When you search for an orthopedic doctor in Chennai, the most important thing is to find a specialist with the right qualifications and experience for your condition. An orthopedic surgeon diagnoses, treats and manages injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Whether you need care for joint pain, a fracture, a sports injury or a planned surgery, the right orthopedic doctor can make a real difference to your recovery.
This guide explains what an orthopedic surgeon does, when to see one, the common treatments available and how to choose a doctor with confidence.
What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
Orthopedic surgeons are medical specialists trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. They help patients regain mobility and reduce pain through both surgical and non-surgical methods. Common treatments include joint replacement, fracture repair and management of arthritis, back pain and deformities.
An orthopedic surgeon does more than operate. They also advise on injury prevention, physiotherapy and long-term bone and joint health. Many conditions improve with medicines, exercise and lifestyle changes, and surgery is recommended only when it is truly needed.
When to See an Orthopedic Doctor?
Consult an orthopedic doctor if you have:
- Joint pain, swelling or stiffness that lasts more than a few days
- Pain in the knee, hip, shoulder, neck or back that limits daily activity
- A fracture, dislocation or injury after a fall or accident
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
- Visible bone or joint deformity
- A bone or joint lump that is growing or painful
- Recurring pain after a sports injury
Seek emergency care without delay after a major accident, a suspected fracture with severe pain or deformity, or sudden inability to move a limb.
Orthopaedic Surgeons at VS Hospitals
Prof. Dr. S. Sundar
MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), FIGOF (Germany) Sr. Consultant, Joint Replacement and Tumour Surgeon | Director, Department of Orthopaedics and Medical Director Branch: VS Hospitals, Kilpauk, Chennai
Prof. Dr. S. Sundar is an orthopaedic surgeon at VS Hospitals, Chennai. He is experienced in complex trauma care, joint replacement surgery of the hip, knee and shoulder, and the treatment of bone tumours. He has performed over 4,000 joint replacement surgeries and more than 500 limb salvage surgeries. He also treats general orthopaedic conditions and takes an active interest in public awareness on the prevention of osteoporosis.
Education and Training
- MBBS, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai (Madras University, 1986 to 1992)
- MS (Orthopaedics), Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute (1996 to 1999)
- FIGOF (2004), University of Munich, Germany: fellowship in primary and revision joint replacement surgery and pelviacetabular trauma
- Indo German Orthopaedic Foundation Arthroplasty Fellow (2004), Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital, Munich, Germany
- One-month fellowship in Orthopaedic Oncology, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK (2008)
Areas of Practice
- Complex trauma care
- Joint replacement surgery of the hip, knee and shoulder
- Bone tumour treatment and limb salvage surgery
- General orthopaedic conditions
- Osteoporosis prevention and awareness
Dr. Sundar has delivered over 200 guest lectures and has 20 publications to his name.
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Dr. J. Panthala Rajakumaran
MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Branch: VS Hospitals, Kilpauk, Chennai
Dr. J. Panthala Rajakumaran is a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at VS Hospitals, Chennai. He provides treatment for shoulder pain, neck pain, fractures, back pain, arthritis and deformities. He is a member of the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TMC) and the Tamil Nadu Orthopaedic Association (TNOA). He regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay updated on developments in orthopaedics.
Education
- MBBS, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai (2006)
- MS (Orthopaedics), Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai (2010)
Areas of Practice
- Fractures and trauma care
- Shoulder pain
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Arthritis
- Bone and joint deformities
Why Chennai is a Preferred Destination for Orthopedic Care
Chennai is a major healthcare centre in India, with many hospitals offering orthopedic care from routine consultations to complex surgery. The city has well-established diagnostic and rehabilitation services, which support recovery after fractures, joint surgery and sports injuries. Patients from across Tamil Nadu and other states travel to Chennai for orthopedic treatment because specialists, imaging facilities and physiotherapy are available in one place.
Types of Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery covers a range of procedures that treat musculoskeletal problems. Common types include:
- Joint Replacement: Replacing a damaged joint, such as the knee, hip or shoulder, with an artificial implant.
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive technique used to diagnose and treat joint problems through small incisions.
- Fracture Repair: Surgery to realign and stabilise broken bones using plates, screws or rods.
- Ligament Reconstruction: Repair of torn ligaments, most often in the knee.
- Spinal Surgery: Treatment of spine conditions such as a herniated disc or spinal deformity.
- Limb Salvage Surgery: Removal of a bone tumour while preserving the limb.
Understanding these options helps you discuss your condition and treatment plan with your doctor.
Conditions Treated by Orthopedic Surgeons
- Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints causing pain and stiffness.
- Fractures and Dislocations: Injuries to bones and joints after falls, accidents or sports.
- Sports Injuries: Ligament tears, tendon injuries and joint injuries linked to physical activity.
- Osteoporosis: Weakening of bones that increases fracture risk.
- Back and Neck Pain: Pain from disc problems, muscle strain or degenerative changes.
- Shoulder Problems: Pain, stiffness or instability of the shoulder joint.
- Bone Tumours: Abnormal growths in bone that need specialist evaluation.
- Bone and Joint Deformities: Structural problems present from birth or developing later.
How to Choose an Orthopedic Doctor in Chennai
Use these points to choose an orthopedic doctor who suits your needs.
- Qualifications and Registration Check that the doctor holds recognised orthopaedic qualifications such as MS (Orthopaedics) or DNB and is registered with the Tamil Nadu Medical Council or the National Medical Commission. You can verify registration on the official NMC portal.
- Experience in Your Condition Orthopaedics has many sub-areas, including joint replacement, trauma, spine and sports injury. Choose a doctor whose experience matches your problem.
- Clear Communication A good doctor explains your diagnosis, discusses surgical and non-surgical options and answers your questions before recommending treatment.
- Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Support Orthopedic recovery depends on accurate imaging and good physiotherapy. Choose a hospital where these services are easy to access.
- Follow-Up Care Recovery from fractures and joint surgery takes time, so a convenient location for repeat visits matters.
- Second Opinion For major surgery, it is reasonable to seek a second opinion. A good doctor will support this.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
Choosing an orthopedic doctor is an important health decision. Look at qualifications, registration, experience with your condition, communication and access to diagnostic and rehabilitation services. Early consultation for persistent joint pain, injury or reduced mobility often leads to simpler treatment and a better recovery.
