Programme

The highlights add a special touch to the congress programme and draw attention to key events. These include the opening ceremony, selected award-winners’ sessions and other outstanding programme items of particular significance. They provide a platform for awards, inspiring presentations and discussions on groundbreaking developments in orthopaedics and trauma surgery.

The Hot Topics section brings together key issues and current developments in the field. These include, amongst others, digitalisation and artificial intelligence, the future of continuing professional development, skills shortages, outpatient and inpatient care structures, and the role of O&T in crisis and disaster scenarios.

In collaboration with the host countries, the Netherlands and Poland, as well as other international professional associations, the DKOU 2026 will bring together experts from all over the world. International sessions will promote the exchange of views on different healthcare systems, treatment approaches and scientific developments.

Some days of the congress are dedicated entirely to specific target groups and key themes. Tag der Studierenden, Tag der Technischen Orthopädie, Tag der Pflege, Tag der Physiotherapie and the Patiententag bring together relevant content, provide a forum for discussion and enable participants to explore selected topics in greater depth.

With these new formats, the DKOU is expanding its programme to include innovative and interactive session formats. These provide scope for new perspectives, encourage direct exchange and enable participants to play an active role. Whether it’s ‘Albtrauma’, interactive case discussions for junior doctors and young specialists, or speed mentoring – the new formats provide impetus for modern knowledge transfer and strengthen dialogue within the specialist community.