Diploma in Orthopaedics
A Diploma in Orthopaedics (D.Ortho) is a post-graduate medical course dealing with the prevention, management, and diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases. It educates medical physicians on how to handle bone fractures, joint disorders, spinal deformities, sports injuries, and other orthopedic disorders.
Orthopedics is an important branch of medicine with increased cases of arthritis, osteoporosis, and trauma injuries. The diploma provides physicians with hands-on surgical and nonsurgical techniques, making them orthopedic management experts.
Highlights of Diploma in Orthopaedics
Course Name |
Diploma in Orthopaedics |
Duration |
2 years including internship |
Eligibility |
MBBS degree + internship completion |
Admission Process |
Entrance Exam + Counseling |
Course Level |
Postgraduate Diploma |
Average Fees |
50,000 – 2, 00,000 per annum |
Career Path |
Orthopedic Surgeon, Consultant, & Sports Medicine Specialist |
Average Salary |
5 – 15 LPA on the basis of experience |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Diploma in Orthopaedics, the applicants need to meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualification: MBBS degree from a recognized college.
Completion of Internship: Should have undergone 1-year rotating internship.
Registration: Needs to be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or State Medical Council.
Entrance Test: Should qualify national/state-level medical entrance examinations.
Trending Entrance Exams for Diploma in Orthopaedics (2025-2026)
Entrance exams are mostly used to get admission to D.Ortho. Some of the prominent exams are:
1. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, Postgraduate – Organized by NBE for admission in medical PG courses.
2. Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test – For AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, etc.
3. State-level PG Medical Entrance Exams – Such as UP-PGMEET, Karnataka PGET, TNPG, etc.
4. University-specific Exams – Some of the colleges have their own entrance exams.
Top Colleges for Diploma in Orthopaedics (2025-2026)
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Christian Medical College, CMC Vellore
Armed Forces Medical College, AFMC Pune
King George's Medical University, KGMU Lucknow
Maulana Azad Medical College, MAMC New Delhi
Grant Medical College Mumbai
Application Process (2025-2026)
1. Check Eligibility: Confirm that you are eligible for MBBS and internship.
2. Register for Entrance Exam: Register for NEET PG or state/university exams.
3. Appear for Exam: Score the cut-off marks.
4. Counseling & Seat Allotment: Attend centralized (NEET PG) or state-level counseling.
5. Document Verification & Admission: Verify documents and deposit fees.
Admission Process
Merit-Based: A few colleges are admitted on NEET PG scores.
Direct Admission: Some private colleges have management quota seats.
Interview Round: There are one-on-one interviews held by some institutes.
Key Dates for Admission (2025-2026)
NEET PG 2025 Notice October 2024
NEET PG 2025 Exam March 2025
Result April 2025
Counseling Begins May-June 2025
College Admission Last Date August 2025
Course Commence September 2025
Diploma in Orthopaedics Syllabus
Semester 1: Basic Orthopaedics & Trauma
Theory Subjects
General Orthopaedics
Introduction to musculoskeletal system
Bone structure, healing, and pathology
Joint anatomy and biomechanics
Traumatology (Fractures & Dislocations)
Principles of fracture management
Types of fractures (open, closed, stress fractures)
Dislocations and reduction techniques
Orthopaedic Radiology
X-rays, CT scans, MRI in orthopaedics
Interpretation of bone and joint imaging
Bone & Joint Infections
Osteomyelitis (acute & chronic)
Septic arthritis
Tuberculosis of bones and joints
Practical Training
Casting & Splinting techniques
Wound care & debridement
Basic fracture reduction methods
Semester 2: Advanced Trauma & Paediatric Orthopaedics
Theory Subjects
Paediatric Orthopaedics
Congenital deformities (Clubfoot, DDH)
Growth plate injuries
Bone tumors in children
Orthopaedic Trauma & Emergency Care
Polytrauma management
Pelvic and acetabular fractures
Compartment syndrome
Sports Medicine
Common sports injuries (ACL tear, rotator cuff injury)
Rehabilitation protocols
Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Nerve compression syndromes (Carpal Tunnel, Sciatica)
Brachial plexus injuries
Practical Training
Fracture fixation (Plaster, Traction, and External Fixators)
Assisting in minor orthopaedic surgeries
Semester 3: Specialized Orthopaedics & Surgical Techniques
Theory Subjects
Spine Disorders
Disc herniation, spinal stenosis
Scoliosis & kyphosis management
Joint Replacement & Arthroplasty
Total knee & hip replacement
Revision surgeries
Hand & Foot Surgery
Tendon injuries
Diabetic foot management
Orthopaedic Oncology
Benign & malignant bone tumors
Limb salvage procedures
Practical Training
Assisting in major surgeries (Joint replacements, Spine surgeries)
Orthopaedic OPD case discussions
Semester 4: Internship & Clinical Postings
Clinical Rotations (6 months - 1 year)
Orthopaedic Ward Management
Emergency Orthopaedic Care
Operation Theatre (OT) Postings
Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy Training
Research & Dissertation
Case study presentations
Research paper submission (optional)
Additional Training Components
Workshops on:
Arthroscopy techniques
Minimally invasive surgeries
Orthopaedic implants & prosthetics
Seminars & Conferences
National & international orthopaedic conferences
Career and Scope after Diploma in Orthopaedics
After completing D.Ortho, graduates can work in:
Hospitals (Government & Private)
Trauma Centers
Sports Clinics
Military Medical Services
Teaching & Research
Job Roles:
Orthopedic Surgeon
Consultant Orthopedist
Sports Medicine Specialist
Rehabilitation Specialist
Medical Officer (Orthopedics)
Higher Studies:
MS (Master of Surgery) in Orthopedics
M.Ch (Ortho) – Super-specialization
Fellowship in Joint Replacement/Spine Surgery
Why Diploma in Orthopaedics?
High Demand: High incidence of arthritis, fractures, and sports injuries.
Lucrative Salary: Orthopedic surgeons are well paid in India and overseas.
Hands-on Surgical Training: Gain experience in surgeries.
Career Growth: Opportunities in hospitals, sports medicine, and research.
FAQ's
1. Is NEET PG compulsory for D.Ortho?
Yes, NEET PG marks are accepted by the majority of colleges. Some states conduct their own exams.
2. What is the salary after D.Ortho?
Freshers are offered 5-8 LPA and experienced surgeons get 10-20 LPA.
3. Is there an option to do MS Ortho after D.Ortho?
Yes, D.Ortho candidates can apply for NEET SS (Super Specialty) for MS/M.Ch.
4. Is age restriction applicable for admission?
No, but should have MBBS and internship cleared.
5. How is D.Ortho different from MS Ortho?
D.Ortho is a 2-year diploma.
MS Ortho is a 3-year degree with higher specialization
Conclusion
Diploma in Orthopaedics is a suitable course for MBBS graduates expecting specialisation in bone and joint treatment. With improved career opportunities and increased demand, this course provides a rewarding career in the medical field.