Redefining Shoulder Arthroplasty and Sports Medicine: A Look Back at Zimmer Biomet’s Cutting Edge Symposium
Orlando, Florida recently became the epicenter of innovation in orthopedic care as Zimmer Biomet hosted its first ever Cutting Edge in Shoulder, Sports & Arthroplasty Symposium. This landmark event brought together more than 200 surgeons and 20+ renowned faculty members from across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, all united by a single purpose: redefining the future of musculoskeletal healthcare.
The symposium was more than a meeting—it was a collaborative platform where industry pioneers engaged in dynamic discussions and hands-on learning, solved complex cases, and explored groundbreaking technologies designed to transform patient outcomes. Attendees engaged in 10 highly interactive sessions, hands-on bioskills labs, and interactive breakout discussions covering the latest advancements in shoulder arthroplasty and sports medicine.
Symposium Highlights That Made An Impact
Early Career Surgeons Program
The event opened with a dedicated Early Career Surgeons Program, designed to provide mentorship, practical training and real-world insights from leaders in the field to build orthopedic knowledge and confidence with Zimmer Biomet products and technologies. Under the guidance of Drs. Abboud, Edwards, Gamradt, Kassam & Sperling, a team of early-career surgeons explored advanced techniques, shared challenges faced in the early stages of their careers, and gained skills through high-impact didactic sessions and hands-on training. The program underscored Zimmer Biomet’s ongoing commitment to supporting surgeon education and professional growth at every stage of practice.
Women in Arthoplasty
According to a 2025 AAOS study1 based on CMS data, women comprised only 7.5% of practicing orthopedic surgeons in 2023, up from 6.0% in 2018. This represents roughly 1,400–1,800 female orthopedic surgeons nationwide, making orthopedics the medical specialty with the lowest percentage of women. Empowering women in orthopedics and fostering diversity in the field is imperative to shaping a more inclusive future for patient care and innovation.
This year's session, "Mastering Complexities: Perspectives from Female Surgeons in Orthopedics," was led by Sara Edwards, M.D., a pioneer and advocate for women in orthopedics. Dr. Edwards shared valuable insights on navigating the toughest cases in shoulder arthroplasty, sparked lively debate, and answered thought-provoking questions.
Breakout Sessions
Throughout the symposium, breakout sessions gave participants the opportunity to explore the latest technologies, surgical approaches and clinical data firsthand. These immersive hands-on experience with cutting-edge solutions and techniques fostered active learning and collaboration, allowing surgeons to translate new knowledge into practical, real-world applications that advance patient care.
Shaping the Future
From early career education to fostering diversity and hands-on innovation among experts and innovators, this action-packed event exemplified how collaboration among experts, innovators and educators continues to propel the field of orthopedics forward. Together, we’re redefining what’s possible in musculoskeletal care and ensuring patients around the world benefit from the latest advancements in shoulder and sports medicine.
Zimmer Biomet will host the 3rd annual Cutting Edge Knee and Hip Symposium to engage with leading hip and knee specialists on February 20-22, 2026. To learn more and grab your seat, visit: https://web.cvent.com/event/94a52c9f-9258-4cd6-b041-aec750680afc/summary
1. Phillips MV, Wilson SE, Atkinson TS, Ogeh T, Woodhams WH. Trends in gender diversity in the field of orthopaedic surgery. Presented at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, March 10-14, 2025, in San Diego, California.
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