Saifee Hospital, Mumbai – India
About Dr. Arvind Kulkarni
Dr. Arvind G. Kulkarni is one of India's most distinguished Spine Surgeons in Mumbai, India, with 22+ years of experience and 7,500+ spine surgeries performed. Visiting Professor at Weill-Cornell Medical University New York, he is a pioneer of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and the first to perform Prodisc-L Artificial Lumbar Disc Replacement in India (Limca Book of Records).
- 22+ years of experience in spine surgery
- 7,500+ spine surgeries performed
- MS Orthopaedic Surgery — Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital (2000)
- International Fellowships — Singapore, Australia, Canada
- Visiting Professor — Weill-Cornell Medical University, New York
- First Prodisc-L Artificial Lumbar Disc Replacement in India (Limca Book of Records)
- 75+ research articles, 20 textbook chapters, 300+ podium presentations
- Founding Member — Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons Association of Bharat (MISSAB)
- Nominated Top 3 Spine Surgeons of Mumbai (India Today 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees
- MBBS
- MS (Master of Orthopaedic Surgery) — Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, University of Mumbai, 2000
- D'Orth (Diploma in Orthopaedic Surgery) — College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai, 2000
- FCPS (Fellow of College of Physicians and Surgeons) — College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai, 2002
Fellowships & Special Training
- Fellowship in Spinal Surgery — Department of Neurosurgery, KEM Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai, 2002–2003
- Fellowship in Spinal Surgery — Department of Orthopaedics, National University Hospital, Singapore, 2003–2004
- Fellowship in Paediatric Spine Surgery — Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Fellowship in Paediatric Spine Surgery — The Royal Alexandria Hospital for Children at Westmead, Australia
- Fellowship at St George Hospital, Australia
- Fellowship at Toronto Western Hospital, Canada
- Diploma (SICOT)
- Fellowship in Artificial Disc Replacement
Certifications & Accreditations
- Maharashtra Medical Council / Medical Council of India Registration
- Visiting Professor — Weill-Cornell Medical University, New York
- Teacher for Diploma in Orthopaedics — College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai
- Director — Spine Fellowships at Bombay Hospital (2 fellowship positions/year)
- Examiner — Spinal Fellowship Exit Exams
- Secretary — MISSAB (Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons Association of Bharat)
- Executive Council — Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI), Educational and Research Task Force
- Associate Editor — Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique
- Review Board — Spine (international journal)
- Former Editor — Spine Section, Indian Journal of Orthopaedics (2010–2011)
Areas of Expertise
Major Conditions Treated
- Herniated Disc (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar)
- Sciatica and Radiculopathy
- Chronic Low Back and Neck Pain
- Cervical Radiculopathy and Myelopathy
- Spinal Stenosis
- Scoliosis (Curvature of the Spine)
- Degenerative Disc Disease (Arthritis of the Spine)
- Spinal Stability Problems and Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal Deformities (Congenital, Neuromuscular)
- Congenital Spine Disorders
- Spinal Trauma and Fractures
- Spinal Tumours (Brain and Spine Cancer)
- Spinal Tuberculosis
- Revision Spine Surgery (Failed Back Surgery)
- Paediatric Spine Disorders
- Vertebral Compression Fractures
Sub-specialties
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS): Pioneer in India, first to introduce Micro-Endoscopic MetrX system in 2007 — a leading spine surgeon in Mumbai, India.
- Artificial Disc Replacement: First Prodisc-L Lumbar Disc Replacement in India (Limca Book of Records).
- Laser Spine Surgery: Among the best in India for laser-assisted spine procedures.
- Tubular Discectomy: First spine surgeon in the world to perform tubular discectomy using a 12 mm portal (Indian Book of Records).
- Scoliosis & Deformity Correction: Expert in complex deformity correction including neglected high-degree scoliosis.
- Paediatric Spine Surgery: Toronto and Westmead Australia-trained.
