Professional Background

Dr. Shyam Sunder is a highly accomplished orthopaedic surgeon with nearly two decades of experience in the field . He currently serves as a Senior Consultant specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery at Ortho-One Orthopaedic Speciality Centre in Coimbatore, India. In this role, he leads the department's clinical and academic efforts, including heading the fellowship training program for upcoming orthopedic surgeons . Dr. Sunder is an Executive Committee member of the Shoulder and Elbow Society of India (SESI), contributing to the leadership and advancement of shoulder and elbow care nationally. Previously, he has gained valuable international experience, having worked as an expert in multiple cities across India and abroad; notably, he was associated with the Samsung Medical Centre in Seoul, South Korea . His extensive background combines high-volume clinical practice with a strong foundation in cutting-edge surgical techniques and research

Education and Training

Dr. Shyam Sunder's educational journey exemplifies excellence. He earned his Master of Surgery (MS) in Orthopaedics in 2012 from Annamalai University, graduating as the university topper with a Gold Medal . Following his post-graduation, he pursued advanced training through prestigious fellowship programs that honed his expertise in joint reconstruction and sports injuries:

• Joint Replacement Fellowship (India): After MS, Dr. Sunder was awarded a Fellowship in Joint Replacement Surgery by the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University at Ortho-One in Coimbatore . During this fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. K. Vinodh, he gained specialized experience in primary and revision joint replacement procedures, laying a strong foundation in arthroplasty.
• Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Fellowship (India) : Upon completing the above, he earned a second fellowship at Ortho-One in Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, training under renowned arthroscopy pioneer Dr. David V. Rajan . This program immersed him in minimally invasive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle joints, where he mastered advanced arthroscopic techniques. During this tenure, Dr. Sunder also developed a passion for clinical research, successfully publishing his first international study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery.
• Shoulder Surgery Fellowship (South Korea) : To further specialize in upper limb surgery, Dr. Sunder trained at the prestigious Samsung Medical Centre in Seoul under Prof. Jae Chul Yoo - a globally respected authority in shoulder and elbow surgery . Under Prof. Yoo's guidance, he focused on complex shoulder procedures, particularly shoulder joint replacements, and was exposed to high-volume shoulder arthroplasty techniques. During this period, he co-authored and published an important research paper in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery , reflecting his growing expertise in shoulder surgery.
• Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship (Australia) : Recognizing his exceptional promise, the Australian Orthopaedic Association selected Dr. Sunder for an advanced fellowship in shoulder and elbow surgery in Sydney . He trained with Dr. Jonathan Austin Herald, one of Australia's leading shoulder and elbow surgeons, at Bankstown Public Hospital. This experience enabled Dr. Sunder to fine-tune his surgical skills to international standards . His Australian fellowship provided hands-on exposure to a wide array of shoulder and elbow procedures, including arthroscopic shoulder stabilization, complex rotator cuff repairs, the Latarjet procedure for shoulder instability, total elbow arthroplasty, and complex trauma reconstruction.
• Advanced Course in Rheumatology (USA) : Complementing his surgical training, Dr. Sunder completed a postgraduate course in Rheumatology at Johns Hopkins University, USA . This additional training expanded his expertise in managing shoulder and elbow disorders related to arthritis and autoimmune conditions, enhancing his ability to provide comprehensive care for patients with inflammatory joint diseases.

Through these fellowships and programs, Dr. Sunder has amassed a broad and deep skill set in shoulder and elbow surgery, joint replacement, and sports injury management. His training across India and abroad under eminent surgeons has equipped him to bring global best practices to his patients in India.

Clinical Expertise and Surgical Contributions

As a shoulder and elbow specialist, Dr. Shyam Sunder's clinical expertise spans the full spectrum of disorders affecting the shoulder and elbow joints. He is highly proficient in both open and arthroscopic techniques, offering advanced surgical solutions for patients. Some of his key areas of clinical expertise include:

