Professor Robert Dunn Orthopedic surgeon Observatory

Professor Robert Dunn – Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon in Observatory, Cape Town

About Professor Robert Dunn

Professor Robert Dunn is an experienced orthopaedic spine surgeon, having practised for over 20 years across both the private and public sectors. After completing his undergraduate and postgraduate training at the University of Cape Town, Professor Dunn undertook an 18-month clinical spine fellowship in London. This fellowship allowed him to gain valuable exposure to a wide range of spine surgeries at renowned institutions, including University College London Hospitals, the Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

Professor Dunn is widely recognised for his expertise in managing a variety of spine pathologies and performs both anterior and posterior spine surgeries on the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, tailoring his approach based on the specific needs of each patient. He holds particular expertise in treating spinal deformities, particularly adult sagittal imbalance and paediatric scoliosis.

To date, Professor Dunn has performed over 4,500 spine surgeries, making him one of the most experienced spine surgeons in the country. He is one of the few surgeons in South Africa who performs complex procedures such as pedicle subtraction osteotomies and vertebral column resections.

Services Offered by Professor Robert Dunn

Professor Dunn provides a comprehensive range of spine-related services. His focus is on both surgical and non-surgical management of spine disorders, providing tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of his patients. Here are some of the services available at his practice:

Spinal Deformity Treatment

Professor Dunn has a particular interest and expertise in spinal deformities. He treats a wide range of conditions, including:

• Adult Sagittal Imbalance – A condition where the spine has an abnormal curvature, causing pain and difficulty with posture.
• Paediatric Scoliosis – A sideways curvature of the spine that affects children and adolescents.

Spine Surgery

Professor Dunn performs a variety of spine surgeries, including:

• Cervical Spine Surgery – Surgery on the neck region of the spine, for conditions such as degenerative disc disease or fractures.
• Thoracic Spine Surgery – Surgical interventions for the upper and middle back.
• Lumbar Spine Surgery – Treatment for lower back conditions such as herniated discs, lumbar stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.

Complex Spine Surgeries

Professor Dunn is one of the few surgeons in South Africa capable of performing complex spine surgeries, including:

• Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy (PSO) – A surgery used to correct severe deformities in the spine.
• Vertebral Column Resection – A procedure to remove sections of the vertebrae to correct deformities or severe misalignments.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

In addition to traditional open surgery, Professor Dunn incorporates minimally invasive techniques for certain spine conditions. These procedures typically involve smaller incisions, which can lead to faster recovery and less pain for patients.

Additional Information

Professor Dunn’s work extends beyond the clinic. He was appointed to the Pieter Moll and Nuffield Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Cape Town in 2012, where he also serves as the head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He continues to oversee services at Groote Schuur Hospital and Red Cross Children’s Hospital, institutions at the forefront of South Africa’s healthcare system.

An esteemed academic, Professor Dunn has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and regularly delivers lectures at both national and international conferences. He has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as President of SA Spine and as a board member of the Scoliosis Research Society and AOSpine.