Bharat Desai, MD
Dr. Bharat M. Desai is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and has been a part of the Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center team since 1996. He specializes in orthopedic foot and ankle conditions and trauma, with particular expertise in SI joint disorders, lower extremity trauma, and innovative bunion correction using Lapiplasty.
Dr. Desai was born in Kenya and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, where both his parents worked as physicians. His diverse cultural background has enriched his approach to patient care.
Education & Training
Dr. Desai earned his medical degree from Temple University in 1990 after completing his undergraduate studies at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. He went on to complete his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Geisinger Medical Center in Pennsylvania. Pursuing his special interest in orthopedic trauma, Dr. Desai completed a prestigious trauma fellowship program at the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, specializing in Orthopedic Trauma and Foot & Ankle Surgery.
Clinical Expertise
Foot & Ankle Expertise
As a foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Desai provides comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions affecting the foot and ankle. His expertise includes the treatment of:
- Bunion Correction
- Complex foot reconstruction and fusion procedures
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Instability issues
- Total ankle replacements
- Traumatic injuries
His approach combines surgical precision with individualized treatment plans to restore mobility and function.
Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction®
Dr. Desai was one of the first surgeons in Colorado to offer Lapiplasty, an innovative approach to bunion correction. Unlike traditional 2D surgeries that only address the cosmetic bump, Lapiplasty:
- Corrects the entire bone in 3D
- Secures the unstable foundation
- Allows patients to be on their feet typically within 3-10 days in a walking boot
- Shows exceptional results with 97-99% of patients maintaining 3D correction at 13-17 months post-surgery
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Specialist
Dr. Desai has developed significant expertise in treating sacroiliac disorders, which are responsible for 15-30% of chronic low back pain cases. He specializes in SI joint fusion using the innovative iFuse Implant System, a minimally invasive surgical option for patients who have not responded to non-surgical treatments. This triangle-shaped implant is clinically proven to reduce pain and improve function and quality of life.
Learn About SI FusionOrthopedic Trauma
Dr. Desai’s trauma specialty focuses on:
- Pelvis/Acetabular (hip joint) fractures
- Lower extremity trauma and complex fractures
- Treatment of traumatic injuries with state-of-the-art techniques
Leadership
Dr. Desai has served as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at OrthoColorado Hospital since its inception in 2010. He treats trauma patients at St. Anthony’s Hospital, OrthoColorado Hospital, and various surgery centers.
Dr. Desai was drawn to Panorama Orthopedic & Spine Center’s mission of providing independent, patient-centered orthopedic care with mutual accountability.
Personal Interests
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Desai has many hobbies. Growing up in Canada instilled in him a passion for ice hockey and skiing, activities he continues to enjoy today. He shares his love for the outdoors with his wife and daughter, particularly through equestrianism with their five horses and spending time with their three dogs. Dr. Desai also pursues creative and recreational interests including photography, swimming, and fly fishing, bringing the same dedication to his personal pursuits as he does to his medical practice.
