Orthopaedics Courses in India

Orthopaedics Courses in India provide education on the mentioned medical speciality, i.e. Orthopaedics. Orthopaedics is the study of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system includes: bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. As a medical speciality, it focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and repair of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. This includes broken bones, torn ligaments, some spinal injuries, for example. Orthopaedics is primarily a surgical speciality, although there are a few physicians and medical professionals who practice non-surgical Orthopaedics such as sports medicine, or physical medicine. Other than surgery, Orthopaedic surgeons may prescribe medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections to treat a variety of injuries or conditions such as arthritis of the joints, pulled muscles, and other Orthopaedic issues.

Some of its specialized fields are -

• Hand Surgery.
• Shoulder and Elbow Surgery.
• Total Joint Reconstruction (Arthroplasty).
• Paediatric Orthopaedics.
• Foot and Ankle Surgery.
• Spine Surgery.
• Musculoskeletal Oncology.
• Surgical Sports Medicine.
• Orthopaedic Trauma.

Content

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

1. Basic Sciences related to Locomotor System.
2. Physiology of Bone, Cartilage, Muscle & Nerve.
3. Orthopaedic Diseases.
4. General principles of Surgery and Traumatology.

Objectives

• To not only clinically treat the patients but also give emotional support as a means for complete recovery.
• To make the profession not just a job but a service to mankind.
• To provide world class facilities where they are needed the most.

Basic Requirements

Educational Qualifications

To pursue the course of M.S. Orthopaedics, the candidate is required to complete the course of M.B.B.S.(i.e. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) from any recognized university in India or equivalent. 
After the completion of the M.B.B.S. course there is an all India level test for Post Graduation, qualifying which, the candidate becomes eligible for pursuing the course.

The period of training for obtaining these degrees is of three completed years including the period of examination. In the case of students having a recognized two year postgraduate diploma course in the same subject, the period of training, including the period of examination, is of two years.

The examinations are organized on the basis of grading or marking system to evaluate and certify candidate’s level of knowledge, skill and competence at the end of the training and obtaining a minimum of 50% marks in theory as well as practical separately is mandatory for clearing the examination. 

The examination for M.S. or Master of Surgery is held at the end of 3 academic years (six academic terms) and for diploma at the end of 2 academic years (four academic terms). One academic term is of six months.

Personal Attributes 

To have good career in Orthopaedics, one needs to have a high scholastic aptitude, mechanical ability, a high degree of manual dexterity and excellent three-dimensional visualization skills.

Orthopaedic Institutes in India

• AIIMS
• National Institute for the Orthopaedically Handicapped, Kolkatta 
• Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Pune
• Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University
• Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education & Research

Job Perspectives

During the past years, scientific and technological advances have enabled orthopaedic doctors to use medical and surgical treatments never before possible. Added to the fact that there is an ageing population which is afflicted with fractures and require reconstructive surgeries. Awareness of  injuries in sports and the workplace has increased the value of such specialists. Many orthopaedic surgeons practice in managed health care and alternative health care delivery systems such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs), independent practice associations (IPAs) and preferred provider organizations (PPOs).

Many orthopaedic surgeons are also involved in education. Some are full-time members of a medical school faculty. They treat patients, supervise resident education and conduct research. Others are part-time teachers of medical students and residents in the private practice setting. Alternatively one can join Government hospital like AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) where the posts are filled up as and when the vacancy arises. The other lucrative option is to open a nursing home. One can also appear for Combined Medical Services examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, Government of India and the state provincial services examination conducted by the respective state provincial service commissions. The candidate can also join army or naval forces depending upon his choice, advertisements which appear in ‘The Employment News’.

Remuneration - An Orthopaedic Specialist can start with an established hospital in the bracket of Rs. 300000-350000 annually in the private sector. 

Some Job Types

• Orthopaedic Surgeon.
• Sports Medicine Physician.
• Orthopaedic Nurse.
• Physical Therapist.
• Researchers.
• Consultants.
• Orthopaedic Distributors for Surgery and Musculoskeletal Products.

Some Employment Areas

• Hospitals.
• Nursing Homes.
• Private Practice.
• University.
• Research.
• Consultancy.
• Orthopaedic Surgery Product Manufacturers.