Professional Background and Education

Dr. Karthik M. Selvaraj is a leading orthopaedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery, with around two decades of clinical experience. He completed his M.B.B.S. at the prestigious Government Stanley Medical College in Chennai, and went on to earn his M.S. in Orthopaedics from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi . During his postgraduate training at AIIMS - India's premier medical institute - he distinguished himself by receiving comprehensive training in orthopaedic trauma care, joint reconstruction, arthroscopy, hand surgery, and sports medicine . He also holds a Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in Orthopaedics and is a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS, UK) , reflecting his commitment to both Indian and international professional qualifications.

After his residency, Dr. Selvaraj served as a Senior Resident at AIIMS and the affiliated JPN Apex Trauma Centre, honing his skills in managing complex trauma cases and advanced orthopaedic procedures . He is currently based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where he practices as a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at the renowned Ortho One Orthopaedic Speciality Center. In this role, he not only treats patients but also leads research and training of orthopaedic fellows , underscoring his dual commitment to clinical excellence and academic mentorship.

Clinical Expertise and Surgical Contributions

As a specialist in shoulder and elbow surgery, Dr. Karthik Selvaraj has developed extensive expertise in the full spectrum of upper limb orthopaedic care. He is highly proficient in shoulder and elbow arthroscopy, performing minimally invasive keyhole surgeries for conditions such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability (recurrent dislocations), ligament injuries, and tendon repairs. He is equally skilled in joint replacement surgeries of the upper limb, including total shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder arthroplasty, and elbow replacement for arthritis or complex fractures. In addition, he routinely manages upper extremity trauma, performing complex fracture fixations of the shoulder, arm, and elbow . His practice is characterized by the use of advanced techniques and a patient-centric approach aimed at restoring function and reducing recovery time.

Dr. Selvaraj's surgical contributions are well recognized in the field of shoulder and elbow surgery in India. He has been at the forefront of introducing refined surgical techniques to improve patient outcomes. Notably, he co-authored a study on the open Latarjet procedure (a surgery for shoulder instability) performed with a freehand technique, demonstrating excellent functional and radiological outcomes in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability . The publication of this work in the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics in 2021 attests to his commitment to advancing shoulder surgery through evidence-based practice. In his everyday clinical work, he is known for adopting arthroscopic and reconstructive techniques that are state-of-the-art, contributing to the growing reputation of specialized shoulder and elbow care in India.

Academic Achievements and Research

Dr. Karthik Selvaraj has a strong academic record and has contributed significantly to research in orthopaedics. During his medical training, he earned distinguished honors, including the Tamil Nadu Tuberculosis Association Medal in Medicine and the Maharaja of Travancore Medal in Surgery, reflecting his top performance in those subjects . Throughout his career, he has remained academically active, authoring and co-authoring research publications that inform clinical practice. His areas of research interest include shoulder instability, rotator cuff injuries, and outcomes of arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery.

In addition to his 2021 journal publication, Dr. Selvaraj has presented his research at national and international conferences. He was an invited presenter at the 2017 Congress of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS), where he presented a study on an individualized approach to shoulder instability management with a two-year follow-up of 104 patients . He continues to publish and present clinical studies, thereby contributing to the global knowledge base in shoulder and elbow surgery. His academic contributions have been valuable in shaping best practices, and he often integrates his research findings into improving surgical techniques and patient care protocols.

International Training and Fellowships

One of the hallmarks of Dr. Selvaraj's career is his extensive international training in orthopaedic surgery, which has enriched his expertise with global best practices. After his specialist training in India, he pursued multiple advanced fellowships overseas focusing on shoulder, elbow, and trauma surgery. He first worked in New Zealand as a Shoulder Fellow at Christchurch Hospital, gaining in-depth experience in the assessment and management of upper limb injuries . He then undertook a dedicated Upper Limb Surgery Fellowship at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton, New Zealand, further refining his skills in shoulder and elbow procedures.

Seeking to broaden his exposure, Dr. Selvaraj moved to Australia for higher surgical training. In Adelaide, he joined the Flinders Medical Centre as a Fellow in Trauma and Joint Reconstruction, where he received advanced training in complex trauma management and joint replacement surgeries . He was subsequently selected for an Advanced Trauma Fellowship at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne - Australia's leading Level I trauma center - where he specialized in managing high-velocity injuries and received focused training in pelvic-acetabular trauma . Through these fellowships in New Zealand and Australia, Dr. Selvaraj had the opportunity to work with world-renowned experts and acquire specialized surgical skills. This international experience has enabled him to introduce and adapt innovative techniques (such as modern arthroscopic methods and improved implant usage) into his practice in India, benefiting patients with shoulder and elbow ailments.

Adding to his overseas credentials, Dr. Selvaraj was honored with the APKASS-ESSKA Traveling Fellowship in 2016 - a prestigious opportunity jointly offered by the Asia Pacific Knee Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine Society (APKASS) and the European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery & Arthroscopy (ESSKA). During this month-long fellowship, he visited several centers of excellence across Europe (including institutions in Istanbul, Larissa, Geneva, Porto, Brussels, and Bologna) and attended the ESSKA Congress in Barcelona . This experience allowed him to exchange knowledge with international peers and observe advanced sports injury management and arthroscopy techniques, which he has since incorporated into his own practice.

