Welcome to the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of the Free State (UFS) stands at the forefront of musculoskeletal care, academic training, and research in central South Africa. Based at Universitas Academic Hospital and Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital, we provide high-impact, comprehensive orthopaedic services to a diverse population across the Free State and neighbouring provinces.
Our clinical platform manages a high-volume and high-acuity case mix across trauma, elective surgery, spine, tumour and sepsis, paediatric orthopaedics, hand surgery, and reconstructive procedures. We deliver care that is patient-centred, evidence-based, and responsive to the realities of the communities we serve.
We are not only a clinical service platform. We are a centre of academic influence shaping the future of orthopaedic surgery in South Africa through excellence in training, research, and community engagement.
Our Vision
To be a leading South African centre of excellence in orthopaedic surgery, recognised for high-quality clinical care, innovative research, exceptional specialist training, and meaningful community impact.
Our Mission
To deliver compassionate, evidence-based orthopaedic care
To train skilled, ethical, and confident orthopaedic surgeons
To advance orthopaedic knowledge through impactful research and innovation
To strengthen regional health systems through outreach, capacity building, and equitable access to specialist care
To foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, inclusivity, and service excellence
Excellence in Training
Education is a foundational pillar of our department. Our postgraduate MMed and CMSA FCS programmes provide a deeply immersive training environment, integrating daily clinical exposure with structured academic teaching and multidisciplinary engagement.
Our undergraduate platform delivers consistently strong academic outcomes through a combination of bedside teaching, theatre exposure, clinical skills development, and comprehensive assessment. This integrated approach supports the development of clinical competence, sound judgement, and professional maturity.
The department is also actively involved in registrar training beyond its own institution, contributing to examination preparation and academic development across multiple universities. These initiatives support candidates preparing for national exit examinations and reflect a broader commitment to collaboration and excellence in orthopaedic training.
Research and Innovation
Our department maintains an expanding research portfolio across trauma, tumour pathology, surgical safety, anatomical variation, and disease patterns within the South African context. Academic output continues to grow, with peer-reviewed publications, ongoing research projects, and regular presentations at national scientific meetings.
Innovation forms an increasingly important component of our work. The department continues to pioneer the integration of advanced surgical technologies, including robotic-assisted orthopaedic procedures within rural and district healthcare settings. This work reflects a broader commitment to advancing surgical innovation while improving equitable access to high-quality care in resource-constrained environments.
Research remains integral to our work. It strengthens clinical practice, enhances the quality of training, and reinforces our role as an active contributor to orthopaedic scholarship both nationally and internationally.
Service and Outreach
Service to the broader community remains a defining feature of our department. Our outreach programmes play a transformative role in extending orthopaedic services to underserved regions across the Free State, Northern Cape, and Limpopo. Through these initiatives, large numbers of patients receive life-changing surgical care that would otherwise not be accessible.
In addition to formal outreach, the department maintains a strong supporting role within the Free State healthcare system. We provide ongoing clinical guidance, referral support, and specialist input to district and regional hospitals, assisting with patient management and strengthening orthopaedic care across the province. This collaborative approach ensures continuity of care and reinforces the integration of services across different levels of the health system.
A key milestone includes the successful performance of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery in a rural South African hospital. This achievement reflects our commitment to ensuring that surgical innovation and equitable access to care coexist in meaningful ways.
Recent Achievements
National recognition for best registrar research at the South African Orthopaedic Association Congress
Consultant PhD completion strengthening academic and research leadership
Expansion of subspecialist services, including dedicated hand surgery capacity
Strong registrar performance in CMSA intermediate and final fellowship examinations
Sustained growth in outreach impact and regional service delivery
Looking Ahead
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery continues to prioritise the strengthening of its academic footprint and the expansion of its clinical and outreach impact. We will pursue innovation in surgical practice, build research capacity, and contribute meaningfully to healthcare development within the region.
Our work maintains a strong focus on integrity, service, academic leadership, and excellence, as we continue to shape orthopaedic care and training in South Africa. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Department of Orthopaedics directly.