Orthopedics is a medical discipline dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments essential for human movement. Orthopedic care helps patients maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life, from treating simple fractures to advanced joint replacements.
At Dr. Mehta Hospitals, our team of orthopedic specialists provides clinical excellence and compassionate care for patients of all ages, enabling them to live active, pain-free lives—whether they are children or seniors.
Core Orthopedic Specialties
Orthopedics is a wide discipline, and every specialty under it deals with restoring motion, decreasing pain and enhancing quality of life. Whether it is sports medicine or trauma care, spine surgery or joint replacements, all the sub-specialties assist patients across age groups. Our orthopedic specialists at Dr. Mehta Hospitals have the expertise, latest technologies, and caring attitude to give you the best results.
Sports Medicine
Sports medicine is a sub-specialty of orthopedics that focuses on injuries caused by physical activity, exercise, and sports. It is not only applied to professional athletes but to any person who has an active lifestyle or is a victim of injuries that occur during leisurely activities.
Sports medicine aims to recover mobility, minimize pain, avoid long-term complications, and help people safely resume their regular routine. In college-level athletes across Delhi, India, a striking 73.4% reported at least one sports-related injury over the previous year, highlighting the importance of injury prevention and proper guidance. Our top specialists in Velappanchavadi offer you complete care of sports injuries with evidence-based, minimally invasive, and rehabilitative interventions.
ACL Reconstruction
One of the major ligaments that support the knee is ACL. ACL tears are common in sports that involve sudden pivots like football, kabaddi, or basketball. They can cause knee instability and discomfort, making simple activities more challenging.
- Treatment: The ACL reconstruction is done by way of replacing the damaged ligament with a graft, normally of the own hamstring or patellar tendon.
- Recovery: Most people can play sports again within 6 to 9 months with structured rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
Rotator Cuff Repair
The rotator cuff is a set of four muscles and tendons that facilitate smooth movement of the shoulder. The tears in this region cause weakness, pain, and loss of range of motion. These types of injuries are prevalent among individuals undertaking repetitive overhead activities such as tennis players, swimmers and weightlifters.
- Treatment: Based on severity, surgical repair can either be done arthroscopically or by open surgery to reattach tendons to the bone.
- Recovery: Physiotherapy after surgery is important in regaining strength and function and this usually takes 3-6 months.
Meniscectomy
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that pads the knee joint. Sports that involve rapid turns or squats may cause meniscal injury. If untreated, they may cause ongoing pain and increase the risk of arthritis.
- Treatment: A meniscectomy involves removing or trimming the damaged portion of the cartilage through a minimally invasive arthroscopy. In others, meniscus repair is done to maintain joint functionality.
- Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities in weeks and complete sports activities in 2-3 months.
Trauma Orthopedics
Trauma orthopedics deals with injuries resulting from an accident, a fall or a sudden impact. These cases require timely treatment to help preserve mobility, prevent complications, and support safe recovery. Trauma specialists treat broken bones, dislocations, and other major musculoskeletal injuries with surgical and non-surgical procedures. They aim to stabilize the injury, reduce pain, and assist patients to regain mobility as safely and expeditiously as possible. If you’re seeking experienced specialists in Chetpet, you can consult the expert team at our hospital, who combine expertise with compassionate care.
Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)
ORIF is a surgical method used to carefully realign and stabilize severe fractures so that they heal correctly.
- When it is applied: ORIF is prescribed in complex fractures, when bones are misaligned or broken into several pieces, and cannot heal under casting.
- Surgery: To perform this procedure, surgeons manipulate the bone pieces back into place (open reduction) and stabilize them with the help of plates, screws, or rods (internal fixation).
- Advantages: This guarantees normal bone healing, re-establishes alignment, and prevents long-term complications such as deformities or arthritis.
- Recovery: Patients require a mix of physiotherapy and recurring imaging to check healing.
External Fixation
Another method of fracture stabilization is external fixation, commonly used in emergencies or complex fractures.
