35+ years of knee, hip and back surgery.
Dr Christiaan Rudolf Oosthuizen is a Johannesburg orthopaedic surgeon known for partial knee replacement, hip replacement and the treatment of long-standing back problems.
Dr Christiaan Rudolf OosthuizenMBChB (Stellenbosch) · MMed Orthopaedics (Pretoria) · PhD (Wits)
About Dr Oosthuizen
Dr Christiaan Rudolf Oosthuizen has been an orthopaedic surgeon in private practice for more than 35 years. His work focuses on partial knee replacement, hip replacement and the treatment of long-standing back problems.
Since opening his practice in 1990, he has stayed committed to care that is guided by evidence and tailored to each patient. He believes good treatment starts with an honest diagnosis and a plan you understand.
Alongside his practice, Dr Oosthuizen teaches and does research on knee surgery. He is an Honorary Lecturer in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Training & qualifications
Dr Oosthuizen finished school in 1973, qualified as a doctor at the University of Stellenbosch in 1979 and became a specialist orthopaedic surgeon at the University of Pretoria in 1989. He started his own practice the following year.
In 2022 the University of the Witwatersrand awarded him a PhD for his research into how knee arthritis is graded and how partial and full knee replacements are chosen. His research continues to focus on choosing the right operation for the right patient.
What Dr Oosthuizen treats
Dr Oosthuizen looks after knee, hip and back problems. Common reasons patients come to see him include:
- Partial knee replacement
- Knee arthritis — diagnosis and planning
- Full (total) knee replacement
- Revision knee replacement (redo surgery)
- Hip replacement
- Long-standing back pain and wear-and-tear back conditions
Every recommendation is based on your examination, your X-rays or scans, and what fits your life — not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Practice history
Dr Oosthuizen established his private practice in 1990, consulting at Garden City Clinic and Life Flora Hospital. In 1996, he relocated his practice to Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital, where he continues to practise.
Since 2023, he has also consulted at Johannesburg Surgical Hospital in Northcliff, where he continues to provide orthopaedic care alongside his practice at Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital.
Registered credentials
Information Officer registration certificate
Dr CR Oosthuizen · Registered with the Information Regulator (SA) under POPIA s. 55 — registration no. 2026-038428.
Professional memberships
- Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
- South African Orthopaedic Association (SAOA)
- South African Knee Society (SAKS)
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- South African Spine Society (SASS)
Selected publications
- The Knee Osteoarthritis Grading System for Arthroplasty (KOGS).J Arthroplasty. 2019;(34):450–455.
- The X-Ray Knee Instability and Degenerative Score (X-KIDS).SA Orthopaedic Journal. 2015;14(3):61–69.
- The UKA (Knee Osteoarthritis Grading System) — book.CR Oosthuizen, 2019. ISBN 9781693760464.
Got a question about your knee?
Call or WhatsApp Dr Oosthuizen's rooms directly, or send a booking request and the team will come back to you within one business day.
Not for medical emergencies — phone 10177 for an ambulance or attend your nearest emergency unit.
Wondering about a partial knee replacement?
Book a consultation with Dr Oosthuizen. He'll tell you honestly whether you're a good fit and what recovery would look like for you.
- Mon·JSH·06:30 – 10:00
- Tue·Wilgeheuwel·06:30 – 10:00
- Thu·JSH·06:30 – 12:00
Orthopaedic emergencies outside consulting hours
If you experience an orthopaedic emergency outside of consulting hours, please report immediately to the Casualty Department at either Johannesburg Surgical Hospital (JSH) or Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital for assessment and treatment. The casualty doctors will provide the necessary emergency care and arrange specialist orthopaedic referral if required.