Orthopaedic Surgery

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg, is part of a public research university established in 1922. As a leading tertiary academic unit in South Africa, it integrates specialist clinical care, surgical training, and research within one of the largest hospitals on the continent.

Its publications highlight strong expertise in orthopaedic trauma, joint replacement, bone oncology, and perioperative medicine. Research addresses vascular injuries in knee trauma, complex fractures, tumour related pathological fractures, and optimization of thromboprophylaxis in hip arthroplasty. Work on accelerated surgery for hip fractures reflects engagement in high impact international trials.

The department also advances innovation in bone regeneration, infection control, and rehabilitation, including cardiometabolic risk in osteoarthritis. Case reports and reviews on rare injuries and emerging infections demonstrate responsiveness to regional clinical challenges. Collectively, the research strengthens evidence based orthopaedic practice in resource diverse settings.