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 Prof. Ruslan Sergienko, MD, PhD (Ukraine) Prof. Ruslan Sergienko, MD, PhD Prof. Ruslan Sergienko, MD, PhD - Orthopaedic Traumatologist. Prof. Ruslan Sergienko graduated from the Bogomolets National Medical University in 1994. He worked in the private center of Orthopedics and Traumatology "Dr. Linko Clinic", then at clinic of microsurgery and reconstructive surgery of the upper limb of the Institute of Traumatology and orthopedics of the National Academy of Medical Sciences. Since 2011- head and leading specialist of the Medical Center "Modern Orthopedics", since 2020 renamed the Center "Orthopedics of Ruslan Sergienko". Since 2020-founder and leading teacher of the “School of arthroscopy” Kyiv. // Achievements: •one of the first in Ukraine to introduce arthroscopic operations of the shoulder, knee and hip joints in wide practice; • performs the Latarjet operation arthroscopically; • is the author of more than 50 scientific articles; • 3 patents for inventions; • author of the book "Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint"; • PhD thesis on the topic: "Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint"; • doctoral dissertation on "Arthrosis of the shoulder joint". ACL reconstruction strategy in Kyiev, Ukraine.
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     Coffee break
11:30 - 11:45 Rene Verdonk, MD, Prof. (Belgium) Rene Verdonk, MD, Prof. Rene Verdonk recieved board certification in orthopaedic surgery on October 7, 1976. / Viable meniscal allografts. PhD thesis, University of Ghent, 1992. / Since 1992 he was Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and head of the department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B- 9000 Gent (Belgium). / Rene Verdonk is emeritus professor since 01 10 2011 / He has published in a large number of review Journals. / Rene Verdonk was Editor in Chief of the KSSTA journal ( knee surgery and sports trauma and arthroscopy ) and later became senior editor since 2013 / He is a member of many scientific societies, such as the Belgian Society for Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, of which he was President in 1991 – 1992 . / Rene Verdonk is Past President of ESSKA 1995 - 1996 / He was nominated to the prestigious Hall of Fame of the AOSSM in 2011. / During the recent meeting in Lyon in June 2015 he was awarded the prestigious honorary ISAKOS membership. / During the ICRS international congress Berlin 2022 Rene Verdonk was awarded the ICRS Honorary membership. 10-year data clinical results, and guidelines.
11:45 - 12:00 Joseph Janosky, DrPHc, MS, PT, ATC (United States) Joseph Janosky, DrPHc, MS, PT, ATC 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. // ABOUT PRESENTATION. This presentation will challenge the long-standing reliance on injury incidence as the primary measure of prevention success in sport. Using basketball ACL injury data as a point of entry, it will argue that while injury prevention remains essential, true athlete health must be assessed through durability (the capacity to sustain participation with minimal time lost). The Ten Drivers of Durability framework will be introduced as a practical, multidimensional way to capture the physical, psychological, and environmental factors influencing risk. Attendees will leave with a reframed perspective on injury prevention, emphasizing durability as the outcome that truly matters in 2026 and beyond. When the Numbers Miss the Narrative: Why Fewer injuries ≠ Athlete health.
12:00 - 12:15 Aurelijus Domeika, Ph.D. (Lithuania) Aurelijus Domeika, Ph.D. Aurelijus Domeika, Ph.D. is a biomechanics specialist with over 10 years of experience in biomechanics, ergonomics, and health technology development. He is the Head of the Biomechatronics Laboratory at Kaunas University of Technology, where he leads cutting-edge research in human movement analysis, assistive technologies, and health solutions. Dr. Domeika has successfully led multiple research and commercialization projects, some of which have resulted in patented technologies. Additionally, he coordinates the medical cluster LTHEALTH. Patient motivation and results after 6 months of ACL and Meniscus post-surgery rehabilitation.
12:15 - 12:30 Justinas Grainys, S&C Coach (Lithuania) Justinas Grainys, S&C Coach Athletic Performance Coach currently working with BC Žalgiris Kaunas. Professional experience includes: -/ BC Žalgiris Kaunas (2012–2020) -/ FC Barcelona Basketball (2020–2023) -/ Lithuanian Men’s National Basketball Team (2021–2023), as well as multiple youth national teams - BC Žalgiris Kaunas (2024–present). // ABOUT PRESENTATION. The presentation will focus on the practical application of data obtained during medical screening. It will explore how to select appropriate exercises and optimal timing for their implementation throughout a EuroLeague-level competitive season, balancing performance demands, recovery, and injury prevention. 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 . Arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with double button
16:20 - 16:35 Rokas Semeskevicius, MD (Lithuania) Rokas Semeskevicius, MD Rokas Semeskevicius is a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor. He works in private practice with chronic pain, neurological patients and after trauma, before and after operations. He is also a lecturer at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, where he teaches medical students and residents. // ABOUT PRESENTATION: In today's rehabilitation field among otrhopedic surgeons there's opinion, wich physical agents procedures of rehabilitation are effective. The technical side of laser therapy are still not widely known. Also it's important to know what is high intensity laser effectiveness and fields of aplication, so it can be very relevant in every day practice. High intensity laser therapy effectiveness after operations.
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 Edwin Snoek (The Netherlands) is working as the Director of Medical Education for the Eastern Hemisphere at Arthrex, across 45 countries. He has a 35 years experience in the field of arthroscopic surgery, having represented three companies: Acufex (USA) for eight years, Smith & Nephew (USA) for three years, and Arthrex (USA) for the past twenty-five years. // ABOUT PRESENTATION. The presentation will focus on two principal aspects: 1. The introduction of Arthrex and arthroscopic surgery in Lithuania, including the key challenges encountered during this process. 2. The strategic role of Medical Education - from the perspective of Arthrex and the speaker - in advancing the competence and technical proficiency of arthroscopic surgeons. Introduction of the “why & how“ of different arthroscopic techniques since 2000 in Lithuania, and is there a role for Medical Education organized by companies on the skills-level development of the health professionals.
17:05 - 17:30 Discussion and closing remarks
17:30 - 19:00     Dinner, meet your friends
19:00 - 22:00     Euroleague game Žalgiris - Real