Hamburg Revision Symposium 2025: Where Surgical Mastery Meets Innovation
In May 2025, more than 240 participants from 34 countries met in Hamburg for a two-day symposium focused on current challenges and innovations in hip and knee revision arthroplasty. The event was marked by scientific rigor and collegial exchange across all sessions.
Acetabular Defects, Femoral Strategies, and Periprosthetic Fractures
After opening remarks from the chairs, Dr. Thorsten Gehrke (Germany) and Dr. Amar S. Ranawat (USA),
as well as Helmut D. Link, the meeting began with acetabular revisions. Dr. Christopher Johnson (USA)
presented a complex defect case, which formed the basis for discussion.
Dr. Randall S. Peyton (USA) outlined classification systems, followed by a debate between Dr. Luca Marega (Italy, constrained liners) and Dr. John B. Meding (USA, double mobility). Dr. Russell T. Nevins (USA) addressed large head use in instability, prompting interactive discussion.
The next session focused on femoral defects. Dr. Christopher Grayson (USA) introduced a case; Prof. Dr. Max Ettinger (Germany) explained classification and treatment pathways, and Dr. Joerg Loewe (Germany) discussed stem removal. In the modular vs. monoblock debate, Dr. Ranawat favored modular designs,
Dr. Saúl Martínez (Colombia) monoblock.
In the afternoon, Dr. Peyton presented a fracture case, followed by insights from Prof. Dr. Yves Gramlich (Germany) and Prof. Dr. Geert Pagenstert (Switzerland) on clinical and economic factors in PFR. The
ORIF vs. PFR debate was continued by Dr. John Stammers (UK) and Dr. Martínez, offering contrasting
approaches.
Challenging Cases, Biomechanics, and Surgical Pearls
The day ended with experience-driven sessions: Dr. César Rocha (Colombia) opened with
a candid complication report. Prof. Dr. Michael Morlock (Germany) analyzed taper junction contamination. Dr. Meding offered a retrospective on revision surgery, followed by practical
“Top 5 Pearls” in THA and TKA from Dr. Jon E. Minter (USA) and Dr. Alois Franz (Germany).
A concluding panel led by Dr. Rocha encouraged reflection and knowledge exchange.
Complex Knees, Limb Salvage, and Joint Infections
Day two opened with rapid case discussions moderated by Dr. Gehrke and Dr. Ranawat. In the knee-focused morning session, Dr. Pablo Sanz Ruiz (Spain) presented a bone loss case.
Prof. Ettinger supported CCK designs; Dr. Sanz advocated for hinges. Dr. Grayson contributed technical approaches to severe defects. Later, Dr. Stammers presented a limb salvage case.
The ORIF vs. DFR discussion continued with Dr. Peyton and Dr. Johnson, before Dr. Stammers reviewed the full range of salvage solutions.
The afternoon centered on periprosthetic joint infection. Dr. Pablo S. Corona (Spain) opened with a clinical case; Prof. Gramlich detailed diagnostic algorithms. Dr. Stammers presented
a 10-step prevention strategy, followed by treatment perspectives from Prof. Pagenstert (DAIR), Dr. Nevins (one-stage), Dr. Corona (two-stage), Dr. Rocha (1.5-stage), and Dr. Sanz (fungal infections).
In the closing session, Prof. Ettinger presented on 3D printing and custom implants. Dr. Nevins led a forward-looking discussion on periprosthetic joint infection. The symposium ended with closing words from Dr. Gehrke and Dr. Ranawat, calling for continued excellence in a highly individualized field.
“Both times have been extremely enriching experiences involving international exchange. The speakers and headliners are all inspiring medical professionals, and I can apply what I've learned from the extreme cases presented in the lectures to my own surgical practice.”
Dr. med. Ansgar Platte, Orthopedic Surgeon, Germany
“The symposium was very well structured, with a high level of presentations. All participants respected the timing, which enabled a smooth and focused exchange.”
Dr. Jon E. Minter, Orthopedic Surgeon, USA
“I am a knee surgeon, especially interested in knee revisions. The symposium was a great opportunity to exchange knowledge with more experienced colleagues from around the world.”
Dr. Joao Alberto Maradei, Orthopedic Surgeon, Brazil
“The case presentations were of outstanding quality and offered valuable insights for clinical decision-making in complex revision scenarios. I found the discussion on periprosthetic joint infections particularly relevant and directly applicable to my daily practice.”
Dr. Rami Ahmed Al-Anbari, Orthopedic Surgeon, Iraq
“The presentations were of high quality. I was particularly interested in the sessions on hip surgery, which offered valuable insights. Also, the interaction between participants and speakers was very good.”
Dr. E.J.T. ten Holder, Orthopedic Surgeon, Netherlands
Conclusion
The Hamburg Revision Symposium 2025 highlighted the complexity of modern revision surgery and the value of global, experience-based exchange. It demonstrated that revision arthroplasty is not only about technical solutions—but about continually advancing how we think and act as surgeons.