The Steadman Philippon Research Institute, in partnership with New York's Hospital for Special Surgery and supported by Vail Health and CTM Biomedical, is set to host the prestigious Vail Hip Summit from April 9 through 11, 2026, at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Vail. This marks the 19th annual iteration of this premier event and the third year featuring the collaborative format between SPRI and HSS, bringing together the world's foremost hip preservation specialists for three days of intensive discussion on the latest advancements in hip repair, preservation, and rehabilitation techniques.
A Gathering of Orthopedic Innovators
Dr. Marc Philippon, managing partner of The Steadman Clinic and chairman of SPRI, will welcome over 25 distinguished faculty members to lead sessions on emerging research and innovative surgical approaches. The summit's organizing committee includes Dr. Philippon alongside Dr. Ernest L. Sink, chief of the hip preservation service at HSS, and Dr. Srino Bharam, director of the hip preservation and groin center at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Cutting-Edge Content and Live Demonstrations
The Vail Hip Summit is widely recognized as one of the most forward-thinking conferences in orthopedics and sports medicine, emphasizing clinical research, evolving surgical strategies, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Philippon will moderate Friday's sessions focused on surgical techniques and will conduct a live surgery demonstration for attendees on Thursday afternoon, providing real-time insights into advanced procedures.
"The content of the Vail Hip Summit is constantly evolving," stated Dr. Philippon. "Our faculty brings the newest research, the latest modifications in technique, and the most relevant clinical insights. Every year, the discussions push our field forward."
Think-Tank Atmosphere Fosters Progress
Dr. Sink, who will lead Thursday's opening sessions on pathomechanics, diagnosis, and treatment indications, described the event as a true think-tank environment. "We bring together the greatest minds in hip surgery—experts with diverse approaches and philosophies. That diversity of thinking fuels deeper learning, richer debate, and more meaningful clinical progress," he explained.
Dr. Bharam will moderate Saturday morning's sessions focusing on patient outcomes in hip preservation. "Our final discussions always center on what matters most: patient outcomes," said Dr. Bharam. "There are many pathways to successful recovery, and this conference allows us to evaluate those approaches collectively and refine how we deliver the best possible results."
Distinguished Faculty and Returning Scholars
In addition to the organizing committee, the symposium will feature 23 additional specialists, including several with strong ties to SPRI and The Steadman Clinic:
- Dr. Leslie Vidal, now in her seventh year as a shoulder, hip, knee, and sports medicine surgeon at The Steadman Clinic
- Dr. Joseph Ruzbarsky, an alumnus of SPRI's Sports Medicine Fellowship and Hip Preservation & Reconstruction Fellowship, currently practicing at The Steadman Clinic's Aspen/Basalt location
- Dr. Jorge Chahla and Dr. Hajime Utsunomiya, former SPRI international scholars who return to Vail after completing research and training with SPRI earlier in their careers
"All of us at SPRI are proud to host this event and highlight the remarkable advances in hip preservation and sports medicine," emphasized Dr. Philippon.
Sponsorship and Support
Vail Health serves as the Range Sponsor for the 2026 Vail Hip Summit, with CTM Biomedical acting as the Summit Sponsor, ensuring the event maintains its high standards of educational excellence and professional networking opportunities for hip preservation specialists from around the globe.
