About the Journal

The South African Orthopaedic Journal (SAOJ), also known as the SA Orthopaedic Journal (SA Orthop J), is the official journal of the South African Orthopaedic Association (SAOA). It is a non-profit, peer-reviewed scientific publication. The objectives of the Association include the advancement of the science and art of Orthopaedic Surgery in South Africa and the SAOJ serves to fulfil this objective.

The South African Orthopaedic Journal was established by the SAOA in 2002 under the editorship of Prof R Grabe. It was the first peer-reviewed orthopaedic journal published on the continent of Africa. An online platform was added following the journal's acceptance to the Academy of Sciences of South Africa.

The aim of the South African Orthopaedic Journal is to serve as a platform for the publication of original scientific research and the advancement of knowledge in the field of orthopaedic surgery and related sub-disciplines in South Africa. While the emphasis is placed on the South African perspective and relevance to orthopaedic surgeons in a developing world setting, we strive to maintain an international audience. Furthermore, the SAOJ aims to disseminate orthopaedic knowledge in order to keep orthopaedic surgeons and related healthcare providers abreast of the local and international developments in orthopaedics.

The scope of publication encompasses all orthopaedic surgery sub-disciplines, including paediatric orthopaedics, hip, knee, tumour and sepsis, spine, shoulder and elbow, foot and ankle and hand surgery. In addition, the journal addresses the subjects of orthopaedic service delivery, teaching, training and research.