The Department was established at Justice K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital in 1999 as part of the M.B.B.S Course, later the department expanded and introduced MS program with a focus on sub-specialization training. The faculty is encouraged to train in arthroplasty, arthroscopy and spine surgery which aids in providing advanced orthopedic care to patients. The department not only caters to coastal Karnataka, but it has also reached out to parts of central Karnataka and north Kerala, and is foraying into international medical tourism. The establishment of the Prof Dr. M. Shantharam Shetty tissue bank and the NUCSReM stem cell lab, has been a game-changer with its varied clinical applications in reconstructive surgery and regenerative therapy.
As a crown to this, the Department of Orthopaedics proudly announces the acquisition of Velys Robotic Knee Replacement Technology, making Nitte University the first medical college in India to integrate this advanced system into its Orthopaedic surgery department.
As the university has set up a state-of-the-art Stem Cell Centre the Department has for over five years pursued collaborative research with lead researchers from the Catholic University of Seoul, South Korea and Canterbury Christchurch University, Kent, UK.
The Department of Orthopedics is actively engaged in cutting-edge research aimed at advancing musculoskeletal health and improving patient outcomes. Our faculty and residents are involved in a wide spectrum of clinical and including joint preservation techniques, arthroscopy, trauma care, regenerative medicine, sports injuries, and long-term outcomes of surgical procedures. By fostering a strong culture of innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based practice, we continuously contribute to high-impact publications, clinical trials, and national as well as international conferences. With a focus on bridging laboratory discoveries and real-world patient care, our research activities not only enhance surgical techniques and treatment protocols but also shape the future of orthopedic care.
The Department provides excellent training opportunities for clinical training and adopts learner centric methods of education such as small group discussions, simulation training and student seminars. Speciality clinics like CTEV Clinic, spine clinic, arthroplasty and arthroscopy clinic run simultaneously on OPD days. The department has roped in the services of a counsellor who will liaise with surgeons and help the patients to avail best treatment solutions and assist with their insurance formalities. The Operation Theatre also has Audio Visual facilities for live telecast of surgeries to the seminar hall and classrooms to aid learning from safe environs.
The Department participates in the monthly health screening camps held at Kadaba and provides consultation services in Kerala every Tuesday through various health check-up outreach programs in Dakshina Kannada.
The department has moved beyond the district and is conducting its consultation services in the form of mega camps in central and northern districts of Karnataka especially in far flung areas where there are poor health care facilities.
Velys Robotic-Assisted Solution:
Velys Robotic-Assisted Solution developed by Johnson & Johnson MedTech, represents the pinnacle of precision in orthopaedic surgery. This cutting-edge technology assists surgeons in performing knee replacements with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing recovery times. The integration of this state-of-the-art solution brings numerous benefits to both patients and surgeons.
During the COVID 19 scenario the department extended telemedicine facilities to reach the patient and the service has continued to date
The department has been recognized by the National board of examinations for the conduct of DNB Orthopedic examinations. We strive to provide the latest orthopedic treatment options at an affordable cost which has helped increase the number of patients visiting the department
There has been continued focus on research and publication. There have been many projects being selected for grants with institutional funding, especially stem cells and its applications in orthopedics. The Department in association with NUCSReM has conducted three international biennial stem cell conferences attracting delegates from far and near. Dr Lawrence Mathias, the Professor is recognized as PG examiner for the NBE. Dr Vikram Shetty, the Professor & HOD, completed his training in tissue banking from the National University of Singapore and is heading the Prof. Dr. M. Shantharam Shetty tissue bank; Dr Siddharth Shetty, the Professor, was a member of IBOS (Indian Biologic Orthopedic Society) task force for bringing out a consensus statement on Regenerative medicine applications in tendinopathies.