- Its application: Typically used in open or pelvic fractures, or when internal fixation cannot be done immediately.
- Procedure: The bone above and below the fracture site is pinned or screwed with metal implants and attached to an external frame.
- Advantages: It enables the wound to heal; it is very stable and can be modified as healing continues.
- Recovery: When the bone condition is cured, the external fixator can be removed and replaced with internal fixation as a permanent fix.
Pain Management (Epidural Steroid Injections, Radiofrequency Ablation)
Patients with trauma injuries tend to experience pain long after the bone has healed. Pain management is essential to rehabilitation.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections are often recommended to ease nerve-related back pain, providing relief that can last weeks to months.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): A non-invasive treatment method that uses heat energy to block nerve pain signals.
- Advantages: Both techniques assist the patient in coping with pain, enhance mobility, and actively engage in physiotherapy to recover faster.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery is one of the most groundbreaking aspects in orthopedics, providing relief to patients with chronic pain, stiffness, or limited ability to move due to arthritis or an injury. During the procedure, the injured joint is replaced with the prosthetic implant that imitates the natural functionality of the joint. Improvements in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and rehabilitation have made joint replacement safer, less invasive, and more effective, enabling patients to regain independence and quality of life.
As per the registry of the Indian Society of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the total knee replacement surgery volume rose a whopping 25 times, that is, 1,019 surgeries in 2006 to about 27,000 in 2019, which is a huge indication of the growth in access to and need of such life-altering procedures.
Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
Total Knee Arthroplasty, or total knee replacement, is done when the knee joint is extensively degraded by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis.
- When necessary: Continued pain, swelling, and loss of knee functionality that does not improve after medication or physiotherapy.
- Procedure: The surgeon cuts out the damaged cartilage and bone and puts in metal and plastic implants that realign and make the joint functional.
- Recovery: Most patients walk with assistance within a day or two of the surgery, and fully recover in 3 to 6 months with physiotherapy.
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Total Hip Replacement is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures in the world. It is often recommended when the hip joint is severely affected by arthritis, past fractures, or limited blood supply to the bone.
- When it is required: Hip or groin pain impedes walking, sitting, and sleeping.
- Procedure: The damaged hip is taken off, and an artificial socket and ball of metals or ceramics, or plastics are inserted.
- Recovery: Patients report a significant decrease in pain and an increase in movement within a couple of weeks, with full rehabilitation occurring in a few months.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty is a unique surgery that is available to patients with extensive cases of shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff injuries. In these cases, the conventional replacements are ineffective because the rotator cuff is damaged and cannot hold the artificial joint.
- How it works: The normal anatomy of the shoulder is reversed-where the ball is fixed on the shoulder blade and the socket fixed on the arm bone-so that the deltoid muscle can take action.
- Advantages: Pain relief is significant, and the range of motion improves, as well as the possibility of returning to daily activities.
Spine Surgery
The backbone of human mobility is the spine, literally and figuratively speaking. It supports, cushions the spinal cord, and allows flexibility of movement. When the spinal conditions result in pain, nerve compression, or mobility problems, special operations can be prescribed. Recovery is quicker, safer, and more effective than before, with the improvement of minimally invasive techniques, patients can regain their functions and return to normal life. You can contact our specialists immediately for consultations or to book an appointment with spine specialists.
Microdiscectomy
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure done to correct the pressure of the spinal nerves caused by a slipped, or herniated disc.
- When required: Patients with severe back or leg pain (sciatica) that does not respond to physiotherapy or medication.
- Procedure: The surgeons use a small incision and a microscope to remove the part of the disc that is pushing against the nerve.
- Advantages: Fast pain relief, minimal scar, and recovery time compared to conventional surgery. The majority of the patients will walk the day after or the day of the operation.
Spinal Fusion (ALIF/PLIF)
Spinal fusion is a surgery in which two or more vertebrae are joined together so that they no longer move, reducing pain.
When necessary: It is recommended for patients with conditions like spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal instability.
