Paphos, Cyprus
September 2026
Hand Surgery
The Inaugural Meeting of the Cyprus Society for Surgery of the Hand 2026 took place on September 26–27, 2026, bringing together around 100 Plastic Surgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons, Physiotherapists and Nurses for two days dedicated to the latest developments, techniques and challenges in Hand Surgery. From artificial intelligence and 3D innovation to complex tendon reconstruction and WALANT, the programme explored both the future of Hand Surgery and the practical knowledge needed in everyday clinical practice.
Held in Paphos, Cyprus, the two-day Surgery Congress was organised by the Cyprus Society for Surgery of the Hand and took place in person, creating an opportunity for healthcare professionals from different specialties to meet, exchange experience and discuss the future of Hand Surgery. The meeting was supported by the Cyprus Medical Association, Cyprus Physiotherapist Association, Cyprus Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, and CAOST.
The opening ceremony marked an important moment for the newly established Cyprus Society for Surgery of the Hand. Dr. Constantinos Kritiotis, President of the Society, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of creating a dedicated platform for professionals involved in Hand Surgery to exchange knowledge, develop collaborations and strengthen the field in Cyprus. “Thank you to everyone who has joined us for this inaugural meeting. Your presence and support are extremely important for the development of Hand Surgery in Cyprus. We hope this meeting will become the beginning of a strong tradition of scientific exchange, collaboration and continuous improvement in the care we provide to our patients,” said Dr. Kritiotis. The opening ceremony also featured addresses by Dr. Demetrios Garpozis, President of CAOST, and Dr. George Psaras, President of CySPRAS, who welcomed the initiative and emphasised the value of collaboration between the different medical and healthcare specialties involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of hand and upper-limb conditions.
The meeting was hosted at Minthis Resort, whose surroundings provided a relaxed setting for two days of scientific discussion, professional networking and informal exchange.
Programme
The programme combined scientific presentations, practical teaching, expert discussion and real clinical experience. The scientific programme was organised around four major themes: The Future of Hand Surgery: Technology, AI & 3D Innovation; Complex Soft Tissue & Tendon Surgery; Complex Forearm & Wrist Reconstruction; and WALANT & Optimising Outcomes in Hand Surgery.
The major highlight of the meeting was the participation of Dr. Don Lalonde as keynote speaker. Dr. Lalonde is Professor of Surgery at Dalhousie University in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, and the current ASSH Council Outreach and International Relations Director. With extensive experience in Hand Surgery and particularly in WALANT, tendon reconstruction and the optimisation of surgical outcomes, he brought an international perspective to the inaugural meeting.
Dr. Lalonde delivered four masterclasses throughout the congress, covering some of the most important and challenging areas of contemporary Hand Surgery.
- “Flexor Tendon Reconstruction: Principles, Techniques & Salvage Strategies”,
- “Extensor Tendon Reconstruction & Tenolysis: Optimising Functional Outcomes”,
- “WALANT: Transforming Hand, Plastic & Orthopaedic Surgery”, and
- “Optimising Outcomes in Hand Surgery: Practical Strategies & Surgical Pearls”.
Two dedicated workshops added a strong practical element to the programme. Dr. Eleana Philippou presented “TOUCH Arthroplasty of the First Carpometacarpal Joint,” while Dr. Constantinos Kritiotis led “Scheker DRUJ Arthroplasty: Surgical Technique & Clinical Pearls”.
Expert panel discussions and case-based discussions were also an important part of the programme. By bringing real clinical scenarios into the discussion, participants were able to consider different approaches, compare experiences and engage directly with experts and colleagues.
During the lunches, participants had the opportunity to meet old friends, establish new professional relationships and continue conversations from the scientific programme in a more relaxed environment. A particularly memorable part of the meeting was the opportunity for participants to spend time with Dr. Don Lalonde in an informal setting, sharing questions, experiences and practical insights. The atmosphere at Minthis Resort provided the perfect backdrop for these conversations, demonstrating that a successful congress is not only about presentations and lecture halls.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to all sponsors and exhibitors whose support helped create an environment where scientific exchange, professional networking and industry engagement could come together. Osteodynamics, promoting Beznoska, and Unimed (Cyprus) Medical Supplies, promoting iFixation its user-friendly external fixator, supported the meeting as Gold Sponsors. Osteotex Medical Supplies, Costas Papaellinas Group of Companies and OrganoGEN supported the meeting as Silver Sponsors. Delorbis, Medisera and Mundi Pharma also participated as exhibitors, presenting their latest products, technologies and innovations to congress participants.
The event was also supported by EasyConferences, which provided professional congress support through its Online Registration System and Conference Coordination Services.
