Al Zahra Hospital Dubai’s Orthopaedics Department provides assessment and treatment for conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and spine. Located in Al Barsha, Dubai, the department brings together orthopaedic subspecialties for adults and children, with care extending from diagnosis and treatment planning to surgery, rehabilitation and follow-up. Treatment is selected according to the condition, its severity and the patient’s needs. Where clinically appropriate, the team considers non-surgical care. When surgery is required, available services include arthroscopy, robotic-assisted knee replacement, joint replacement and revision procedures, minimally invasive techniques and complex reconstruction.
Orthopaedic services and conditions we treat
Joint replacement surgery
The joint replacement team assesses patients with arthritis, joint degeneration, trauma and problems following previous joint replacement surgery. The aim is to select the appropriate procedure for the affected joint and build rehabilitation into the treatment plan. Services include:
- Robotic-assisted knee replacement
- Total and partial knee replacement
- Total hip replacement
- Revision hip and knee replacement
- Complex joint reconstruction
- Shoulder replacement surgery
Robotic assistance may support surgical planning and implant positioning in selected knee replacement procedures. Suitability, expected recovery and potential risks are discussed individually with the treating surgeon.
Sports injury treatment and arthroscopic surgery
The sports medicine and orthopaedic team treats acute injuries and overuse conditions in professional athletes, active adults and children. Assessment focuses on the injured structure, the patient’s activity level and the safest route back to movement or sport. Conditions treated include:
- Anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injuries, including ACL and PCL injuries
- Meniscus tears and cartilage injuries
- Rotator cuff tears and shoulder instability
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendon and ankle ligament injuries
- Sports-related trauma
Where indicated, the department provides minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for the knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow, wrist and hip.
Spine assessment and surgery
The spine team evaluates neck pain, back pain and spinal disorders to determine whether non- surgical care, an image-guided procedure or surgery is appropriate. Conditions treated include:
- Herniated discs and sciatica
- Chronic neck and back pain
- Cervical and lumbar disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Scoliosis and other spinal deformities
Available procedures include minimally invasive spine surgery, disc replacement, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, spinal fusion, nerve root blocks and radiofrequency procedures. The recommended approach depends on the diagnosis and clinical findings.
Paediatric orthopaedics and paediatric spine care
Children and adolescents with bone, joint, growth or spinal conditions can be assessed by the paediatric orthopaedics team. Care includes paediatric fractures, scoliosis, limb-length difference, clubfoot, flat feet, bow legs, knock knees, hip conditions and musculoskeletal deformities associated with cerebral palsy or congenital conditions. For detailed information about this service, visit the Paediatric Orthopaedics Department (https://azhd.ae/departments/pediatric-orthopedics/).
Trauma and fracture treatment
The trauma team provides urgent and planned care for complex fractures, joint dislocations, multiple injuries, delayed bone healing, malunions and nonunions. Treatment may involve modern fixation methods and minimally invasive techniques, depending on the fracture pattern and the patient’s condition. For a serious injury or suspected fracture that needs immediate attention, visit the Emergency Department (https://azhd.ae/departments/emergency-er/), which is open 24 hours a day.
Orthopaedic oncology and complex reconstruction
The orthopaedic oncology team manages bone tumours, soft-tissue tumours and metastatic bone disease. Treatment planning may include limb-salvage surgery or complex reconstruction and is coordinated with the hospital’s cancer specialists when multidisciplinary care is required.
Hand, wrist, foot and ankle care
Specialist assessment and treatment are available for tendon injuries, nerve compression syndromes, carpal tunnel syndrome, foot deformities, ankle instability, sports injuries of the hand and foot and arthritis affecting the hand, wrist, foot or ankle.
How orthopaedic care is planned
1. Clinical assessment
The consultation begins with the patient’s symptoms, medical history, previous treatment and functional goals. The clinician examines the affected area and checks movement, stability, strength and other relevant findings.
2. Diagnosis
Imaging or other diagnostic tests may be requested when they are needed to clarify the condition and guide treatment. The department has access to advanced imaging and diagnostic support within the hospital.
3. Individual treatment plan
The plan may include non-surgical treatment, an image-guided procedure or surgery. The recommended option should reflect the diagnosis, the severity of the condition, the patient’s general health and the likely benefits and risks.
4. Rehabilitation and follow-up
Orthopaedic surgeons work with physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists to support mobility, strength and function after an injury or procedure. The rehabilitation plan is adjusted to the patient’s condition and progress.
Why choose Al Zahra Hospital Dubai for orthopaedic care?
- Subspecialty coverage: The department covers joint replacement, sports injuries, arthroscopy, spine care, paediatric orthopaedics, trauma, orthopaedic oncology and upper- and lower-limb conditions.
- Internationally trained team: The hospital’s Orthopaedics team includes consultants and specialists with training and experience from international centres.
- Surgical technology: Depending on clinical need, available options include robotic-assisted knee replacement, computer-assisted surgery, arthroscopy and minimally invasive techniques.
- Coordinated rehabilitation: Physiotherapy and rehabilitation form part of the care pathway rather than a separate afterthought.
- Hospital-based support: Patients can access diagnostic, surgical, rehabilitation, oncology and emergency services within Al Zahra Hospital Dubai.
When should you book an orthopaedic assessment?
Consider an assessment if joint, bone, muscle or back symptoms are affecting movement, work, sleep, exercise or everyday activities. An appointment may also be appropriate for persistent or recurring pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, reduced range of motion, an injury that is not improving or concerns about a child’s walking, posture, limb alignment or musculoskeletal development. Seek urgent emergency care after a significant injury if the joint or limb appears out of position, you cannot bear weight, there is marked deformity, or you develop numbness or tingling around the injured area. AZHD’s Emergency Department is open 24/7. For emergencies, call +971 4 378 6666.
Frequently asked questions about Orthopaedics
What conditions does the Orthopaedics Department treat?
The department treats conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and the spine. Its services cover sports injuries, arthritis and joint degeneration, fractures and trauma, paediatric orthopaedics, spine disorders, bone and soft-tissue tumours and hand, wrist, foot and ankle conditions.
Does an orthopaedic consultation always lead to surgery?
No. The team assesses the diagnosis, severity, symptoms, function and previous treatment before recommending a plan. Non-surgical care may be considered where clinically appropriate, while surgery is discussed when it is expected to address the condition more effectively.
Does Al Zahra Hospital Dubai offer knee and hip replacement surgery?
Yes. The department lists total and partial knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee replacement, total hip replacement and revision procedures for previous hip and knee replacements. The surgeon determines suitability after assessment.
Are sports injuries and arthroscopic procedures treated at AZHD?
Yes. The department treats ligament, meniscus, cartilage, tendon and shoulder injuries and provides arthroscopic procedures for several joints when indicated.
Is orthopaedic care available for children?
Yes. A dedicated paediatric orthopaedics service assesses fractures, spinal deformities, limb and foot conditions, hip disorders and congenital or neuromuscular musculoskeletal conditions in children and adolescents.
Is rehabilitation included after an injury or orthopaedic procedure?
Rehabilitation plans are coordinated with physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists according to the patient’s diagnosis, procedure and progress.
Book an appointment with the Orthopaedics team
Request an appointment with Al Zahra Hospital Dubai’s Orthopaedics team for an assessment and an individual treatment plan. The hospital will confirm appointment requests within 24 hours.
Emergency line: For an emergency, call +971 4 378 6666.