• Shoulder Arthroscopy & Reconstruction: Dr. Sunder regularly performs shoulder arthroscopic procedures such as rotator cuff repair (including massive and complex tears), shoulder stabilizations for recurrent dislocations, SLAP repairs, and biceps tenodesis. He is adept at treating shoulder instability, employing techniques like the open Latarjet procedure for complex cases of shoulder dislocation . He also handles subacromial decompressions and AC joint surgeries for impingement and joint injuries.
• Shoulder Joint Replacement: With his fellowship training in shoulder arthroplasty, Dr. Sunder has extensive experience in shoulder replacement surgeries. He offers anatomic total shoulder replacements, reverse shoulder replacements, and resurfacing procedures, carefully selecting the appropriate solution for conditions like advanced arthritis, avascular necrosis, or complex fractures. His time with Prof. Yoo in Seoul exposed him to a high volume of shoulder replacements, making him one of the few in India with such specialized experience.
• Elbow Surgery: Dr. Sunder's expertise extends to the elbow joint, where he performs total elbow replacement for arthritis and post-traumatic conditions . He also addresses elbow injuries via arthroscopy, treating issues like osteochondritis, loose bodies, and tennis elbow. Additionally, he is skilled in elbow ligament reconstructions for instability and surgeries for cubital tunnel syndrome.
• Trauma and Fracture Care: In the realm of orthopaedic trauma, Dr. Sunder has contributed to the management of complex upper limb fractures. He routinely handles fractures of the shoulder (such as proximal humerus), arm, and elbow with modern fixation techniques or replacement when needed. His broad training (including a structured six-year training program in all aspects of orthopaedics during his early career) has made him proficient in fracture management and reconstruction.
• Knee and Sports Injury Surgery: While his primary focus is shoulder and elbow, Dr. Sunder is also trained in knee arthroscopy and sports injuries. Under Dr. David Rajan's mentorship he became fully trained in knee arthroscopic surgery , and he continues to perform procedures like ACL/PCL reconstructions and meniscal repairs. He has also applied arthroscopic techniques to other joints such as the ankle and wrist when appropriate.

Dr. Sunder's surgical contributions are not limited to performing procedures - he has also been at the forefront of adopting and disseminating innovative techniques. For instance, during his tenure in Australia he worked on refining arthroscopic methods that have since been introduced to his practice in India. He is known to keep meticulous follow-up records and outcomes of his surgeries, using this data to continually improve patient care. His commitment to excellence ensures that patients under his care receive treatments on par with international standards, with an emphasis on patient education, empathetic care, and early rehabilitation for optimal recovery.

Academic Achievements and Research

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Shyam Sunder has distinguished himself as an academic surgeon with significant research contributions. His inclination toward research began early in his career and has continued throughout, resulting in multiple publications and conference presentations. Key highlights of his academic achievements include:

• Research Publications: Dr. Sunder has authored and co-authored several papers in prestigious peer-reviewed journals. Notably, he published an international study on orthopaedic surgery in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery as a result of research done during his sports medicine fellowship . He later published another influential paper in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (JSES), arising from his fellowship training in Seoul . This JSES publication examined outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair techniques, contributing valuable data to the shoulder surgery literature. Additionally, he has published in the Asian Journal of Arthroscopy and has research under review in International Orthopaedics, reflecting a broad engagement with scientific inquiry . His work has covered topics ranging from shoulder instability rehabilitation to innovative surgical techniques and biomechanical studies of the knee.
• Conference Presentations: Dr. Sunder is an active participant in orthopaedic conferences and has presented numerous papers at state, national, and international meetings. Early in his career, he presented award-nominated research at forums such as the Tamil Nadu Orthopaedic Association and the Indian Arthroscopy Society. For example, he delivered podium presentations on topics like lumbar disc management and tibial slope analysis in knee arthroplasty at orthopedic conferences in 2011 - 2014 . His study on tibial slope in the Indian population was presented at the Indian Arthroscopy Society meeting in 2014 and was considered for the Conmed Fellowship Award . These presentations showcase Dr. Sunder's commitment to advancing orthopaedic knowledge and highlight his ability to conduct research with practical clinical implications.
• Academic Leadership: Apart from publishing research, Dr. Sunder plays an active role in academic forums. He has been invited as faculty and speaker at various orthopedic workshops and courses, sharing his expertise in shoulder and elbow surgery with peers. His international training and research background make him a sought-after speaker on topics like shoulder arthroplasty techniques and advanced arthroscopy. He is also a reviewer for academic journals (informally mentoring research) and stays engaged with the academic community through memberships in organizations such as the Indian Orthopaedic Research Group.

Dr. Sunder's dual focus on high-quality clinical practice and research ensures that he remains at the cutting edge of shoulder and elbow surgery. Patients benefit from his evidence-based approach, as he incorporates the latest scientific findings into surgical decision-making. His academic output also contributes to elevating the standard of shoulder and elbow care in India, aligning with SESI's mission of promoting research and education in this subspecialty.

