INTERVIEW – The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting, the world’s largest gathering point for orthopedic surgeons and industry professionals, is preparing to bring the fastest-growing market dynamics and technological revolution in medicine to the stage in 2026. Dr. Matthew Provencher, Chair of the AAOS Annual Meeting Committee, emphasizes that the event is not merely a trade fair, but an intellectual collaboration platform where “the best of the best” are showcased.
Stating that orthopedics is one of the most dynamic fields in global medicine, Dr. Provencher explains how the annual meeting reflects this growth with the following remarks:
“The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is the largest professional orthopedic organization in the world. The annual meeting we organize is truly a showcase of ‘the best of the best’; the finest academics, the most advanced research, the highest-quality education, and the latest innovations in technology are all featured here. The purpose of the meeting is to bring everyone together for intellectual collaboration and the exchange of all these ideas. The orthopedic market is currently extremely exciting because it is one of the fastest-growing global markets in medicine, and this meeting reflects that perfectly.”
The Key to the Future: Young Surgeons and Education
Within its 2026 vision, the Academy allocates broad space not only to experienced surgeons but also to those just entering the profession. Special programs designed for medical students, residents, and subspecialty fellows stand at a critical point for the sustainability of the sector. Emphasizing the strategic importance of education, Dr. Provencher states, “We see this as the key to our future. The key is not only how things were done in the past; the real focus is our new trainees and the young orthopedic surgeons joining us, because they are the ones who will shape the future.”
The Heart of Innovation: An 18,000-Square-Meter Technology Stage
The exhibition area of AAOS 2026 spans an expansive space of approximately 18,500 square meters with more than 650 suppliers and exhibitors. Emphasizing that this area is not merely a display venue but the heart of innovation, Provencher highlights the importance of international partnerships. Noting that visitors will be able to closely examine technology through hands-on demonstrations lasting several days, Dr. Provencher states, “There is no larger showcase in the world than AAOS for discovering the latest technology in orthopedics.”
Türkiye’s Strategic Role and the Gateway to Market Entry
One of the most prominent topics highlighted in the interview was Türkiye’s rising position in orthopedic innovation. Referring to the expertise of Turkish companies in implants, 3D printing, and smart devices, Dr. Provencher describes Türkiye as a “global leader.” Emphasizing that AAOS offers a unique opportunity for Turkish brands to enter the North American market, he delivers the following message:
“There is no better way for a Türkiye-based company to establish a presence in the North American market than participating in the AAOS Annual Meeting. When you attend the AAOS Annual Meeting, everyone is there; all large, mid-sized, and small companies — even start-ups — are spread across the exhibition floor. A start-up can be positioned right next to one of the world’s largest orthopedic companies. Having the opportunity to demonstrate your presence alongside the CEOs and decision-makers of all these companies is extremely valuable. This is exactly why Turkish brands should be at AAOS; because there is no greater strategic route to market entry than participating in the AAOS Annual Meeting.”
The New Phase of Artificial Intelligence: Intelligent Robotics and LLM
Stating that industry trends can undergo radical changes even within a 12-month period, Dr. Provencher explains the evolution of artificial intelligence with the following technical details:
“In recent years, we had seen many artificial intelligence programs focused on practice management and improving efficiency. What we are seeing now, however, is how artificial intelligence is partnering with smarter implants and more advanced robotic developments. Just as you mentioned, 3D printing and patient-specific instruments… In addition, there is the use of large language models (LLMs) to determine what may be best for the patient. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming the way we use technology to help our patients recover better.”
Peak Visual Experience: Orthodome
This year’s “must-see” area of the fair will be the “Orthodome,” which brings high-definition education directly onto the exhibition floor. Regarding this system, which allows surgeons to observe surgical techniques and implant applications down to the finest detail, Dr. Provencher shares the following insights:
“Bu, devasa, sürükleyici, ultra yüksek çözünürlüklü bir ortopedik vitrindir. Orthodome’da cerrahi teknikleri izlediğinizde detayları gerçekten görebiliyorsunuz. Öyle ki, ekartörlerin (retraktörlerin) üzerindeki çizikleri ve kan damarlarını çok yakından seçebiliyorsunuz. Bu sürükleyici deneyimden, teknikleri ve teknolojiyi sergi salonunun tam kalbinde görerek çok şey kazanabilirsiniz.”
Everything Under One Roof
The event covers all specialties such as spine, pediatrics, trauma, sports surgery, and ankle care, as well as non-surgical care and durable medical equipment. Concluding his remarks, Dr. Provencher notes that a surgeon visiting the exhibition hall can find everything related to new technology, adding that the content is so comprehensive that even with days of exploration, it is difficult to see it all.
The AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting will be held between March 2–6 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.
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