About ASAMI India

India's premier academic body for limb reconstruction and deformity correction — built on decades of clinical excellence, mentorship, and the revolutionary Ilizarov methodology.

——— About ASAMI India

India's Premier Limb Reconstruction Association

We are a premier professional organisation dedicated to advancing the science and practice of limb reconstruction and deformity correction in India. The association serves as the national chapter of the global Ilizarov community, bringing together orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, and healthcare professionals committed to excellence in patient care and innovation.

Our aim is to provide a platform for Indian orthopaedic surgeons to learn the principles and latest advances in limb lengthening and deformity correction — connecting surgeons across 28 states through conferences, workshops, fellowship programmes, and ongoing educational initiatives.

The association draws its inspiration from the pioneering work of Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov, whose principles of distraction osteogenesis revolutionised the management of complex orthopaedic conditions, including limb length discrepancies, deformities, non-unions, and bone loss.

"With a strong commitment to education, research, and clinical excellence, ASAMI India continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing standards of limb reconstruction surgery across the country. The organisation also actively encourages innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the dissemination of advanced techniques to improve patient outcomes."

 

1992

Est. Year

1054

Members

28

States

Our History

History & Timeline

From humble academic beginnings to India's premier limb reconstruction association — four decades of growth, mentorship, and clinical excellence.

1983–84
The Roots Are Laid
The foundation of ASAMI India was laid during the 1983–84 academic year — pioneering surgeons began structured Ilizarov training in India, setting the stage for a formal national association.
1992
ASAMI India Formally Established
ASAMI India was formally established in 1992 as the official Indian chapter of ASAMI International. Dr. K. T. Dholakia served as the founding President, with training based at Bombay Hospital.
1997–2003
Structured Training Expands
A formative era of mentorship. Surgeons trained at Bombay Hospital under Dr. H. R. Jhunjhunwala and at Swasthirog Pratisthan, Miraj under Dr. G. S. Kulkarni and Dr. Ruta Kulkarni. The IOA Dr. G. S. Kulkarni Fellowship (2002) became a landmark programme.
2003–2010
Rebuilding Academic Standards
Leadership — particularly during tenure as Secretary — travelled across India conducting structured courses, restoring scientific discipline to Ilizarov practice after a period of misuse.
2010–2019
National & International Growth
ASAMI India grew significantly in membership, academic activity, and international recognition. Collaborations expanded with global centres in Kurgan (Russia), Baltimore, Vancouver, Cape Town, and more.
2019–2021
Dr. Manish Dhawan Presidency
Dr. Manish Dhawan served as President (2019–2021). He was conferred Honorary Fellow of ASAMI India in 2020 by Prof. Dror Paley, and received the Russian SUV Medallion in 2019 for deformity correction.
2021-23
Dr Ruta Kulkarni Presidency
Dr Ruta Kulkarni has been the First ever Woman President of Asami India. Under her leadership the concept of Online webinars started and the awareness drive increased the membership of Asami. The Prestigious GSKulkarni Oration was started by her. She has included countless Overseas fellowships through her personal contacts.
2025–26
New Era — Together We Build
Under President Dr. Jayant Sharma with the theme "Together We Build: Expanding Horizons in Limb Reconstruction", ASAMI India launched the CORA newsletter, expanded zone-based webinars, and simplified online membership registration.

——— What We Do

Achieved Through Four Core Pillars

ASAMI India's mission is delivered through three interconnected areas of activity — academic, educational, and clinical.

Conferences & Workshops

 

Organising national conferences, cadaveric courses, and hands-on workshops related to limb lengthening and deformity correction. This includes the annual ASAMICON, Mid-Term Meets, zone-based CMEs, and structured cadaveric courses at leading medical institutions across India — bringing together orthopaedic surgeons, PG trainees, and faculty for intensive academic engagement.

Academic Programmes & Publications

Publishing the CORA newsletter (Comprehensive Overview & Reportage by ASAMI) quarterly, conducting regular zone-based live webinars, Sunday Breakfast Case Discussions, and theme-based academic sessions. The digital platform — website, YouTube channel, Facebook, and Twitter — extends ASAMI India's academic reach across India and internationally.

Fellowships & Mentorship

 

Hosting fellowship programmes for young surgeons to learn the principles of limb lengthening and deformity correction by collaborating with experienced surgeons across India and internationally. ASAMI India fellowships are offered at leading centres, with international fellowships at ASAMI centres worldwide including the USA, UK, Italy, and Russia.

Faculty Development Programme

The Faculty Development Programme is a unique academic initiative by ASAMI India that provides a platform for young consultants practising limb reconstruction and deformity correction to present their clinical work before an esteemed panel of senior ASAMI India faculty.

More than a competition, it is an opportunity for constructive mentorship. Through expert feedback and insightful discussions, participants gain valuable guidance on refining their clinical decision-making, scientific presentation skills, and the overall quality of work presented at the national level.

While the most outstanding presentation is recognised with a medal, the true reward lies in the learning, mentorship, and professional growth that empower young surgeons to elevate their future academic contributions.

——— Our Purpose

Vision & Mission

Our Vision

To be a leading national and internationally recognised organisation in the field of limb reconstruction and deformity correction, advancing excellence in orthopaedic care through innovation, education, and research based on the principles of the Ilizarov methodology.

——— Our Mission

  • Promote the scientific application and advancement of the Ilizarov technique in the management of complex orthopaedic conditions.
  • Provide a robust platform for continuous medical education, training, and skill development in limb lengthening, deformity correction, and bone reconstruction.
  • Facilitate academic exchange through conferences, workshops, and collaborative research at national and international levels.
  • Encourage innovation and evidence-based practices that enhance patient outcomes and safety.
  • Support young orthopaedic surgeons and trainees through mentorship, fellowships, and academic opportunities.
  • Uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and patient-centred care in orthopaedic practice.

——— Our Origins

The Founding Story

The roots of ASAMI India were laid during the 1983–84 academic year, when pioneering orthopaedic surgeons in India first began systematically studying and applying the Ilizarov circular external fixator technique for limb lengthening and deformity correction.

The association was formally established in 1992 under the leadership of its founding President, Dr. K. T. Dholakia, with early training hubs at Bombay Hospital where Dr. H. R. Jhunjhunwala carried a tremendous Ilizarov workload. Those early years — characterised by late-night frame assembly, meticulous construct planning, and hands-on mentorship — formed the bedrock of India's Ilizarov movement.

A pivotal moment came at the IOA Dr. G. S. Kulkarni Fellowship (2002) at Swasthirog Pratisthan, Miraj, where Dr. G. S. Kulkarni's culture of transparency — openly discussing complications alongside successes — shaped an entire generation of surgeons to approach Ilizarov surgery with judgement, accountability, and humility.

Over the following decades, the association grew through the efforts of a dedicated community of stalwarts who standardised training, restored academic rigour, and expanded ASAMI India's presence nationally and internationally.

The ASAMI India Journey

From Bombay Hospital
to 28 States

1983–84 — Academic roots laid

Pioneering surgeons begin structured Ilizarov study and practice in India.

1992 — Formal establishment

ASAMI India officially founded with Dr. K. T. Dholakia as first President.

1997–2003 — Mentorship era

Structured training at Bombay Hospital and Miraj builds the next generation.

2003–2010 — Standards restored

National structured courses restore scientific discipline across India.

2010–present — National & global growth

1,035+ members across 28 states with webinars, CORA, and international ties.