Orthopedic surgeons are medical professionals that focus on the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues that are necessary for movement and daily life.
One important difference between orthopedic surgeons and other medical specialists is that orthopedics are not usually involved in life-or-death situations. These surgeons often assist patients with knee and back pain and they help patients who struggle with arthritis or osteoporosis.
In addition to performing surgery, surgeons may perform physical examinations, follow up on patients and review charts.
Becoming an orthopedic surgeon takes years of schooling, however some universities do offer accelerated programmes.
Below is a list of some schools that offer Orthopedics in South Africa:
- University of Pretoria – Department of Orthopedic
- The Colleges of Medicine of South Africa – College of Orthopedic Surgeons
- Wits University – Orthopedic Surgery
- Stellenbosch University – Division of Orthopedic Surgery
- UFS – Department of Orthopedics
Should you be interested in becoming an orthopedic surgeon learn more about the courses offered at the above mentioned Universities.
For a full list of places to study orthopaedics, head to our Where To Study section.