Advanced Procedures & Treatments
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)
- Tubular Discectomy (Including 12 mm-Portal — World First)
- Artificial Lumbar and Cervical Disc Replacement (Prodisc-L)
- Laser Spine Surgery
- Lumbar Discectomy and Herniated Disc Surgery
- Spinal Fusion Surgery
- Scoliosis Correction Surgery
- Cervical and Lumbar Decompression
- Revision Spine Surgery
- Spinal Tumour Resection
- Spinal Trauma Fixation
- Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
- Spine Navigation for Pedicle and S-Alar-Iliac Screw Fixation
- Micro-Endoscopic Excision of Osteoid Osteoma
- Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
Professional Experience
Current Affiliation
- Bombay Hospital, Mumbai — Consultant Spinal Surgeon and Head, Mumbai Spine Scoliosis and Disc Replacement Centre (Present)
- Saifee Hospital, Mumbai — Consultant Spine Surgeon (Present)
- Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai — Consultant Spinal Surgeon (Present)
- Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai — Consultant Spine Surgeon, Department of Orthopaedics (Present)
Past Affiliations
- Weill-Cornell Medical University, New York — Visiting Professor
- KEM Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai — Fellowship in Spinal Surgery (2002–2003)
- National University Hospital, Singapore — Fellowship in Spinal Surgery (2003–2004)
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada — Fellowship in Paediatric Spine Surgery
- The Royal Alexandria Hospital for Children at Westmead, Australia — Fellowship
- St George Hospital, Australia — Fellowship
- Toronto Western Hospital, Canada — Fellowship
Academic & Research Roles
- Director of Spine Fellowships at Bombay Hospital (2 positions/year)
- Teacher for Diploma in Orthopaedics — College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mumbai
- Examiner for Spinal Fellowship Exit Exams
- Associate Editor — Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique
- Review Board Member — International Journal 'Spine'
- Former Editor — Spine Section, Indian Journal of Orthopaedics (2010–2011)
- Editor — First Indian comprehensive textbook on "Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery" (2017)
- Editor — ASSI Textbook on "Lumbar Disc Herniations"
- Founding Member and Secretary — MISSAB
- Former Fellowship Officer — AO Spine, Indian Sub-continent
- Invited international faculty: Russia, Australia, Korea, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Spain, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Turkey
Key Achievements
- 22+ years of experience in spine surgery
- 7,500+ spine surgeries performed
- First Prodisc-L Artificial Lumbar Disc Replacement in India — Limca Book of Records
- First Spine Surgeon in the World to perform Tubular Discectomy using a 12 mm portal — Indian Book of Records
- Cited five times in international spine magazine 'Spinal News International'
- Pioneer of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in India (Micro-Endoscopic MetrX, 2007)
- Considered one of the best for Laser Spine Surgery in India
- Creator of 'Spine Surgery Checklist' to enhance safety
- 75+ scientific publications in high-impact journals
- 20 textbook chapters authored
- 300+ podium presentations (national and international)
- Nominated Top 3 Spine Surgeons of Mumbai (India Today 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020) and Outlook magazine (2019, 2020)
- Mumbai Spine Scoliosis & Disc Replacement Centre ranked 'Best' in Times of India Survey (August 2016 and 2017)
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards
- ASSI Best Publication Award — Association of Spine Surgeons of India (2005)
- Scoliosis Research Society (USA) Global Outreach Award (2004 and 2005)
- Korean SICOT Award (2008)
- Outstanding Young Achiever Award — Junior Chambers International (JCI), Marine Lines, Mumbai, National Level (2012)
- Best Paper in International Safety in Spine Surgery (2021) — for 'Spine Surgery Check-list' project
- Best New Methodologies & Techniques to Enhance Safety in Spine Surgery — one of 10 award winners
- Honoured by 'Akhila Bharatiya Rigved Brahmin Sangha, Mumbai' for contribution to society (November 2011)
- Nominated Top 3 Spine Surgeons of Mumbai by India Today (2012, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020) and Outlook Magazine (2019, 2020)
- Five citations in international spine magazine 'Spinal News International'
Professional Memberships
- Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI) — Executive Council
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeons Association of Bharat (MISSAB) — Founding Member and Secretary
- Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA)
- Bombay Orthopaedic Society (BOS)
- Paediatric Orthopaedic Society of India (POSI)
- Karnataka Orthopaedic Association (KOA)
- Orthopaedic Association of South Indian States (OASIS)
- Indian Medical Association (IMA)
- World Spine Society (WSS)
- AO Spine (Former Fellowship Officer — Indian Sub-continent)
Research & Publications
Published Papers (Selected)
- Kulkarni AG, Dhruv AN, Bassi AJ. "Micro-endoscopic excision of C2 – Osteoid Osteoma." Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 May.
