Burnout Among Orthopaedic Surgeons in India: A Systematic Review of Prevalence
Review Article | Vol 12 | Issue 1 | January-June 2026 | page: 09-11 | Sachin Kale, Ashok Ghodke, Gaurav Kanade, Ojasv Gehlot, Abhilash Srivastava, Shivesh Datta
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ti.2026.v12.i01.074 Submitted: 09/02/202 6; Reviewed: 02/03/2026; Accepted: 01/04/2026; Published: 10/04/2026Authors: Sachin Kale [1], Ashok Ghodke [2], Gaurav Kanade [1], Ojasv Gehlot [1], Abhilash Srivastava [1], Shivesh Datta [1]
[1] Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India [2] Department of Orthopaedics, M G M Medical College Kamote Navi Mumbai Maharashtra, India Address of Correspondence Dr. Abhilash Srivastava, Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India E-mail: charlie.srivastava009@gmail.comAbstract
Background: Burnout represents a critical occupational hazard in medicine, severely affecting surgeons’ well-being and patient outcomes. Orthopaedic surgeons are particularly vulnerable due to heavy clinical demands, long work hours, and significant physical and emotional strain. In India, where healthcare is segmented into resource-limited public hospitals and high-pressure private sectors, these stressors may be even more pronounced. Objective: To rigorously review and synthesize current evidence on the prevalence of burnout among orthopaedic surgeons in India and elaborate on the key systemic, professional, and individual contributors, as well as proposed solutions. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across major medical databases for studies from India reporting on burnout among orthopaedic surgeons, including prevalence rates, risk factors, and context-specific influences. Data extraction and qualitative synthesis focused on disparities between healthcare sectors and underlying drivers. Results: Studies indicate a moderate-to-high prevalence of burnout among Indian orthopaedic surgeons, especially in government facilities, but also significant in private practice. Common contributors include excessive duty hours, overwhelming patient loads, complex medico-legal environments, administrative overload, and insufficient institutional support. Younger surgeons and trainees face heightened risk, compounded by steep learning curves, frequent emergencies, and inexperience in coping mechanisms. Burnout leads to detrimental consequences including reduced quality of care, impaired professional performance, and risks to patient safety. Conclusion: Burnout in Indian orthopaedic surgery is a multifaceted systemic issue needing urgent multi-level intervention. Keywords: Burnout, Orthopaedic surgeons, India.References
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