Travels and transformations: Stories in limb reconstruction

In his inaugural lecture, Prof Nando Ferreira reflects on his career in limb reconstruction surgery through a series of illustrative patient stories. The lecture explores his journey from studying orthopaedics to becoming a leading specialist in limb reconstruction.

Supported by case examples, Prof Ferreira reflects on his career path, the impact of innovative surgical techniques, his research contributions, and his role in mentoring international fellows and teaching limb reconstruction techniques to surgeons from across the globe. The lecture also incorporates the influential work of pioneers in the field, providing context on the development of the profession.

By sharing the narratives of patients who travelled far for life-changing surgeries, Prof Ferreira illustrates the profound impact of limb reconstruction on individuals’ lives and sheds light on the significant advances in this field.

WATCH THE INAUGURAL LECTURE HERE

Short biography

Promoted to full professor in 2020, Prof Nando Ferreira has been heading up the Clinical Unit: Tumour, Sepsis and Reconstruction of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) since joining the institution in 2016. He specialises in musculoskeletal infection and post-traumatic limb reconstruction, and is committed to advancing treatment approaches and enhancing patient outcomes in these complex areas. This he does through research, teaching and collaborative efforts.

His academic journey includes a BSc in Human Physiology and Genetics and a medical degree from SU, followed by orthopaedic training at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Prof Ferreira’s expertise was further enriched by additional training in the Ilizarov technique for bone reconstruction during a visit to Russia in 2011. His doctoral research, completed in 2015, focused on innovative approaches to tibial non-union treatment.

As an educator, he has supervised more than 20 master’s students and five PhD candidates, focusing on cultivating the next generation of orthopaedic professionals. In addition, he serves as director of the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Fellowship at SU, where he has trained surgeons from across the world. He has secured over R8 million in grants to support his fellowship and training programmes, which have significantly contributed to the development of limb reconstruction techniques and regenerative medicine.

Outside SU, Prof Ferreira is actively involved in the South African Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society, including serving as its president from 2016 to 2023. As editor-in-chief of the South African Orthopaedic Journal, he plays a key role in shaping scholarly discourse in orthopaedics.

A prolific author, he has published over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and eight book chapters. His research has appeared in prominent journals such as The Bone & Joint Journal and Injury, reflecting his ongoing contributions to orthopaedic knowledge and practice.