Department of Orthopedics
Department of Orthopedics

The Department of Orthopedics was established in 1951. It is currently recognized as a National Clinical Key Specialty, a National Standardized Resident Training Base, a National Drug Clinical Trial Base, a Guangdong Provincial Clinical Key Specialty, and a designated medical support unit for Guangdong's Olympic athletes. Research institutions such as the Guangdong Spinal Cord Scientific Research Center and the Sun Yat-sen University Spinal Cord Injury Research Institute are affiliated with our Department of Orthopedic Surgery. The department is divided into four subspecialties: Spine Surgery, Joint Surgery, Sports Medicine, and Trauma Orthopedics. It employs 36 physicians, including 11 with senior professional titles, 5 with associate senior titles, 5 doctoral supervisors, and 15 master's supervisors. Many professors hold positions in various academic organizations.
Over the past five years, the Department of Orthopedics has secured 14 national-level research projects and 10 provincial/ministerial-level projects. These include 3 China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Special Funding Pre-Station Projects, 2 China Postdoctoral Science Foundation General Projects, 1 Guangdong Natural Science Foundation Key Project, 1 Guangdong Major Science and Technology Special Program Project, and 1 Guangdong Natural Science Foundation Outstanding Youth Fund. As first or corresponding authors, department members have published 40 SCI-indexed papers (highest Impact Factor: 17.2) and obtained 1 invention patent and 3 utility model patents.
The department's distinctive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are as follows:
1.Comprehensive Treatment of Spinal and Pelvic Tumors: We are one of the early centers in China to focus on spinal tumor treatment and hold a leading position in South China. We have improved surgical methods for total en bloc spondylectomy of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal tumors and applied 3D printing technology for bodily reconstruction. Building on traditional Tomita surgical principles, we integrate medications like bisphosphonates and denosumab with surgery and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for treating multiple tumors and employ en bloc total vertebral resection techniques for spinal and pelvic tumors.
2.Correction of Severe and Complex Spinal Deformities: We have conducted systematic research on various osteotomy techniques for correcting kyphotic deformities in ankylosing spondylitis. We designed transpedicular multi-level three-column vertebral osteotomy, which effectively prevents major vascular and spinal cord injuries. Combined with the application of digital technology and preoperative individualized assessment, the safety and clinical outcomes for spinal deformities like kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis are at a nationally leading level. Additionally, the department has extensive clinical experience and achieves favorable results in the correction of scoliosis deformities.
3.Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Our department is recognized as the birthplace of minimally invasive spine surgery in China. From performing the first MED procedure in China to introducing the first THESSYS endoscopic system, we have exerted widespread influence domestically, particularly in South China. Utilizing VR and robotic technology, we develop comprehensive, individualized surgical plans for each patient. Combined with O-arm navigation and virtual reality technology, we achieve precision in minimally invasive surgeries.
4.Artificial Joint Replacement and Complication Prevention: Based on digital and 3D printing technologies, we perform preoperative individualized measurements for joint replacements. Our approaches to preventing and managing complications such as aseptic loosening and deep vein thrombosis are at an advanced national level.
5.Standardized Treatment of Osteoporotic Fractures: We are one of the earliest units in China to perform minimally invasive treatments for osteoporotic compression fractures. Following clinical guidelines, we diagnose, assess, and formulate individualized treatment plans for patients. Conservative or surgical treatments for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, hip fractures, and distal radius fractures are based on standardized anti-osteoporosis therapy, yielding satisfactory outcomes.
6.Sports Medicine Techniques at Nationally Advanced Levels: We are among the earliest units in China to perform arthroscopic surgeries. Currently leading techniques include: arthroscopic repair of shoulder and knee joint injuries, such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, meniscus tears, and cruciate ligament tears, as well as complex revision surgeries. These can all achieve satisfactory results through minimally invasive surgical treatment.

