About Dr Erasmus

Dr Pieter “Spike” Erasmus
MB ChB · MMed(Orth) · FCS(Orth)(SA)
Knee Surgeon · Researcher · Author · 1980–2026

Dr Erasmus dedicated 46 years to advancing the science and surgery of the knee, establishing himself as one of South Africa’s foremost knee specialists and a recognised authority on patellofemoral surgery internationally. He remains associated with the practice in an advisory capacity.

Dr Erasmus maintains a special interest in patellofemoral problems, an area in which he has earned worldwide recognition. He remains involved with the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport (SAS). https://sastraining.co.za/

Away from medicine, Dr Erasmus will be spending time on his farm in Somerset East, where he pursues game farming, trains his Vizsla (Hungarian Pointer) dogs, and attends to his Nooitgedacter horses.

Contact: knee@orthoclinic.co.za

Academic Highlights
55 peer-reviewed publications
69 international presentations
25 countries
6 continents
97 presentations at local meetings

Awards
★ Best Paper by a Registrar, SAOA (1979)
MMed Orthopaedics, Cum Laude (1980)
★ Gold Medal, Best Paper, SASMA (1991)

View Full Academic record as web page

Dr Pieter “Spike” Erasmus has stepped down from clinical practice after a distinguished career spanning 46 years. The Knee Clinic Stellenbosch continues under the care of Dr Ricci Morkel and Dr Neil van der Walt. Dr Erasmus remains available in an advisory capacity.

Research and Teaching Contributions: As a member of the editorial board of the American Journal of Sport Medicine (AJSM), he plays a pivotal role in shaping the discourse in his field. He has authored and co-authored an impressive 39 peer-reviewed international articles, showcasing his dedication to advancing orthopaedic knowledge. His passion for education is further evident in his numerous presentations, with 69 on an international stage and 94 at local events.

Professional Affiliations: Dr Erasmus is a proud member of several esteemed associations, including the International Patella Study Group (IPSG), European Knee Associates (EKA), and the European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery, and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) and the Personalized Arthroplasty Society. Beyond this, he holds the esteemed position of founding member and two-term President of the South African Knee Society (SAKS) and actively participates in the South African Arthroplasty Society (SAAS).

Educational Journey: Dr Erasmus initiated his medical journey at the University of Stellenbosch, earning his MBChB degree. His relentless dedication to excellence propelled him to pursue further studies, culminating in an MMed in Orthopedic Surgery with Cum Laude honours. Additionally, he obtained the FC Ortho from the South African College of Surgeons.

Research and Teaching Contributions: A relentless pursuit of knowledge characterizes Dr Erasmus’s illustrious career. As a member of the editorial board of the American Journal of Sport Medicine (AJSM), he plays a pivotal role in shaping the discourse in his field. Dr Erasmus has authored and co-authored an impressive 39 peer-reviewed international articles, showcasing his dedication to advancing orthopaedic knowledge. His passion for education is further evident in his numerous presentations, with 69 on an international stage and 94 at local events.

Other Activities: Beyond the operating room, Dr Erasmus finds joy and balance in various activities. He is an avid runner and hiker, and his interests extend to farming and amateur horticulture. Dr Erasmus is also a breeder of top Vizsla dogs, showcasing a diverse range of passions beyond the realm of orthopaedic surgery. Embark on the multifaceted journey of Dr Spike Erasmus—an expert in orthopaedic knee surgery, a scholar, and a passionate individual with diverse interests that enrich both his professional and personal life.

Dr William Post – Chairman International Patello Femoral Study group (IPSG)
Spike. you are such a special part of our group. I love your presentations, filled with the wisdom of experience and humility, yet overflowing with excellence. I always learn from you. So glad you were there. God willing, I sure hope to see you in Big Sky.

Dr Matteo Marullo European Knee Associates (EKA)
Dear Spike,
Thank you very much. I am really happy to have met you. You and your work played a huge role in getting me hooked on the patellofemoral joint.
Hope to see you soon.

Aleksandra Carstens
Had the best experience ever
This is a doctor in his full calling

Jill Schar
3 weeks ago I had a complete knee replacement. Thanks to Dr Spike who is a brilliant specialist with an incredible team from the theatre to his rooms.

Mariandre Roux
What an absolute gem of a doctor. If it was not for Dr Erasmus, his dedicated team and excellent staff in the greatest hospital I’ve ever been in I would have been in a wheelchair by now. No other doctor in South Africa wanted to help me and operate on my totally degenerate knee and fix the extra problem of a birth defect.

Piet Erasmus, CEO Safety SA
My Dad has been an unbelievable role model to me.
I have always been impressed by his perseverance, self-discipline, positive mind frame, innovation and love of life.