ConferenceThe 72nd Congress of the South African Orthopaedic Association takes place from 31 August to 3 September 2026 at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. As the annual national congress of the South African Orthopaedic Association, the meeting brings together orthopaedic surgeons, trainees, researchers and allied professionals for four days of clinical education, scientific exchange and discussion across contemporary orthopaedic practice.
The 2026 scientific programme spans orthopaedic trauma, reconstruction, paediatric orthopaedics, sports medicine and other major areas of orthopaedic surgery. For clinicians working in trauma and reconstruction, the congress provides an opportunity to follow current approaches to fracture management and complex musculoskeletal problems within a wider international orthopaedic programme. A substantial international faculty is participating in 2026, alongside South African specialists and researchers.
Scientific research is an important part of the meeting. Clinicians, researchers, educators and scientists were invited to submit work for podium and poster presentation, with podium abstracts intended for publication through The Bone & Joint Journal's Orthopaedic Proceedings platform. The congress also includes scientific sessions, industry workshops, an exhibition and opportunities for discussion and professional exchange.
The 2026 meeting returns to Cape Town following the 2025 SAOA Congress in Pretoria and marks the Association's 72nd annual congress. It provides one of the major opportunities in southern Africa to follow developments in orthopaedic trauma, reconstruction and the wider field of musculoskeletal surgery while connecting with the South African and international orthopaedic community.