Types:
- ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion): It is performed through the abdomen to access the spine.
- PLIF (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion): It is a surgical procedure that is done on the back.
Advantages: Stabilizes the spine, decreases pain, and prevents further nerve damage.
Recovery: It may take months to heal, and patients often see sustained relief and better stability.
Kyphoplasty (Vertebroplasty)
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty are the procedures that are aimed at treatment of the spine fractures, especially those ones that are caused by osteoporosis.
- When it is required: Patients with painful compression fractures that restrict daily activity.
- Procedure: “A special medical cement is gently placed into the fractured vertebra to provide strength and stability. In kyphoplasty, a balloon is used to restore height and then injected with cement.
- Advantages: Pain alleviation, regained mobility, and avoidance of further spinal deformity.
- Recovery: Patients usually can get back to lighter activities within a day, and their quality of life is improved in the long term.
Hand & Wrist Care
The hand and wrist are essential in day-to-day activities, such as writing, typing, cooking, and carrying objects. Even relatively minor conditions in this area can result in severe discomfort and impair independence. Hand and wrist orthopedic care is focused on alleviating pain, regaining strength, and ensuring flexibility, emphasizing minimally invasive procedures to shorten recovery time.
Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that results when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed and creates pain, numbness, or tingling in the hand and fingers. It can afflict individuals whose work involves repetitive hand motions, like typing, sewing or operating machines.
- When required: Patients with chronic symptoms that do not resolve with wrist splints, physiotherapy, or medications.
- Procedure: In carpal tunnel release surgery, the ligament that puts pressure on the nerve is cut, relieving the pressure. This may be done through open surgery or endoscopic surgery to help patients recover faster.
- Advantages: In most patients, symptoms of tingling and numbness are relieved immediately, with hand strength improving gradually.
- Recovery: Healing back to light duties is normally within a few weeks, and full strength within a few months.
Dupuytren’s Contracture Release
Dupuytren Contracture is a health problem where the palm tissue under the skin becomes thick and stricter, consequently, leading to the fingers drawing toward the palm. Although it is painless, it may have a severe impact on hand functioning and grip.
- When it is necessary: The contraction causes difficulty of hand movement and influences daily functioning.
- Procedure: Surgical release involves a procedure that involves thickened tissue and involves cutting or excising the tissue to straighten the fingers. In some cases, minimally invasive methods, such as needle aponeurotomy, can be employed.
- Advantages: Gives back the capacity to open the hand, enhancing grip and use.
- Recovery: Hand therapy can enhance flexibility, strength, and long-term outcomes after surgery.
Condition Clusters & Their Management
Orthopedic conditions tend to cluster, with various disorders sharing common causes or manifestations. Knowing them will assist in early diagnosis and improved management. These are some of the most common clusters affecting individuals of all ages.
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints and leads to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. It impacts millions of Indians and is among the top causes of orthopedic consultation, and in many cases, weather changes can make joint symptoms flare up.
Osteoarthritis (Primary/Secondary)
- What it is: The simplest is osteoarthritis, which is also the result of cartilage wear-down, and it cushions the joints.
- Primary: Occurs with age.
- Secondary: Occurring due to injury, obesity, or other conditions.
- Symptoms: Stiffness, swelling of joints, loss of motion.
- Treatment: Lifestyle modifications, weight loss, physiotherapy, analgesics, and in extreme cases, joint replacement.
Many patients also benefit from gentle strengthening routines designed to ease stiffness and improve mobility
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)·
- What it is: A disease of the immune system in which the immune system attacks the lining of joints.
- Symptoms: Stiffness in the morning, swelling of small joints (fingers), fatigue.
- Treatment: Disease modifying drugs, physiotherapy, frequent check-ups, and exercises that do not stress the joints.
Psoriatic Arthritis
- What it is: One of the types of arthritis related to a skin disorder called psoriasis.
- Symptoms: Pain and stiffness in joints, nail changes, and skin patches.