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The department boasts a robust technical team, a well-structured talent echelon, and comprehensive, state-of-the-art equipment. With multiple distinctive subspecialties, we are equipped with advanced devices such as O-arm and navigation systems, ultrasonic bone scalpels, intraoperative neural monitoring systems, and high-definition arthroscopy systems.
The Spine Surgery division offers comprehensive and refined medical techniques, featuring both precise minimally invasive procedures and highly complex, challenging surgeries. It serves as the host unit for the AO Spine Training Center, the Spinal Endoscopy Training Center, the Guangdong Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering Center for Ankylosing Spondylitis, and the Guangdong Scientific Research Center for Spinal Cord Diseases. Characterized by foundational expertise in minimally invasive spinal techniques—including spinal endoscopy, posterior/lateral lumbar interbody fusion under tubular retractors, percutaneous internal fixation, and cervical "zero-profile" interbody fusion—the division treats degenerative spinal conditions such as lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, and cervical spondylosis. It was among the first in China to advocate for the concept of minimally invasive spine surgery, apply its techniques, and promote their adoption nationwide. The division pioneered the use of three-dimensional correction techniques for spinal deformities in China, safely and effectively correcting complex scoliosis and kyphosis of various etiologies. It possesses extensive experience in anterior and posterior approaches for atlantoaxial dislocation/tumors, reaching nationally advanced levels. It was the first in South China to perform en bloc resection and reconstruction for spinal and pelvic tumors and leads nationally in the precise reconstruction using personalized 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies and pelvic prostheses.
The Spine Surgery division currently has 30 practicing physicians. Twelve hold senior professional titles, including 6 with senior titles (one of whom is a specially appointed discipline leader) and 6 with associate senior titles. Members hold significant positions in various academic societies, including the Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, specialized groups of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Orthopedics Branch/Spine Surgery Branch of the Guangdong Medical Association, the Orthopedics Physician Branch/Spine Surgery Physician Branch of the Guangdong Medical Doctor Association, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Orthopedics Alliance, and the Guangdong Accelerated Rehabilitation Alliance of the Bethune Foundation. The division enjoys a strong academic reputation and influence.
The Sports Medicine division is the earliest established sports medicine specialty in Guangdong Province, a designated cooperative unit for treating Guangdong's Olympic athletes, one of the earliest units in China to perform arthroscopic minimally invasive treatments, and the only high-level key specialty in sports medicine in Guangdong. It focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries and disorders of the limbs and joints. Its expertise in repair and reconstruction for injuries such as anterior and posterior cruciate ligament tears, meniscus injuries, cartilage damage, patellar dislocation, shoulder injuries, and ankle injuries is at a nationally leading and internationally advanced level. It is one of the most influential sports medicine centers in South China, integrating medical care, teaching, and research.
The Sports Medicine division maintains excellent cooperative relationships with national teams based in Guangzhou, Guangdong provincial sports teams, the Guangdong Provincial Sports Hospital, the Weilun Sports School, and other professional sports teams and medical institutions. Since the 1990s, it has treated over 200 elite athletes from China and the province, including Olympic, World Championship, Asian Games, and National Games champions, enabling their return to competition and further achievements, thus providing solid support for enhancing the competitive level of sports in China and Guangdong Province.
The clinical focus of the Joint Surgery division is artificial joint replacement for end-stage joint diseases (such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and joint destruction from ankylosing spondylitis). It performs hundreds of artificial joint replacement cases annually and was among the first specialties in China certified to perform artificial hip and knee replacement surgeries. It pioneered the implementation of standardized surgical protocols and perioperative management for joint replacements in China and has participated in formulating four national guidelines and standards. Under the idea of "precision medicine" and multidisciplinary collaboration, it utilizes advanced digital 3D preoperative planning platforms and 3D printing technology, accumulating rich clinical experience in severely deformed joint reconstruction and complex joint revision surgeries.
Under the framework of Joint Surgery, the Bone and Joint Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center was established to fully leverage multidisciplinary collaboration, standardizing the treatment of complex and severe joint surgery cases. The center includes a follow-up studio, which has established a standardized follow-up system and a digital follow-up platform for joint replacement patients. It creates electronic records for patients with joint diseases, implements combined offline and online follow-up, and provides individualized, stepwise treatment and rehabilitation management based on patient conditions.
The department was the first in South China to establish a foot and ankle surgery subspecialty and led Guangdong colleagues in founding the Foot and Ankle Surgery Group under the Guangdong Medical Association in 2009 (the second nationwide). Its work in arthroscopic ankle ligament repair, cartilage injury treatment, arthrodesis, minimally invasive deformity correction, and foot and ankle arthritis treatment is leading in South China. It pioneered the use of the Infinity total ankle replacement system (the latest generation prosthesis) in China, achieving satisfactory outcomes. It serves as the chair unit of the Guangdong Branch of the Chinese Foot and Ankle Medical Education College of the Chinese Medical Association and has participated in drafting multiple clinical guidelines and consensuses for foot and ankle diseases, earning a favorable reputation both domestically and internationally.

