Jean Pierre Du Plessis is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in orthopaedic surgery, with a particular focus on shoulder and elbow conditions. His prolific contributions to the field are evidenced by his numerous publications in high-impact journals such as the European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, and EFORT Open Reviews. Dr. Du Plessis has made significant strides in understanding and managing complex shoulder conditions. His recent work includes a descriptive case series on the surgical management of distal humerus gunshot fractures and a modelling study characterizing the moment arms of the coracobrachialis and short head of biceps in native shoulders and after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Additionally, he has provided a comprehensive narrative review of treatment strategies for major glenoid defects during primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty, emphasizing the use of structural bone grafts.
His research extends to practical clinical applications, such as the retrospective audit of serum vitamin D levels in patients undergoing the Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability and the assessment and management of shoulder pain at the primary care level. Dr. Du Plessis has also explored gender-based anatomical differences in the coracoid and glenoid regions, which have implications for surgical procedures like the Latarjet.
Dr. Du Plessis's work has garnered support from prestigious institutions, including the National Science Foundation, the Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique, the Department of Higher Education and Training, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries in Tunisia. His research not only advances the field of orthopaedic surgery but also addresses critical healthcare needs in Southern Africa, as seen in his study on the migration of etonogestrel contraceptive implants. With a career marked by rigorous research and impactful clinical studies, Dr. Jean Pierre Du Plessis continues to be a leading figure in orthopaedic surgery, contributing valuable insights and advancements to the medical community.