The conference is intended for orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists, rehabilitation doctors, physiotherapists, coaches, and other health and sports professionals.

The theme of the conference: arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgeries, injury prevention, testing, and rehabilitation. A workshop has become a tradition — cutting ages presentation of the latest technological solutions aimed at strengthening the cooperation between patient – doctor – physiotherapist.

Organizers: LTHEALTH Cluster, Abili, and Gijos Clinics together with the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU).
We are proud that the conference is held under the patronage of ESSKA – European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery & Arthroscopy.

The conference take place: Žalgiris Arena Amphitheatre, Kaunas, Lithuania
Date: March 20, 2026

After the conference, we invite you to join us for dinner, to have good time  with colleagues, and from 7:30 p.m., to enjoy the EuroLeague basketball game: Kaunas “ŽALGIRIS” vs. Madrid “REAL”!

You can purchase tickets here: https://abili.eu/shop/konferencija/conference-registration-we-are-not-ready-for-the-joint-replacement-2026/

Pricing

AGENDA

ŽALGIRIO ARENA, KAUNAS
08:30 - 09:00     Registration
09:00 - 09:15 Welcome speech
09:15 - 09:30 Thomas Patt, MD, PhD (Netherlands) Thomas Patt, MD, PhD Dr. Thomas Patt practices at bergman clinics in The Netherlands, specializing in arthroscopic knee surgery. His achievements have been recognized across Europe, where he collaborates with leading institutions to promote safer sport practices. Since 2010 Dr. Patt has focused, besides his clinical work, on preventing knee injuries in children and adolescents. He is president of ESMA/ESSKA and leads the “ Guardians of the ACL”, a prevention workgroup under the ACL Study Group. He has also co-developed ESSKA’s “Prevention for All” program with Dr. Henrique Jones, Portugal. He is chair of the ACL certification module of ESSKA. Dr. Patt has contributed to many publications including peer-reviewed articles. book chapters, guidelines and consensus statements focusing on ACL injury prevention, treatment techniques and rehabilitation. His work and research has received recognition for its impact on pediatric sports medicine and orthopedic practices. // ABOUT PRESENTATION. This presentation is based on The Formal ACL Rehabilitation Consensus, an ESSKA–AOSSM– AASPT initiative. The consensus was developed in accordance with the ESSKA Consensus Methodology, which follows predefined, rigorous rules and is grounded in the Delphi process. The post ACL rehabilitation consensus (ESSKA/AOSSM/AASPT).
09:30 - 09:45 Robert Prill PT, PhD (Germany) Robert Prill PT, PhD Robert Prill is a physiotherapist from Germany. He finished his master’s degree in physiotherapy in sports at German Sports University Cologne and PhD at Brandenburg University of Technology. Both theses were related to knee injuries and long-term deficits after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. He is currently the Head of Research at Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology at the Brandenburg University Hospital and Brandenburg Medical School and Chair of the ESSKA Rehabilitation Committee. He also runs the outpatient clinic for physiotherapy. His main interest in research and clinical work is related to athletes with knee injuries. // ABOUT PRESENTATION. The Formal EU–US Meniscus Rehabilitation Consensus is a joint international initiative of the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA), the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine(AOSSM), and the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (AASPT). It provides consensus-based, evidence-informed recommendations for rehabilitation following meniscal injury and surgery.The consensus promotes a criteria-based and individualized rehabilitation framework, moving beyond rigid time-based protocols. Recommendations address key components of recovery including weight-bearing, range of motion, progressive loading, neuromuscular control, functional training, and return-to-sport preparation. Guidance is tailored to meniscal treatment type (e.g., repair, partial meniscectomy, root repair, non-operative management), tear characteristics, and patient- and sport-specific factors. By integrating current scientific evidence with expert clinical experience from both sides of the Atlantic, the consensus aims to standardize rehabilitation principles, support interdisciplinary decision-making, and optimize safe return to sport and long-term knee joint health. ESSKA-AOSSM-AASPT Meniscus Rehabilitation Consensus .
