Details of Units and Faculty

                    Telephone                          Email

Unit1  :     + 91  416  2282020             ortho1@cmcvellore.ac.in

Unit 2 :     + 91  416  2282081             ortho2@cmcvellore.ac.in

Unit 3 :     + 91  416  2282091             ortho3@cmcvellore.ac.in

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Unit I/ II/ II

Christian Medical College

Vellore 632 004, Tamil Nadu,

India

    

                                                                            Services Offered Include:

 Trauma and Emergency Care:

The department operates a dedicated Level-I trauma center, recently inaugurated in Ranipet, to manage accidents and emergencies. This facility provides prompt and effective treatment for patients with polytrauma, fractures, dislocations, and other musculoskeletal injuries. The trauma center is supported by an efficient Intensive Care Unit (ICU), anaesthetists, and teams in Plastic and Trauma Surgery. We also

serve as a referral center for managing complications following trauma, such as infections, non-unions, and deformities.

We perform hip, knee, elbow, and shoulder replacement surgeries with high success rates. The department handles complex deformities and revision arthroplasties, attracting referrals from across the country. Our surgeons use the latest technology and techniques to minimize post-operative complications and ensure rapid recovery. We have also recently introduced robotic-assisted joint replacements to further enhance surgical precision and outcomes.

Our spinal surgery services include treatments for scoliosis, spinal deformities, disc herniation, spinal fractures, and degenerative conditions. These surgeries are carried out by both the Spinal Surgery department and the General Unit 3, ensuring comprehensive care for a wide range of spinal disorders.

The department specializes in the treatment of sports-related injuries, such as ligament and meniscal tears, cartilage injuries, rotator cuff tears, and dislocations. We also offer rehabilitation services to support recovery. Additionally, we are at the forefront of research in advanced treatments, including stem cell therapy and chondrocyte transfer technology, to improve outcomes for our sports medicine patients.

The department provides specialized care for bone tumors, both benign and malignant. This includes surgical excision, reconstruction, and post-operative care. Our orthopaedic oncology team works closely with medical oncology and radiation therapy specialists to provide comprehensive treatment for our patients.

The department collaborates closely with the Orthotics and prosthetics unit, to provide comprehensive foot and ankle services. This includes the management of both congenital and acquired deformities, such as flat feet, bunions, and hammer toes, as well as pathologies of the tendons and sports injuries around the foot and ankle. We also specialize in options offering relief from degenerative arthritis, including fusions and joint replacement of the ankle.

In addition to the core orthopaedic services, the institution also offers specialized hand surgery and paediatric orthopaedic and spine surgery services. These subspecialties complement the work done in the main orthopaedic department, providing expert care for conditions related to the spine, hand and musculoskeletal disorders in children

Head of Department:             Dr. Pradeep Mathew Poonnoose

The department is staffed with highly skilled orthopaedic surgeons who have specialized in various subspecialties. Many of our senior consultants are internationally recognized for their significant contributions to both orthopaedic research and clinical care.

Our training program is designed to provide a comprehensive, high-quality education that integrates hands-on training in orthopaedics. The program aims to develop well-rounded orthopaedic surgeons capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal

disorders. It combines clinical practice, surgical skill development, research, and academic learning, ensuring trainees become proficient in all aspects of orthopaedic care.

We also train undergraduate students starting in their second clinical year, offering a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical clinical exposure. Initially, students are taught about the various orthopaedic conditions and their underlying pathologies,

and progressively, they gain experience in diagnosis and management. This foundational knowledge is especially critical, as most of our undergraduates will fulfil a 2-year service obligation in rural mission hospitals.

Currently, we offer 12 postgraduate seats in an intensive training program that aligns with the National Medical Council (NMC) requirements. This program is designed to equip our postgraduates with the necessary skills to manage most orthopaedic conditions. They are exposed to a wide variety of cases, including complex trauma management and advanced techniques like robotic arthroplasty.

Postgraduate trainees are trained in patient assessment, including taking detailed medical histories, performing physical examinations, and managing conditions prior to surgery. We emphasize a compassionate approach to patient care, ensuring trainees develop strong interpersonal skills in addition to their technical abilities. A weekly journal club fosters clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and enhances decision-making skills in surgery. Trainees are also encouraged to engage in both basic and clinical research, with opportunities

to present their work at national and international conferences.