The history of the clinic dates back to 1953 when the original orthopaedic department of the Institute for Postgraduate Education of Physicians moved onto the premises of the Bulovka Hospital.
In 1970 after the orthopaedic specialization became independent, this department was awarded the status of the clinic of the Institute for Postgraduate Education of Physicians and Pharmacists (ILF) with the independent department of orthopaedics, led by Prof. Rudolf Pavlánský, MD, PhD, who was a student of Prof. Jan Zahradníček, MD. Because of the growing scope of work, the development of orthopaedics and the expanding team of doctors who were simultaneously active as pedagogues and scientists, it was necessary to find new premises for the orthopaedic clinic. Thanks to the whole team of doctors, particularly Assoc. Prof. Miroslav Slavík, MD, PhD, a new modern building was constructed and comparable to European standards with 180 beds. The clinic was opened in 1978 under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Miroslav Slavík, MD, PhD. The clinic developed regarding both its versatility in orthopaedics and the quality and quantity of the provided health care. Therefore, it reached a level comparable to the European orthopaedic clinics. Thanks to the position and influence of Assoc. Prof. Miroslav Slavík, MD, PhD, many orthopaedists could deveolop as doctors, pedagogues and scientists, disregarding their political affiliation. Under his leadership the clinic reached a prestigious position in the Czech Republic. In 1990, Prof. Zdeněk Matějovský, MD, PhD became the head of the clinic. He was a world renowned representative of orthopaedic oncology who enlarged the good reputation of the clinic abroad. Since 1995, the clinic has been headed by Prof. Pavel Dungl, MD, PhD, an internationally renowned expert, particularly in pediatric orthopaedics. Under his leadership, the clinic continues to develop medical, scientific and pedagogical activities both in the Czech Republic and world-wide. Since 2001, the clinic has been partially involved in pre-graduate courses for students at the 1st Medical Faculty of Charles University. Since the school year 2003/2004 it has been providing courses in orthopaedics and traumatology in full extent for 50% of the students of the fifth level and for English speaking students.