Kolkata, May 31 2025: The First Annual Conference of the newly restructured World Orthopaedic Concern (WOC) India was successfully conducted, marking a major milestone in the revival of the organization under a fresh identity, Empathetic Orthopaedic Concern Kolkata. Recognized officially by WOC International, the new society operates as a distinct legal entity from the former WOC India, with a renewed mission to strengthen orthopaedic care and education in developing regions.
World Orthopaedic Concern, a global volunteer-driven organization, has long been committed to advancing reconstructive and orthopaedic surgical services across underserved regions. In line with this mission, the congress drew wide participation from orthopaedic surgeons, trainees, medical students, and allied health professionals, offering knowledge-sharing sessions, practical workshops, and academic discussions on emerging issues in the field.
Themed as “Recent Advances and Controversies,” the scientific program included hands-on workshops and case-based panels on a wide array of topics. These ranged from unresolved fracture cases and surgical innovations in arthroplasty to complex trauma care and hand surgery techniques. Notable workshops included management of non-union fractures, cubitus valgus with neuropathy, and innovative approaches to elbow injuries. Demonstrations also covered procedures with expert faculty guiding participants through critical steps.
Sessions on sarcopenia, legal aspects of surgical consent, and complications in major orthopaedic procedures broadened the scope of discussions beyond the operating table. Several interactive modules explored new frontiers in knee and hip arthroplasty, reverse shoulder procedures, orthobiologics, and the management of neglected trauma cases.
Dr. Arindam Banerjee, President of World Orthopaedic Concern (WOC) International and a renowned Orthopaedic Surgeon, remarked, “The Indian Chapter of World Orthopaedic Concern hosted its inaugural national meeting in Kolkata, in partnership with leading global orthopaedic organizations. This marks a significant milestone for our 50-year-old institution. Experts from across the globe came together to discuss real-life patient cases and exchange valuable perspectives. Having spent over four decades in orthopaedics, I’ve seen the field transform remarkably in recent years. Kolkata has made commendable progress, and India’s contribution to global orthopaedic care continues to grow. Inspired by the success of this event, we’re now planning similar meetings in Chennai and Mumbai. However, despite the advancements, there’s still much to be done to ensure quality orthopaedic care reaches every corner of the country for the benefit of all patients.”
The conference brought together some of the most respected names in orthopaedics, whose expertise and clinical insights significantly enriched the academic depth of the event. Their active involvement in delivering lectures, leading workshops, and participating in case-based discussions ensured that the program maintained a high standard of professional excellence. Through practical demonstrations and sessions on legal and ethical issues, the conference addressed real-world challenges faced by practitioners. It equipped attending doctors, trainees, and healthcare professionals with updated knowledge and hands-on skills. The event not only served as a successful platform for professional collaboration and learning but also laid the foundation for improving orthopaedic care and surgical outcomes in underserved communities.