Leadership and Professional Affiliations

In his leadership role as Secretary of the Shoulder and Elbow Society of India (SESI), Dr. Karthik Selvaraj plays a pivotal part in advancing the subspecialty of shoulder and elbow surgery nationwide. SESI is the premier organization in India dedicated to this field, and Dr. Selvaraj's responsibilities include coordinating national conferences, continuing medical education programs, and collaborative research initiatives. He works closely with the society's president and executive committee to expand SESI's reach and impact, helping to organize events such as the annual SESI conference (SESICON) and specialty workshops that disseminate the latest techniques in shoulder and elbow surgery. Under his tenure as Secretary, SESI has strengthened its role as a platform for academic exchange and professional development for orthopaedic surgeons across India.

Dr. Selvaraj's leadership extends beyond SESI. He has been actively involved in regional and national orthopaedic organizations. Notably, he has served as the Secretary of the Shoulder and Elbow Society of Tamil Nadu, contributing to the growth of shoulder/elbow subspecialty training at the state level . He is also an executive committee member of SESI (a position he held prior to becoming the national Secretary) . In addition, Dr. Selvaraj is a member of the Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA) and the Indian Arthroscopy Society (IAS) , through which he stays engaged with the broader orthopaedic and sports medicine community. His active participation in these professional bodies reflects his dedication to staying at the forefront of orthopaedic innovations and policy, and to contributing leadership and guidance in his areas of expertise.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Karthik Selvaraj's contributions have earned him several awards and accolades throughout his career. Early on, he received coveted academic medals during his medical education - the Tamil Nadu TB Association Medal for excellence in Medicine and the Maharaja of Travancore Medal for excellence in Surgery - highlighting his strong foundation in medical training . In his specialist career, the award of the APKASS-ESSKA Traveling Fellowship (2016) stands out as an international recognition of his promise and accomplishments in arthroscopy and sports medicine . This fellowship is awarded to a select group of orthopaedic surgeons in the Asia-Pacific region, and his selection for the program underscores his standing among peers and his potential as a future leader in the field.

Beyond these, Dr. Selvaraj has been recognized by his inclusion in faculty for various prestigious courses and workshops. He is frequently invited as a faculty speaker and surgical instructor at national conferences and training courses on shoulder and elbow surgery. These invitations are a recognition of his expertise and his ability to educate fellow surgeons. Furthermore, his research publications in reputed journals and presentations at global forums serve as a form of professional recognition, as they contribute to improvements in patient care and raise the profile of Indian shoulder and elbow surgery on the world stage.

Teaching and Mentorship

Alongside his clinical and research endeavors, Dr. Selvaraj is deeply committed to the mentorship and training of upcoming orthopaedic professionals. As part of his role at Ortho One in Coimbatore, he is in charge of the research and training of fellows in orthopaedics . In this capacity, he supervises clinical fellowship programs in sports injuries and upper limb surgery, providing hands-on training to young surgeons and sharing his expertise in arthroscopy and joint replacement. Colleagues and trainees regard him as an approachable mentor who emphasizes meticulous surgical technique and evidence-based practice.

Through SESI and other professional bodies, Dr. Selvaraj contributes to continuing medical education across India. He has helped organize instructional courses, cadaveric workshops, and webinar series focused on shoulder and elbow topics. For instance, he has been involved in SESI's journal clubs and seminar programs aimed at critically appraising the latest research and improving clinical practice among members. By actively engaging in teaching activities and guiding less-experienced surgeons, he is helping to build a stronger community of shoulder and elbow specialists in India. His mentorship is not only shaping individual careers but also ensuring that the highest standards of shoulder and elbow care are propagated throughout the country.

Contribution to Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in India

Dr. Karthik Selvaraj M's career embodies a blend of clinical excellence, academic contribution, and visionary leadership in the realm of shoulder and elbow surgery. Through his advanced surgical skills in arthroscopy and joint replacement, he has improved the quality of life for countless patients with shoulder and elbow disorders. His research and publications have added valuable knowledge to help surgeons make informed decisions, particularly in areas like shoulder instability management. Moreover, by training future orthopaedic surgeons and leading a national specialty organization, he is actively shaping the future of this subspecialty.

As the Secretary of SESI, Dr. Selvaraj continues to be at the forefront of initiatives to elevate shoulder and elbow surgery in India - from promoting cutting-edge surgical techniques to fostering collaboration and education among surgeons. His professional journey, marked by international fellowships, academic accolades, and dedication to service, makes him a respected authority in his field. In summary, Dr. Karthik Selvaraj M's profile is that of an accomplished surgeon-scholar and a leader committed to advancing shoulder and elbow care, reflecting the standards of excellence that the Shoulder and Elbow Society of India stands for.