and improve mobility. By focusing on the neurophysiological effects of manual therapy, he has helped countless patients overcome muscle guarding, improve range of motion, and reduce pain. Through his work, he aims to challenge the traditional mechanical view of manual therapy, advocating for a more neurophysiologically-informed approach that can create long-lasting, functional improvements. -----About presentation: In this session, Rolandas will discuss the transformative impact of manual pressure on shoulder and knee rehabilitation. Drawing on clinical cases and scientific evidence, he will demonstrate how targeted manual pressure can improve range of motion, decrease pain, increase muscle force, and alter muscle activity. He will explore the neurophysiological mechanisms behind these changes, including sensory modulation via descending pain pathways and motor modulation through the activation of specific receptors in tissues like the skin, ligament, capsule, and muscle. The presentation will highlight how manual pressure can elicit reflexes such as the ligamento-muscular reflex and how these reflexes can be used to inhibit or facilitate muscle activity. This session will provide practical insights for orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation doctors, and physiotherapists on how to leverage manual pressure for enhanced therapeutic outcomes, especially in cases where traditional methods have limited success.	Lithuania
16:20	16:30	Biomecanical analysis of the various components of the medial plane of the knee using the Dyneelax laximeter: therapeutic conclusions for the management of injuries. Henri Robert, Ph.D.		France
16:30	16:40	Medical Rehabilitation After ACL Surgeries: From Theory to Practice.	Tomas Aukštikalnis, M.D., Ph.D. Tomas Aukštikalnis, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Tomas Aukštikalnis specializes in medical rehabilitation for pediatric musculoskeletal disorders and has over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. In 2013 he obtained the license of a Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) physician from the Section of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS PRM). I ABOUT PRESENTATION:: Medical rehabilitation is a science-based recovery process for patients following surgeries, such as ACL reconstruction. Timely and appropriate medical rehabilitation services help patients restore impaired biopsychosocial functions optimally, reduce signs of disability, and promote a faster return to an active and normal life.	Lithuania
16:40	16:50	Is it possible to return to active sports after 6 months of rehabilitation after ACL surgery? Aurelijus Domeika, Ph.D.		Lithuania
16:50	17:00	Discussion and closing remarks