Dr M Yusuf Hassan
Dr. M. Yusuf Hassan is a world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon and knee specialist — the founder and medical lead behind the African Sports Science Institute Clinic (ASSIC).
With a lifelong passion for health, fitness, and sports medicine, he combines clinical expertise with cutting-edge research to help athletes and individuals achieve peak musculoskeletal health.
Professional Background
Dr. Hassan serves as a Senior Lecturer in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he is actively involved in academic teaching and clinical training.
In 2023, Dr. Hassan and the 2007 Springbok Rugby Team were inducted into the South African Hall of Fame for their scientific and medical contributions to the sport.
He continues to inspire and educate the next generation of surgeons while maintaining an active clinical practice.
Qualifications & Training
- MBChB (UCT) – Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
- FC Orth (SA) – Fellow of the College of Orthopaedic Surgeons of South Africa
- MPhil (Sports Medicine, UCT) – Master’s in Sports Medicine
Dr. Hassan completed a Knee Fellowship under Dr. Willem van der Merwe at the Sports Science Orthopaedic Clinic, where he refined his expertise in advanced surgical techniques.
Specialisation: Knee Surgery
As a leading knee surgeon, Dr. Hassan specialises in:
- Total and partial (uni) knee replacements
- Arthroscopic meniscal repair
- Chondroplasty procedures
- Ligament reconstruction
- Minimally invasive and advanced surgical interventions
He consults at both private and public hospitals, offering patients comprehensive care from diagnosis through recovery.
Knee surgeon specialist
He specialises in knee surgery including total and uni-knee replacements and minimally invasive procedures such as arthroscopic meniscal repair, chondroplasty and ligament reconstruction of the knee.
He is a registered orthopaedic surgeon FC Orth (SA) and completed a knee fellowship with Dr W van der Merwe at the Sports Science Orthopaedic Clinic. He is currently consulting at both private and public hospitals. He is a highly experienced specialist orthopaedic surgeon.
Academic & Research Contributions
At the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, Dr. Hassan collaborated with Professor Tim Noakes, publishing research on post-exercise cardiac fatigue.
His academic interests span sports-related injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimisation.
He is also the author of Cricket IQ, a book published during the 2003 Cricket World Cup, which explores the science and strategy of cricket performance.
Sports Medicine Experience
Dr. Hassan’s career in sports medicine includes extensive involvement with elite teams:
- Springbok Rugby Team Doctor (2004–2007)
Developed and implemented injury prevention, screening, and rehabilitation programs.
Introduced scientifically quantified exercise parameters and reinforced the concept of training periodisation — key components in the Springboks’ 2007 Rugby World Cup victory. - Stormers & Western Province Rugby Teams
Provided international medical support and honed his expertise in musculoskeletal ultrasonography. - South African Proteas Cricket Team
Served as consulting physician, contributing to high-performance injury management and research.
Involvement in rugby and cricket
As the Stormers and Western Province rugby doctor, he travelled internationally and developed his muscular skeletal ultrasonography skills.
Whilst employed as Springbok rugby doctor (2004-2007) he developed screening, injury prevention and injury management strategies, scientifically quantified exercise parameters and re-inforced the concept of periodisation in preparation for the Rugby World Cup in 2007.
He successfully led the sports science medical team in contributing to the team’s 2007 Rugby World Cup win.
While consulting with the South African Protea cricket team he published a book “Cricket IQ” at the time of the Cricket World Cup, hosted in South Africa (2003).