On August 2, 2024, a renowned group of hand surgeons gathered at the Surgical Skills Lab of Topiwala National Medical College and Nair Charitable Hospital in Mumbai, India, for an insightful event focused on small joint arthroplasty. The highlight of the day was a cadaveric hands-on workshop on PIP (proximal interphalangeal) joint arthroplasty, led by two esteemed experts in the field.

One of the speaker was Dr. Vikas Gupta, a highly respected hand surgeon, who delivered a talk titled “Small Joint Arthroplasty: An Indian Experience.” Drawing from his extensive clinical practice in India, Dr. Gupta shared valuable insights and case studies on the nuances of performing small joint replacement procedures in the local context. His presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the unique considerations and challenges faced by hand surgeons in India when it comes to managing conditions requiring small joint arthroplasty.

Complementing Dr. Gupta’s lecture was a presentation by Dr. Daniel Harren, the designer of the innovative Capflex PIP joint replacement system. Dr. Harren delved into the design principles and clinical outcomes of the Capflex device, offering the attendees a deeper understanding of the latest advancements in PIP joint replacement technology.
Other speaker from were Dr Hemant Patankar, Dr Warid Altaf and Dr Prashant Kamble

The highlight of the event was the cadaveric hands-on workshop, where attendees had the opportunity to practice PIP joint arthroplasty techniques under the guidance of Dr. Gupta and Dr. Harren along with other faculty. This invaluable experience allowed the participants to gain practical knowledge and refine their surgical skills, which is crucial for delivering the best possible outcomes for their patients.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and respect to those individuals who have generously donated their bodies to science, enabling us to sharpen our skills and enhance our understanding of the human anatomy before performing these delicate procedures on living patients. Their selfless contributions have played a vital role in advancing medical education and ultimately improving patient care.

The event was a resounding success, attracting a diverse group of hand surgeons from across India who were eager to learn and exchange knowledge. The collaboration between Dr. Gupta’s expertise in the Indian context and Dr. Harren’s innovative approach to PIP joint replacement demonstrated the power of global partnerships in advancing medical care.

As the field of small joint arthroplasty continues to evolve, events like this play a vital role in empowering hand surgeons in India to stay at the forefront of the latest developments and provide their patients with the most effective and cutting-edge treatment options. The insights and experiences shared during this workshop will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the hand surgery community in India and beyond.