The history of orthopaedic surgery in India: from antiquity to present

Indian orthopedists have a legacy dating back more than 4000 years. Starting with the Harappan civilization, ancient orthopaedic surgeons reduced fractures and conducted therapeutic trepanations. Since then, Indian physicians have pioneered many of the orthopaedic techniques still used today — including the use of prosthetics, fracture tables, and rehabilitative physical therapy. Today, orthopaedic surgeons coexist with traditional Indian bonesetters. Although bonesetting practices can have complication rates as high as 40%, bonesetters still handle a majority of fractures in India and are often culturally preferred. Importantly though, bonesetters are often the only expedient option available in both rural and urban settings.