JBJS - 2026-07-09 - Journal Article
A Century of Orthopaedic Excellence with Global Impact: Instituto de Ortopedia y Traumatología "Carlos E. Ottolenghi" at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires.
Buttaro M, Ranalletta M, Slullitel PA, Rossi LA, Aponte LA, Ayerza MÁ, Farfalli G, Piuzzi NS, Muscolo DL
Topics
Key Takeaway
The Instituto Ottolenghi at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires produced 500+ indexed publications in the last 10 years and trained 340 residents and fellows over 25 years, establishing it as a globally recognized orthopaedic center originating outside North America or Europe.
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Summary
This institutional history documents 100 years of the Instituto Ottolenghi, cataloguing landmark firsts including the first Charnley THA in the Americas (1967), first TKA in Argentina (1970), and one of the world's first massive bone allograft reconstructions (1948). The article reports 500+ indexed publications in the last decade, 340 trainees over 25 years, and a staff model where 85% of current surgeons completed residency in-house. No comparative data, outcomes, or statistical analysis are presented.
Key Limitation
The article contains no patient outcomes, complication data, or benchmarking against peer institutions, making all claims of 'excellence' and 'global impact' unverifiable from the text alone.
Original Abstract
➢ Argentine orthopaedics was shaped by the influence of Dr. Vittorio Putti (Rizzoli Institute, Bologna, Italy). Dr. Carlos E. Ottolenghi, one of Dr. Putti's most distinguished disciples, together with Dr. José Valls, founded the Instituto de Ortopedia y Traumatología at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires in 1926. Prof. Ottolenghi transformed the Orthopaedic Service into a leading academic center and pioneer of subspecialization, serving as a foundational driver of orthopaedic development in Argentina and Latin America, while establishing strong international academic connections and collaborations.➢ Major milestones include the establishment of one of the earliest institutional bone banks and the performance of one of the world's first reported massive bone allograft reconstructions (1948); the performance of the first Charnley total hip replacement in the Americas (1967) and the first total knee replacement in Argentina (1970); and the early adoption of intramedullary nailing (1972), knee arthroscopy (1976), and femoral bone impaction allografting (1987). These contributions helped to define modern orthopaedic practice across Latin America and influenced global reconstructive strategies.➢ Advances such as surgical navigation (2010) and augmented reality (2025) have strengthened its role as a regional and globally connected center of excellence, particularly in musculoskeletal oncology.➢ Over the past 25 years, 180 residents and 160 fellows have been trained in our institute, and more than 500 indexed publications have been produced in the last 10 years, with alumni holding leadership roles across major orthopaedic centers worldwide, amplifying our institute's global footprint.➢ A merit-based, highly selective system based on excellence determines who becomes a staff surgeon. Currently, 85% of the actual staff surgeons completed residency training in our department, fostering a unique sense of institutional identity and perceived belonging. This experience reinforces the concept that excellence in orthopaedics transcends geographic boundaries and can emerge as a global reference from any setting committed to innovation, mentorship, and academic rigor.