My clinical expertise and academic focus revolves around three key areas: sports injuries, trauma and fractures, and degenerative conditions of the knee.

Here, I am passionate about exploring innovative treatment options to improve patients' quality of life and alleviate their symptoms.

Within the realm of knee replacement surgeries, I particularly enjoy the challenges around complex deformities as well as partial knee replacements. These cases require a meticulous approach and advanced surgical techniques to ensure optimal outcomes.

Additionally, I specialize in complex meniscal and cartilage surgery, focusing on repairing and restoring these vital structures within the knee joint. Due to the large trauma burden in our state hospitals, we are also very experienced in treating multi-ligament knee injuries,  which often demand comprehensive management and surgical skill.

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Following my initial fellowship in Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery at the University of Cape Town, I was fortunate to embark on a two-year subspecialist knee fellowship. Additionally, I had the opportunity to tour through the United States and Canada as part of the prestigious American-British-Canadian Fellowship. These fellowships have not only enriched my professional journey but also provided me with valuable connections to surgeons from around the world. As a result, I am able to align my patient care with peer-reviewed, evidence-based international practices.

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Our primary focus at UCT is on enhancing the quality of Orthopedic training and care throughout South Africa. This passion has led me to establish the Orthopaedic Research Unit at UCT, where I proudly serve as the Director, with the invaluable support of my colleagues.

To broaden my knowledge and expertise, I pursued my MD degree at the esteemed Ludwig-Maximillian University, working under the guidance of Prof Habermeyer from the renowned German Shoulder Centre. This experience provided me with valuable insights into advanced shoulder care and surgical techniques. Building upon this foundation, I went on to complete my PhD at UCT in 2016, working closely with Prof Zar and Prof Dunn, who guided and mentored me throughout my research journey.

Through the Orthopaedic Research Unit, I am dedicated to advancing our understanding of orthopedics and driving improvements in patient care. Our collaborative research initiatives explore innovative approaches, techniques, and technologies that have the potential to enhance surgical outcomes and transform the lives of patients.

By working closely with my colleagues, I aim to contribute to the continuous improvement of orthopedic training and care in South Africa. Together, we strive to raise the bar and ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care based on the latest evidence and best practices.

We are proud authors of the open-source Orthopaedic book for Primary Care, of which I am the editor. Our current focus lies in transforming the curriculum and developing content that promotes student-centered learning. We have recently started to use artificial intelligence to create this content. I am thrilled to share that our efforts have been recognized and rewarded. We have received the prestigious open-book award from the University of Cape Town, and we have also been granted the Curriculum Transformation grant by the Department of Higher Education. These accolades highlight our commitment to educational innovation and excellence.

The Sports Orthopedic Service is a platform which connects various centres in the Western Cape with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine at UCT to provide the best possible medical care for athletic injuries. Our focus is to improve a time consuming referral system and fast-track acute soft tissue injuries in patients who will benefit from early surgical care.  This is aimed at the greater public with emphasis on access for less privileged patients with sports injuries. As such we have also treated many high-level athletes who do not have access to private healthcare, including Springbok and Western Province athletes.

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We have created public partnerships with private hospitals which enable us to operate these patients with less waiting time.

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We offer a six to twelve month lower limb fellowship which takes place at Groote Schuur Hospital, Christiaan Barnard Hospital and Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town. This fellowship is approved by the South African Orthopaedic Association. Here, myself and Marc Nortje, the Head of the Arthroplasty Unit are fellowship directors. 

Fellows gain proficiency in performing total knee and hip replacements, ACL reconstruction, meniscal repairs, MPFL reconstructions, and selected hip arthroplasty surgeries.

Academic growth is an integral part of the fellowship, with opportunities to enhance research skills through protocol writing, manuscript preparation, and presentation at congresses. 

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The fellowship offers exposure to a variety of surgical techniques. Each week, dedicated lower limb arthroplasty and knee lists provide ample opportunities to hone skills in elective cases. The Knee and Arthroplasty Units manage complex knee injuries, including multiligament injuries, periarticular fractures, and periprosthetic fractures, through trauma lists. The knee surgery volume includes approximately 80 total knee replacements (including 20 complex cases), 20 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties, and 80 arthroscopy cases (including 30 knee dislocations).

Supervision is a key aspect of the fellowship. We provide guidance and support in clinics and operating rooms. Regular assessments, meetings, and workshops, including cadaver workshops and arthroscopic simulations, contribute to the ongoing development of surgical competency.

The fellowship is tailored for candidates who possess arthroscopy skills and familiarity with knee arthroplasty. Completion of MMed and previous scientific activity/publications are preferred qualifications. Fellows with research experience are particularly encouraged to apply. (email: marilyn.vanderberg@uct.ac.za)

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READ MORE on TRAINING at UCT - RIGHT DOWN TO THE BONE

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At ARC, we recognize that joint replacement surgery plays a critical role in improving the lives of individuals with joint conditions. Through our collaborative efforts, we strive to create value for our patients and society by:

Improving Access: We are dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring that individuals in Southern Africa have increased access to joint replacement surgery. By identifying and addressing challenges related to availability, affordability, and healthcare infrastructure, we aim to make this life-changing procedure more accessible to all who need it.

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Enhancing Quality: We are committed to raising the standard of care in joint replacement surgery. Through ongoing research, continuous professional development, and the implementation of evidence-based practices, we seek to provide the highest quality of surgical interventions, anesthesia management, post-operative rehabilitation, and nursing care.

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Driving Research and Innovation: At ARC, we actively engage in research initiatives aimed at advancing joint replacement surgery. By conducting clinical studies, exploring new surgical techniques, and evaluating outcomes, we strive to continuously improve our understanding and refine our practices. Through innovation and research, we aim to shape the future of joint replacement surgery and optimize patient outcomes.

We are excited about the potential impact of the Arthroplasty Research Collaboration and the positive changes it can bring to the field of joint replacement surgery in Southern Africa. Together, we will work tirelessly to improve access, enhance quality, foster collaboration, and drive innovation, ultimately transforming the lives of individuals with joint conditions.