- Treatment: Anti-inflammatory drugs, lifestyle changes, and the combined treatment of skin and joint symptoms.
Spinal Disorders
A typical location of orthopedic problems is the spine, particularly in those with sedentary or physically demanding occupations. Office-based professionals often see relief with simple desk stretches and posture-friendly exercises that reduce long-term strain.
Herniated Disc (L4-L5, Cervical)
- What it is: A herniated or ruptured disc puts pressure on the surrounding nerves, resulting in pain in the back or neck.
- Symptoms: Radiating pain to the legs/arms, numbness, weakness.
- Treatment: Rest, physiotherapy, pain-relief injections, and in extreme cases, surgery (microdiscectomy).
Degenerative Disc Disease
- What it is: Wear and tear of the spinal discs that cushion the vertebrae due to age.
- Symptoms: Persistent back pain that aggravates with movement.
- Treatment: Exercise therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, ergonomics, and, in some cases, fusion surgery of the spine.
Spondylolisthesis (Isthmic/Degenerative)
- What it is: A disorder that causes one vertebra to slide over another.
- Symptoms: Backaches, stiffness, leg pain caused by nerve problems.
- Treatment: Core strengthening, bracing, physiotherapy and in severe cases, spinal stabilization surgery.
Fractures
Fractures may result at any age due to accidents, falls, or bone weakness such as osteoporosis.
Comminuted/Compound Fractures
- Comminuted: The bone breaks into multiple fragments.
- Compound (open): The broken bone punctures the skin.
- Treatment: Often necessitates surgery (plates and screws or external fixation). Emergency treatment minimizes complications
Stress Fractures (Metatarsal, Tibia)
- What they are: Microscopic fissures in the bone due to repeated stress, as seen in athletes and soldiers.
- Symptoms: Localized pain, progressive with activity, and mild swelling.
- Treatment: Rest, supportive shoes, physiotherapy, and calcium/vitamin D supplementation. Surgery is seldom necessary
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are not exclusive to professional athletes; they can occur to anyone who plays sports regularly and are caused by repetitive movements or improper technique.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- What it is: Pain outside the elbow caused by overuse of the forearm muscles.
- Symptoms: Pain on gripping, lifting, or twisting the wrist.
- Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, braces, and, in some cases, steroid injections.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
- What it is: It is like tennis elbow, but it occurs inside the elbow.
- Symptoms: Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow, weakness in the wrist.
- Treatment: Rest, strengthening exercises, ergonomic corrections, and supportive braces.
What is Pediatric Orthopedics?
Pediatric orthopedics is a subspecialty that deals with diagnosing and treating bone, joint, and muscle problems in children, from infancy to adolescence. Children have different conditions in the bones that are still growing and are treated differently than adults. Pediatric orthopedic experts do not only focus on the current issue but also on how it can impact future growth and development.
Why Pediatric Orthopedics is Different
Children are not little adults in terms of orthopedic care. They have softer bones, their growth plates are active, and they have a greater recovery potential. Nevertheless, it also implies that the untreated problems may influence their development and posture in the future. The field of pediatric orthopedics demands specialized knowledge, gentleness, and child-friendly diagnostic procedures to achieve the best results.
Growing Bones & Special Challenges
Bones growing bones are a unique challenge and opportunity:
- Growth Plates: These are growth areas of the cartilage at the ends of the long bones. Injuries at this point require special attention to prevent eventual deformity.
- Plasticity and Cure: Children usually recover more quickly than adults, but improperly treated fractures can cause growth complications.
- Congenital Disorders: Conditions like clubfoot or developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) should be addressed early.
- Trauma/Play/Sport Injuries: Active children are more likely to have fractures, sprains, and dislocations that may not be managed like adults.
Importance of Early Intervention
In pediatric orthopedics, early diagnosis and early treatment are critical. For example:
- Clubfoot: Most children can walk normally with early treatment using serial casting, and surgery is unnecessary.
- Growth Plate Injuries: Early detection and treatment can prevent an unequal leg length or deformities in later life.
