Department of Orthopaedics

Robert Zura, MD
Head of the Department

Orthopaedic surgery encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgery is divided into a number of subspecialty areas: Adult Reconstruction, Total Joint Replacement, Trauma, Sports Medicine, Hand and Upper Extremity, Spine, Foot and Ankle, Musculoskeletal Oncology and Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery.

The Introduction to Clinical Medicine Course in the spring of the second year provides the first exposure to Orthopaedic Surgery and the members of the department. A series of lectures on selected topics in Orthopaedic Surgery is presented. An interactive format is used to present orthopaedic radiology and casting techniques.

In the third year, Orthopaedic Surgery is included in the 12 week Surgery Rotation. Students can be assigned to a two week rotation on the Adult or the Pediatric Orthopaedic Service. The student becomes a member of the service for that rotation. Emphasis is placed on developing techniques for obtaining a history and physical examination of the musculoskeletal system, exposure to a broad spectrum of orthopaedic problems, as well as experiences to the surgical aspects of the specialty.

Students attend all department lectures and conferences. Student directed lectures are included in general lectures of the surgery rotation.

An elective rotation in Orthopaedic Surgery is offered in the fourth year for students who are interested in a more comprehensive exposure to Orthopaedic Surgery. The fourth year rotation month includes UMC service, Pediatric service and one week on the private service.

Research opportunities in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery are available for students at any level. Either clinical or basic science projects can be undertaken. The student can design his or her own project or become involved in ongoing projects in the department. Students interested in the Honors Program can participate through the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Research is coordinated through the “Consortium for Musculoskeletal Research” a combined program with LSU Orthopaedics, LSU Veterinarian School and the Pennington Research Center.