Teaching, Training, and Mentorship

A passionate teacher and mentor, Dr. Shyam Sunder is dedicated to training the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons, particularly in the field of shoulder and elbow surgery. At Ortho-One, he is the Consultant-in-Charge of the Fellowship Program, where he oversees the training of clinical fellows in arthroscopy, sports medicine, and joint replacement . In this capacity, he has structured a comprehensive curriculum that includes hands-on surgical training, research projects, and clinical case discussions, thereby grooming young surgeons in advanced orthopedic techniques. Many of his mentees have gone on to establish successful careers, reflecting his influence as a mentor.

Dr. Sunder is actively involved in continuing medical education programs. He regularly conducts workshops, live surgical demonstrations, and cadaveric training courses focused on shoulder and elbow procedures. For example, he has served as an organizing faculty for shoulder cadaver courses and arthroscopy skill labs under the aegis of SESI and Ortho-One, where residents and orthopaedic surgeons from around the country benefit from his experience. He also lectures in postgraduate training programs and has been part of faculty panels at national conferences, sharing tips and techniques in shoulder arthroscopy and arthroplasty.

Through SESI and other professional bodies, Dr. Sunder contributes to designing educational content - from basic techniques for general orthopaedists to advanced courses for specialists. He firmly believes in the motto 'from practice to teaching,' whereby every complex case or surgical innovation is an opportunity to teach others. His approachable demeanor and commitment to knowledge-sharing have made him a respected figure among trainees and colleagues alike.

Leadership and Service in SESI

Within the Shoulder and Elbow Society of India, Dr. Shyam Sunder plays a key leadership role as an Executive Committee member (term 2023 - 2025) . In this capacity, he collaborates with other SESI leaders - including President Dr. Deepthi Nandan Reddy and Secretary Dr. Karthik Selvaraj - to advance the society's mission of enhancing shoulder and elbow care in India. Dr. Sunder contributes to strategic planning for SESI's educational and research initiatives, ensuring that the society's activities remain cutting-edge and relevant to practicing surgeons

He has been instrumental in organizing SESI-sponsored events and conferences. Dr. Sunder has served on organizing committees for SESI's annual meetings and cadaveric courses, helping bring together experts from India and abroad for knowledge exchange. His base in Coimbatore has also made him a valuable liaison for SESI's programs in South India. Whether it's the national SESI conference (SESICON) or regional workshops, Dr. Sunder's involvement helps ensure these events run smoothly and deliver high educational value to attendees.

In addition to event organization, Dr. Sunder actively participates in SESI's governance and advocacy. He contributes to discussions on guidelines for shoulder/elbow treatments and supports the society's outreach to young surgeons and healthcare policymakers. As part of SESI's leadership and education committee, he promotes fellowship opportunities and collaborative research among society members. Dr. Sunder is also known for his approachability - SESI members often seek his guidance on complex cases or career advice, and he mentors many through the society's network.

Through his leadership in SESI, Dr. Shyam Sunder exemplifies the values of professional service and community building. His efforts help foster a strong community of shoulder and elbow surgeons in India, raise awareness about specialized upper-limb orthopaedic care, and ultimately improve patient outcomes across the country.

Professional Memberships and Recognitions

Dr. Shyam Sunder's professional affiliations underscore his standing in the orthopaedic community. In addition to his leadership role in SESI, he is an active member of the Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA) and is registered with the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) . He also holds memberships in subspecialty organizations and interest groups focused on arthroscopy, sports medicine, and joint replacement. These memberships facilitate his continuous learning and allow him to contribute to wider professional dialogues beyond his immediate practice.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sunder has received various recognitions. Notably, his academic excellence was evident when he received the Gold Medal during his MS Ortho for top performance . His selection by the Australian Orthopaedic Association for a specialized fellowship is a testament to his expertise and promise . Moreover, many of Dr. Sunder's research presentations have been in consideration for awards (for example, at the Indian Arthroscopy Society conference), highlighting the impact of his investigative work. While focusing on patient care, he remains humble about accolades, considering them milestones that reflect teamwork and mentorship he received.

Dr. Shyam Sunder's blend of clinical skill, academic achievement, and leadership has made him one of the prominent figures in shoulder and elbow surgery in India. He continues to push the envelope in introducing advanced surgical techniques, educating peers and trainees, and contributing to research - all while providing compassionate, world-class care to his patients. His profile exemplifies the caliber of expertise and dedication that the Shoulder and Elbow Society of India represents, and he stands as a driving force in the evolving landscape of upper extremity orthopaedic surgery in the country.