09:45 - 10:00 Michael Nieboer, MD, PhD (Netherlands) Michael Nieboer, MD, PhD Michael Nieboer, Orthopedic surgeon specialized in knee adult reconstruction, joint preservation and sports. Fellowship in Adult Rreconstruction and Trauma, University of Toronto St. Michaels hopsital, 2022. Research in ACL reconstruction surgery and biomarkers, knee preservation using minced cartilage. Currently based at Bergman clinics, Rotterdam, The Netherlands with 60% sports and knee preservation and 40% adult reconstruciton. // ABOUT PRESENTATION. Presentation will be about ACL reconstruction. Quadriceps versus hamstrings autograft. Main Idea will be highlighting pro's and cons of each graft type with or without LET and reviewing the most recent data of this subject. Focus will be on individualised treatment instead of one surgery for every patient. Enabling surgeons to make their own evidence based graft choice for each individual patient. Quad vs HS in ACL reconstruction.
10:00 - 10:15 Ruslan Sergienko, MD, Prof. (Ukraine) Ruslan Sergienko, MD, Prof. . ACL reconstruction strategy in Ukraine. Kyiev.
10:15 - 10:30 Leho Rips, MD, PhD (Estonia) Leho Rips, MD, PhD Leho Rips, MD PhD, Tartu University Hospital, University of Tartu. Founder and head of Sportstraumatology Centre of Tartu University Hospital. President of Estonian Arthroscopy and Sportstraumatology Society. Active member of ESSKA. Main interests are related to sports injuries and arthroscopic or endoscopic treatment. Scientific work is focused on new arthroscopic techniques, cartilage reconstruction, kinesiophobia and return to sports. // ABOUT PRESENTATION. Every ACL revision is a challenge for the patient and surgeon. One must be ready for single or two stage procedures, different auto- or allotransplants and arthroscopic and/or open techniques. Also rehabilitation programs and return to sports differ compared to standard ACL patients. My ACL revisions strategy. Most important remarks.
10:30 - 10:45 Rimtautas Gudas, MD, Prof. (Lithuania) Rimtautas Gudas, MD, Prof. Prof. Rimtautas Gudas, MD., one of the pioneers of arthroscopic surgery in Lithuania. With more than 25 years of clinical experience and over 15,000 advanced arthroscopic reconstructive procedures performed, Prof. Gudas is internationally recognized for his expertise in sports injury treatment. He serves as a consultant to the Lithuanian national men’s basketball team, Kaunas “Žalgiris,” as well as to numerous professional athletes. In 2024, his dedication and contributions to medicine were recognized with the “Distinguished Lithuanian Doctors” award, presented by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania. Our ACL revisions. Clinical cases and follow-up.
10:45 - 11:00 Filip Hudecek, MD (Czech Republic) Filip Hudecek, MD Filip Hudecek is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder arthroscopy, with a focus on transosseous repair techniques. He is the inventor and clinical lead of the implant-free Drillbone system, supporting value-based care in rotator cuff and meniscus root repair, and is actively involved in international education, surgical workshops, and surgical innovation. // ABOUT PRESENTATION. This presentation reviews new concepts and technical advances in meniscus root repair. It highlights biomechanical principles, indications, and reproducible workflows that improve healing, support value-based care, and contribute to joint preservation. Meniscus Root Repair. What is new in 2026?
11:00 - 11:30     Coffe break
11:30 - 11:45 Rene Verdonk, MD, Prof. (Belgium) Rene Verdonk, MD, Prof. . 10-year data clinical results, and guidelines.
11:45 - 12:00 Lateral Meniscus Root Tear Treated By Intra-articular Fixation
12:00 - 12:15 Joseph Janosky, ATC, PT, PhD (United States) Joseph Janosky, ATC, PT, PhD . When the Numbers Miss the Narrative: Why Fewer injuries ≠ Athlete health.
12:15 - 12:30 Justinas Grainys, S&C Coach (Lithuania) Justinas Grainys, S&C Coach . Behind the Scenes: From Medical Assessment to Athletic Performance (From Hard Days to Game Days: The Journey Behind Every Victory).
12:30 - 12:45 Mati Arend, PT, PhD (Estonia) Mati Arend, PT, PhD Mati Arend is a physiotherapist and lecturer with 16 years of experience in clinical practice and education. He works at FysioCentrum, Tartu University Hospital, and the University of Tartu. His main areas of expertise are sports and manual physiotherapy, with a particular focus on chronic pain in athletes and non-athletes //ABOUT PRESENTATION. ACL injuries are often perceived as career-ending, particularly in athletes. While surgical reconstruction demands a long and demanding rehabilitation process, non-operative management is frequently not presented as a valid option. Many athletes are not adequately informed about conservative treatment pathways or the criteria under which non-operative care may be appropriate. ACL nonsurgical approach and physio/strength training.
