2025 RNS Shoulder Symposium Report

The 2025 RNS Shoulder Symposium: A cornerstone event for shoulder surgeons across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond

Benoît Borner.

Royal North Shore Shoulder Symposium
31 October – 1 November 2025
Sydney NSW

Hosted by Dr Ben Cass and Dr Allan Young, the 2025 Royal North Shore Shoulder Symposium once again proved why it remains a cornerstone event for shoulder surgeons across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Over two intensive days at the Kolling Institute, attendees were treated to a rich program spanning the full spectrum of contemporary shoulder surgery, delivered by an impressive faculty of local leaders and internationally recognised experts, including Pr Hirahara and Pr Abboud from the USA.

DAY 1
Day 1 opened with a deep dive into shoulder arthroplasty, featuring updates from national and international registries, evolving biomechanics in reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and the growing role of technology, robotics, and advanced planning tools. The morning set the tone for a meeting committed to both scientific rigour and practical surgical insight. The afternoon shifted gears into rotator cuff pathology, where speakers tackled everything from advanced imaging and biologic augmentation to tendon transfers and complex repair strategies. Instability then took centre stage, with spirited discussions on Bankart repair, Remplissage, Latarjet techniques, and emerging graft options. As always, the day culminated in the much‑anticipated Battle Rounds — a lively, good‑humoured showdown where experts debated surgical philosophies with equal parts conviction and entertainment.

DAY 2
Day 2 broadened the lens with “Shoulder 101,” a session designed to revisit fundamentals through a modern lens — from biceps tenodesis and pyrocarbon techniques to electrosurgery, PRP evidence, and the realities of changing prosthesis systems mid‑career. The program then explored the increasingly recognised world of posterior instability, offering fresh perspectives, new assessment tools, and case‑based insights into complex bilateral injuries. The AC joint received focused attention before the meeting closed with a masterclass on the “complex cuff,” where seasoned surgeons shared their long‑term experience with SCR, tendon transfers, and biologically driven strategies for irreparable tears.

The participants had the great opportunity to attend the fascinating special interest lecture presented by Chief Medical Officer for the National Rugby League Dr Sharron Flahive focused on concussion and head injuries on the field.

Across both days, the atmosphere was energetic and collegial, with surgeons engaging enthusiastically in discussions, debates, and networking — from breakfast gatherings to the evening drinks reception. The 2025 edition reinforced the symposium’s reputation as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and forward‑thinking shoulder surgery, leaving attendees inspired and already looking ahead to next meeting in 2027.