- Hip Disorders (such as DDH): Simple harness treatments at an early age can prevent the need for major surgeries later in life.
Early intervention not only lessens the requirements of invasive procedures but also enables children to develop healthy posture, movement, and confidence. Parents must not overlook any limping, pain, or visible deformity in the bones and joints of their child.
Pediatric Orthopedics & Innovations
Pediatric Orthopedic Conditions
Children can have diverse orthopedic issues, including birth defects, growth-related issues, and traumatic injuries. Both conditions need special care since the bones of a child are still developing, and early intervention can have a long-lasting impact on the mobility and the quality of life.
Congenital Disorders (DDH, Clubfoot)
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): This is a condition where the hip joint fails to develop normally, and this causes instability or dislocation. When left untreated, it can impair walking in later life. Early detection by ultrasound and the application of such devices as the Pavlik harness are effective.
- Clubfoot: A birth defect in which the feet are twisted inward. In India, it is pretty common, but through early serial casting and bracing, most children can have a normal foot position and walk normally.
Growth-Related Disorders (SCFE, Legg-Calvé-Perthes)
- Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE): This condition causes the head of the thighbone to slip at the growth plate, resulting in hip pain and limping.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A disease of childhood, in which blood supply to the head of the femur is interrupted, resulting in the softening and collapse of the bone. Both must be closely monitored and, in some instances, surgically corrected.
Trauma (Growth Plate Fractures, Toddler’s Fractures)
Children are energetic, which exposes them to falls and injuries.
- Growth Plate Fractures: These fractures occur in the growth plates of bones. The future growth and alignment can suffer mismanagement.
- Toddler Fractures: Fractures in the shin bone are common in toddlers learning to walk. When appropriately immobilized, they tend to heal with no complications.
Pediatric Treatments & Diagnostics
Pediatric orthopedics focuses on less invasive treatment wherever feasible. The best strategy is determined by the age of the child, his or her growth potential, and the severity of the condition.
Non-Surgical (Pavlik Harness, Serial Casting)
- Pavlik Harness: This is usually applied to infants with DDH. It keeps the hips in place, in the correct position, so that the joint can take its proper shape.
- Serial Casting: It involves the use of plaster to gradually straighten the clubfoot. Both procedures are painless, child-friendly, and most effective when begun early.
Surgical (Percutaneous Pinning, Pelvic Osteotomy – Salter/Dega)
- Percutaneous Pinning: Using small pins, a less invasive surgery to fix broken bones such as SCFE or growth plate slip.
- Pelvic Osteotomy (Salter/Dega): The surgery is carried out when the hip disorders are beyond management, and it is used to remodel the hip socket to allow stability. Surgical care is supported with rehabilitation to make the recovery smooth.
Imaging (Dynamic Ultrasound for DDH, EOS Low-Dose Imaging)
In pediatric orthopedics, precise imaging is essential.
- Dynamic Ultrasound DDH: Ultrasound is safe in infants, and it detects the condition at an early stage without radiation.
- EOS Low-Dose Imaging: A new technology that allows taking 3D skeletal images with minimal radiation dose, therefore safer for children who need to be monitored repeatedly.
Emerging Technologies in Orthopedics
Orthopedics is a fast-growing field; new technologies give patients quicker healing, more accurate surgical procedures, and new non-surgical options. These innovations transform how physicians treat, diagnose, and follow up musculoskeletal disorders. New technologies in orthopedics include robotics in surgery, regenerative therapies, and artificial intelligence, among others, which will make care more effective and safer for patients of all ages.
Robotics in Surgery
Robotics has revolutionized orthopedic surgery by giving surgeons more precision, stability, and accuracy. Robotic-assisted procedures are especially helpful in complex joint replacements, where alignment and fit are the key to long-term success.
MAKO Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery
- The MAKO system is common in knee and hip replacements.
- The Mechanism: Pre-operative CT imaging is used to develop a 3D model of the joint. This enables surgeons to design the operation with extreme precision. The robotic arm is used during the operation to make accurate cuts in the bones and insert the implant.
