By Dr Yash Goyal
A rifle shooter returns to play again after a rare thigh and shoulder reconstruction surgeries in small town of Kishangarh in Rajasthan recently.
In a remarkable blend of medical expertise and surgical precision, Dr. Rohil Singh Kakkar, Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon at Eternal Hospital, Jaipur, has helped a 17-year-old rifle shooter from Kishangarh, Ajmer district, return to competitive sports after a devastating injury nearly halted his budding career.
In May 2023, Master Shiv Pratap Singh Rathore suffered multiple traumatic injuries: a Grade 3 compound wound to the right thigh, a displaced mid-shaft fracture of the clavicle, and a rotator cuff tear in the right shoulder – all on his dominant side. For a rifle shooter who relies on shoulder stability and precision, these injuries came close to shattering his sporting ambitions.
Shiv was admitted to Marble City Hospital, Kishangarh, where Dr. Kakkar undertook the challenging case. On 6 May 2023, he performed complex reconstructive surgeries on the young athlete’s right shoulder and thigh.
“Operating on an athlete’s dominant side is never easy. Beyond repairing the injury, the goal is to restore performance and confidence,” Dr. Kakkar explained.
Pic :Dr Rohil Singh Kakkar
Following surgery, Shiv underwent a rigorous rehabilitation protocol designed and supervised by Dr. Kakkar. This included early pain and swelling management, progressive range-of-motion exercises, targeted muscle strengthening, and eventually sports-specific training. Within months, Shiv regained full mobility and returned to competitive shooting.
His comeback has been nothing short of inspirational. Post-surgery, Shiv qualified for and competed in several prestigious tournaments, including the 67th National Shooting Championship in Bhopal, the 43rd North Zone Air Rifle Championship in New Delhi, the India Open Shooting Championship in Bhopal, and the 23rd Rajasthan State Rifle Pistol Championship in Jaipur.
“I had almost given up hope, but Dr. Kakkar assured me I could return stronger,” Shiv said. “Today, I am competing at state and national levels, and my dream is to represent India internationally.”
Dr. Kakkar, who has been internationally published for his innovative surgical techniques, believes this case underlines the growing importance of advanced sports medicine and orthopaedic reconstruction in Rajasthan. His intervention not only saved a career but also set an example of how timely surgery, scientific rehabilitation, and expert care can turn adversity into achievement.