- Kulkarni AG, Shah SM. "CT Based Evaluation of Odontoid Morphology in Indian Population." Indian Journal of Orthopaedics. 2013;47:250–4.
- Kulkarni AG, Deopujari CE, Shah SP. "Intradural cement leakage with paraparesis and incontinence: a rare but salvageable complication of percutaneous vertebroplasty." Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery (Hong Kong). 2013 Dec;21(3):365–8.
- Editor: "Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery." First Indian comprehensive textbook. 2017.
- Editor: ASSI Textbook on "Lumbar Disc Herniations."
- Plus 75+ scientific publications in high-impact journals including Spine, Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery, European Spine Journal and Indian Journal of Orthopaedics.
- 20 book chapters authored, 300+ podium presentations at national and international conferences.
Ongoing Research & Clinical Interests
- Minimally invasive spine surgery
- Artificial disc replacement
- Morphometric study of Indian skeletal structure and implant application
- Craniovertebral index and its clinical application
- Innovative treatment of neglected high-degree scoliosis
- Spinal tuberculosis
- Spine surgery safety checklist
- Spine navigation in degenerative scoliosis
Estimated Treatment Costs
| Procedure / Consultation | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Spine Consultation | ₹1,500 – ₹4,000 | $18 – $48 |
| Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000 | $3,000 – $5,400 |
| Cervical / Lumbar Decompression | ₹2,80,000 – ₹5,20,000 | $3,360 – $6,240 |
| Spinal Fusion Surgery | ₹3,50,000 – ₹7,50,000 | $4,200 – $9,000 |
| Artificial Disc Replacement | ₹5,50,000 – ₹10,00,000 | $6,600 – $12,000 |
| Scoliosis Correction Surgery | ₹6,50,000 – ₹15,00,000 | $7,800 – $18,000 |
| Laser Spine Surgery | ₹2,80,000 – ₹5,50,000 | $3,360 – $6,600 |
| Revision Spine Surgery | ₹4,50,000 – ₹9,50,000 | $5,400 – $11,400 |
*Indicative estimates only. Actual costs subject to hospital pricing, case complexity, and insurance. Contact Cancer Rounds for a personalised quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What advanced technologies does Dr. Arvind Kulkarni use in Spine Surgeon treatment?
Dr. Arvind Kulkarni uses advanced techniques including Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS), Micro-Endoscopic MetrX tubular discectomy (including world-first 12 mm-portal), artificial lumbar and cervical disc replacement (Prodisc-L — first in India), laser spine surgery, scoliosis correction, spine navigation for pedicle and S-alar-iliac screw fixation, kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty and revision spine surgery — delivering world-class spine care in Mumbai, India. Virtual consultations are available for international patients.
2. What conditions does Dr. Arvind Kulkarni specialize in treating?
Dr. Arvind Kulkarni specialises in herniated disc (cervical, thoracic, lumbar), sciatica, cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy, chronic low back and neck pain, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal stability problems, spondylolisthesis, spinal deformities (congenital, neuromuscular), spinal trauma and fractures, spinal tumours, spinal tuberculosis, revision spine surgery and paediatric spine disorders — making him one of the best spine surgeons and laser spine surgeons in Mumbai, India.
3. How do I book an appointment with Dr. Arvind Kulkarni?
Appointments with Dr. Arvind Kulkarni can be booked directly through the Cancer Rounds website or by contacting their international patient department for priority scheduling.
4. Can international patients receive treatment from Dr. Arvind Kulkarni?
Yes. Cancer Rounds provides full assistance for international patients seeking treatment from Dr. Arvind Kulkarni, including medical visa invitation letters, airport transfers, and local accommodation coordination.
5. What support is available for international patients?
International patients benefit from a dedicated concierge service provided by Cancer Rounds, including language interpretation, financial counselling, and pre-travel virtual consultations to review medical records before arrival.
6. Does Dr. Arvind Kulkarni offer second opinions for Spine Surgeon cases?
Yes. Second opinion consultations can be arranged via Cancer Rounds for patients who wish to review their diagnosis or treatment plan with a Limca Book of Records spine surgeon, Visiting Professor at Weill-Cornell Medical University, and pioneer of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Mumbai, India.