12:45 - 13:00 Disccussion
13:00 - 14:00     Lunch, meet your friends
14:00 - 14:30 Workshop: "Enhancing ACL Care with Connected Tools"
14:30 - 14:50 Ronald van Heerwaarden, MD, PhD (Netherlands) Ronald van Heerwaarden, MD, PhD . Osteoarthritis and Osteotomies around the knee.
14:50 - 15:05 Liudas Bazaras, MD (Lithuania) Liudas Bazaras, MD Liudas Bazaras, M.D., an esteemed orthopedic surgeon at Gijos Klinikos and President of the Lithuanian Arthroscopy and Sports Traumatology Association (LASTA). With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Bazaras has performed over 10,000 orthopedic surgical procedures throughout his professional career. He specializes in arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, knee, and ankle. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Bazaras is an active member of the scientific community, regularly participating in international courses and fellowships to continuously refine his expertise and remain at the forefront of medical advancements. This ongoing professional development ensures that his patients benefit from modern, evidence-based treatment approaches. Wrist instability treatment.
15:05 - 15:20 Remigijus Valceckas, MD (Lithuania) Remigijus Valceckas, MD . My first trans-osseous rotator cuff repairs.
15:20 - 15:35 Kaspars Udris, MD, PhD (Latvia) Kaspars Udris, MD, PhD . My rotator cuff repair strategy.
15:35 - 15:50 Maciej Uchowicz, MD (Poland) Maciej Uchowicz, MD Maciej Uchowicz, MD. Specialised in Shoulder and Knee Surgery, dedicated to innovations in this field. More than 7000 surgeries performed. Presenter at international congresses and meetings. Former Organizer and Member of Medical Commission of Polish Mountaineering Association. Certificate of ACL and Meniscus Modules, by ESSKA. //ABOUT PRESENTATION. A presentation of transosseous technique of rotator cuff repair; from historical and modern point of views: rationale, technical details and published results. An analysis of first group of patients, including modifications of original technique and short - term functional results. Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair- a Holy Grail rediscovered?
15:50 - 16:05 Viktoras Jermolajevas, MD (Lithuania) Viktoras Jermolajevas, MD . My shoulder instability repair strategy.
16:05 - 16:20 Markas Fiodorovas, MD (Lithuania) Markas Fiodorovas, MD . My shoulder instability repairs with buttons.
16:20 - 16:35 Jakub Kaszynski PT, MT, PhD (Poland) Jakub Kaszynski PT, MT, PhD . Tips and tricks in rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
16:35 - 15:50 Karolina Anna Siwicka, MD, PhD (Poland) Karolina Anna Siwicka, MD, PhD Dr. Karolina Siwicka is an orthopaedic and limb reconstruction surgeon based in Warsaw, Poland, with over 20 years of clinical experience, specializing in complex limb reconstruction, post-traumatic sequelae, chronic infections, and advanced osseointegration for amputees. Her expertise includes circular external fixation (Ilizarov and hexapod frames) for deformity correction, segmental bone defects, diabetic foot reconstruction, and limb salvage; she collaborates with the Osseointegration Group of Australia on single-stage osseointegration and accelerated rehabilitation protocols. She is the author of the PORT ecosystem (Pre-habilitation, Osseointegration, Rehabilitation & long-Term care) and is actively involved in education, research, and system-level development of contemporary amputee care. //ABOUT PRESENTATION. The lecture presents osseointegration as a paradigm shift in the management of limb loss, transitioning from socket-based prosthetics to direct skeletal attachment. It covers the historical development of osseointegration, patient selection, surgical principles, rehabilitation strategies, and complication management, with particular emphasis on infection control, bone quality, and multidisciplinary care. Presented real-world clinical outcomes demonstrate safety of the procedure, as well as improvements in mobility, biomechanical alignment, proprioception, comfort, and quality of life, supporting osseointegration as a modern and effective option for selected amputees within structured, evidence-based treatment pathways. Osteointegration in Limb Loss: The New Standard of Prosthetic Care.
16:50 - 17:05 Edwin Snoek (Netherlands) Edwin Snoek . My experience with leading companies and influence of medical education on skills.
17:05 - 17:30 Discussion and closing remarks
17:30 - 19:00     Dinner, meet your friends
19:00 - 22:00     Euroleague game Žalgiris - Real