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Scientific Research Results

The department has always placed great emphasis on teaching, boasting a strong and experienced faculty dedicated to cultivating outstanding medical talent. The department has long been responsible for the theoretical instruction and clinical training of undergraduates in clinical medicine, master's/doctoral candidates, eight-year doctoral program students, international students, and resident physicians at Sun Yat-sen University. Leveraging the platform of a National Key Specialty and a standardized residency training base, the department has guided over a hundred master's and doctoral students to successfully complete their graduation projects. Its doctoral and master's graduates have repeatedly received National Scholarships. Over the past decade, the department has provided advanced training and standardized residency training for over 500 physicians from more than 20 provinces and municipalities across China. Furthermore, through various academic societies, academic exchanges, invited consultations or surgical demonstrations, and technology promotion, the department has made outstanding contributions to the large-scale training of excellent clinical physicians and distinguished specialists.
The department is committed to educational reform and innovation, reflecting the characteristics of the times. It has taken a leading role in establishing an innovative experimental zone for cultivating first-class medical talents in surgery with "Lingnan characteristics." Actively exploring the integration of basic and clinical courses, the Joint Surgery division, serving as the clinical chair unit of the Human Anatomy Department at Sun Yat-sen University's Zhongshan School of Medicine, pioneered a teaching model where surgical clinical instructors deliver anatomy lectures to resident physicians and visiting doctors, applied to joint surgery training. This model has been effectively extended to surgical technique training in Spine Surgery and Sports Medicine. The Guangdong Branch of the Chinese Foot and Ankle Medical Education College, under the Chinese Medical Association, is affiliated with our department's Foot and Ankle subspecialty and serves the continuing education of grassroots doctors in foot and ankle disease diagnosis and treatment.
The department has received numerous teaching achievement awards from the National Education Commission, provincial, municipal, and university levels. Over the past five years, it has led over 10 provincial-level and more than 20 university-level teaching projects. The provincial-level MOOC course "Introduction to Orthopedics" was honored as a "2019 Guangdong Provincial First-Class Undergraduate Course." The provincial-level project "Construction of a Medical Teaching System Based on Virtual Reality Technology" won the "First Prize of the 9th Guangdong Provincial Education and Teaching Achievement Award." Several faculty members have received teaching honors at various levels, and over 50 teaching-related papers have been published. With a gathering of talented individuals, mutual enhancement through teaching and learning, and the cultivation of excellent physicians, the department has achieved fruitful results.
The department has engaged in scientific research since its establishment, deriving research directions and topics from clinical practice. Over the past decade, research has been closely integrated with the clinical characteristics of our subspecialties, driven by a dual focus on clinical work and scientific research that mutually support each other. Years of sustained effort have yielded substantial outcomes.
The Spine Surgery division conducts in-depth research on the pathological mechanisms and explores new methods and targets for treating diseases such as lumbar disc degeneration, osteoporosis, spinal cord injury, ankylosing spondylitis, and spinal deformities. It is deeply involved in the research, development, and application of virtual reality technology, spinal surgical robots, and 3D printing of biomaterials. Research achievements include participation in the Second Prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award (2018), leading the Second Prize of the Guangdong Natural Science Award (2019), the Second Prize of the Guangdong Science and Technology Progress Award (2005), the Third Prize of the Guangdong Science and Technology Progress Award (1998, 2005, 2010), and the Second Prize of the Guangzhou Science and Technology Progress Award (2002), among other scientific and technological awards. More than 20 patents have been granted. The division has secured over 20 National Natural Science Foundation grants and more than 40 provincial/municipal-level research grants. It has published over 200 SCI-indexed papers, with more than 10 having an impact factor above 10.
The main research areas of the Sports Medicine division include the repair and reconstruction of sports injuries in the lower limb (knee, ankle, hip) and upper limb (shoulder, elbow, wrist) joints. In the past five years, it has obtained 1 National Science Fund for Outstanding Youth (Sports Medicine), 7 National Natural Science Foundation grants, over 10 provincial/ministerial-level grants, 2 Guangzhou Major Science and Technology Projects, and 1 Sun Yat-sen University 5010 Clinical Research Project, among others. More than 20 patents have been authorized. Over 80 papers have been published in SCI-indexed journals and top-tier domestic publications, including leading sports medicine journals such as AJSM, Arthroscopy, and KSSTA. The highest impact factor is 17.61 (in a translational medicine sub-journal of SCIENCE).
The research of the Joint Surgery division is closely linked to clinical practice, yielding fruitful results in basic and clinical research on complications after artificial joint replacement and degenerative joint diseases. It has received the Second Prize of the Guangzhou Science and Technology Progress Award and the Third Prize of the Guangdong Science and Technology Progress Award. The division has secured 7 National Natural Science Foundation grants, 21 provincial/ministerial-level grants, and 2 national-level postdoctoral funds. It holds 6 patents and has published more than 130 professional papers, including 38 SCI papers, with the highest impact factor being 16.1.
The Foot, Ankle & Trauma subspecialty undertakes annual clinical teaching activities for trauma and accepts 3-4 visiting doctors each year to study foot, ankle, and trauma. Currently hosting the Guangdong Branch of the Chinese Foot and Ankle Medical Education College under the Chinese Medical Association, it is dedicated to the continuing education of grassroots doctors in foot and ankle care. This subspecialty firstly proposed a Fam134b gene knockout mouse model simulating Charcot osteoarthropathy. The successful establishment of this animal model is significant for further research into the pathogenesis of diabetes-related osteoarthropathy. In clinical research, the subspecialty has published over 10 articles related to ankle sports injuries and foot/ankle deformities, including 7 SCI papers with a total impact factor of 13.

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