- Advantages: Patients suffer fewer pains, there is less blood loss, and they recover faster. The more fitting arrangement of implants further guarantees the long-term sustainability of the substitute.
OSA Knee System
- ROSA (Robotic Surgical Assistant) Knee System is specifically used in knee arthroplasty.
- How it works: ROSA uses sophisticated sensors and motion tracking during the surgical procedures to ensure that the surgical team can position the knee implant as accurately as possible.
- Advantages: This results in more natural joint motion after surgery, faster healing, and patient satisfaction.
Biologics & Regenerative Therapies
Biologics emphasize using the natural healing ability of the body to heal damage, particularly in cartilage and soft tissues. They are becoming more commonly used by patients with early arthritis, sports injuries, or those who want to postpone surgery.
PRP Therapy for Cartilage Repair
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) means that the concentrated platelets of the patient are injected into the joint that is affected.
- Effect: PRP growth factors promote tissue regeneration, inhibit inflammation, and enhance joint lubrication.
- Indications: It is usually applied to knee osteoarthritis, ligament sprains, and tendon injuries.
- Advantages: Minimally invasive, natural, and it can postpone surgical interventions.
Stem Cell Injections (BMAC)
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) therapy involves using stem cells extracted from bone marrow.
- Purpose: These cells can regenerate cartilage and repair tissues that have been damaged.
- Indications: It is used in early arthritis, cartilage injuries, and spine disorders.
- Advantages: The ability to naturally heal functions and decrease the progression of degenerative disorders.
Digital Health & AI
AI and digital health are also essential in early diagnosis, rehabilitation, and patient engagement. These devices help orthopedic care to be more accessible and individualized.
AI-Powered Fracture Detection (Zebra Medical)
- What it does: AI software rapidly examines X-rays and MRIs to identify fractures and bone malformations.
- Advantages: Fast and dependable results are obtained, particularly in busy emergency rooms. It also makes human error less likely to occur and enables patients to be treated promptly.
Tele-Rehabilitation Platforms
- What it is: Tele-physiotherapy programs that include video consultations, mobile apps, and wearable devices.
- Advantages: Patients with post-operative and post-traumatic conditions can also exercise at home and be supervised by professionals. It saves travel, enhances adherence, and provides continuous support.
- Future scope: Doctors can monitor range of motion, strength, and progress with real-time wearable sensors.
Conclusion
Orthopedics has become more sophisticated and patient-friendly than ever. Whether it is specialized care of arthritis, fractures, sports injuries, pediatric orthopedics, or the latest robotic surgeries, treatment options are tailored to enhance the quality of life at every age. Combining digital health and regenerative medicine will guarantee quicker recovery and individual attention.
With timely orthopedic consultation, along with preventive care, surgical expertise, and rehabilitation support, patients can regain comfort and mobility sooner. Orthopedic specialists at Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals use evidence-based and compassionate methods to make patients move again, alleviate pain, and lead healthier and more active lives.
FAQ’s
- What is the most common reason to visit an orthopedic doctor?
Most people seek orthopedic care for joint pain, back pain, fractures, or sports injuries. Early consultation helps prevent long-term complications.
- How do I know if I need joint replacement surgery?
If joint pain limits daily activities, doesn’t improve with medication or therapy, and affects your quality of life, joint replacement may be considered after specialist evaluation.
- Are orthopedic surgeries always necessary for fractures?
Not always. Some fractures heal well with casting or bracing. Surgery is only recommended for severe, complex, or unstable fractures.
- Can children develop orthopedic problems?
Yes, pediatric conditions like clubfoot, hip dysplasia, and growth plate injuries are common. Early treatment ensures healthy bone growth and function.
- What are the latest advancements in orthopedic care?
Emerging technologies include robotic-assisted joint replacement, PRP and stem cell therapies, AI-powered diagnostics, and tele-rehabilitation platforms for better recovery.
