Discipline of Orthopaedic Surgery

Professor Len Marais

Professor Marais obtained his MBChB degree (with distinction) at the University of Freestate. He then completed his Internship and Community Service training in Eshowe in northern Kwazulu-Natal and this is where his love for KZN and orthopaedics started.

The field of orthopaedics offered him a unique combination of scientific, biomechanical and medical aspects, as well as the opportunity to make a drastic difference in a patient’s quality of life through surgical intervention. He went on to do his orthopaedic specialization at the University of Pretoria, where he developed a keen interest in orthopaedic oncology, osteoarticular infections and limb reconstruction.

After a brief period in the private sector he moved to Grey’s Hospital where he started the Tumour, Sepsis and Reconstruction Unit which specialises in the treatment of bone and soft tissue tumours, chronic osteomyelitis, fracture-related infections, non-unions, mal-unions and skeletal deformities requiring reconstruction. During his time in the unit he also completed his PhD on stratification and treatment strategy selection in chronic osteomyelitis.

Positions

Prof Marais is currently serving as an examiner, convener and member of the Council of Orthopaedic Surgeons of South Africa. He also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the South African Orthopaedic Journal, member of the South African Orthopaedic Research Society and an executive committee member of the South African Orthopaedic Association (SAOA).

He was elected as the representative for South Africa on the Country Delegates Committee of the European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) and as a regional programme contributor in the AO Trauma Education Working Group on Infection. 

Marais has been involved in outreach to the rest of Africa in the field of bone and joint infections through serving on the EBJIS Abroad Initiative committee and has been involved in the development of national and international guidelines on the management of bone and joint infections.

He has made numerous presentations at local and international courses and congresses, has over 70 publications and has supervised several post-graduate research projects, including some doctoral studies in the field of orthopaedic oncology and limb reconstruction.

Contacts

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