What we do

Our specialists provide personalised treatments to relieve pain and restore mobility, getting you back to doing what you love.

Knee conditions

  • Knee fractures are any type of break in the bones which make up the knee joint. Most are in the kneecap, which accounts for about 1% of all skeletal injuries in all age groups , but knee fractures can also occur in the sections of shin bone and thigh bone which make up the knee joint.

    Ascent Orthopaedics provides a unique, Adelaide-based fracture service for acute fractures and expert management for all types of knee injuries. Request a referral to Ascent Orthopaedics for specialist knee support.

  • There are four main ligaments in the knee, each of which plays a role in regular movement. The two cruciate ligaments – the ACL and PCL – are located in the back and centre of the knee, controlling its rotation and forward-backward movements. Collateral ligaments – the MCL and LCL – stabilise the knee’s inner and outer sides.

    Though some are more susceptible to injury than others, all can be damaged in sports and can sideline a player for the rest of the season. If a damaged ligament has put your game on hold, contact Orthopaedics SA for expert assessment and treatment.

  • Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that affects joints including bone, cartilage, ligaments and muscles.

    It may include inflammation of the tissue around a joint, damage to joint surface cartilage, bony spurs growing around the edge of a joint and/or deterioration of ligaments and tendons that control the joint. Osteoarthritis may affect any joint, but occurs most often in the knees, hips, finger joints and big toe. It tends to be more common in people aged over 40 years or those who have had joint injuries.

  • Patellofemoral dislocation happens when the patella (kneecap) becomes detached from the femur (thigh bone) and moves out of its regular place.

    The injury is extremely painful and will prevent the sufferer from walking, though it is fortunately much less serious than other dislocation injuries. A dislocated kneecap will often correct by itself, though consulting an orthopaedic surgeon is recommended nonetheless to prevent complications and identify issues that may prevent adequate healing.

    Orthopaedic surgeons at Orthopaedics SA consult and operate throughout Adelaide and beyond. For an expert opinion regarding your knee injury, contact the friendly team at Ortho SA.

  • Patellofemoral pain, also known as ‘Runner’s knee’, is pain which originates at the front of the knee and may spread around the kneecap (patella). It is particularly common in women and young adults – especially those who play sports – although it can also affect non-athletes.

  • Almost every person who plays sports will be affected by a sports injury at some point in their life. These injuries can range in severity from a minor inconvenience to a life-changing incident.

    Orthopaedics SA provides leading sports injury treatment across Adelaide and many regional areas of South Australia. With surgeons who specialise in treating all major joints available, you can find the one to manage your sports injury here. Many of our surgeons are avid sports players themselves, so they understand the importance of returning to a body that you can play sports well in.

  • Orthopaedic trauma refers to injuries of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels, or related soft tissues that most commonly occur during sports, exercise or any other physical activity.

    Trauma may be a result of accidents, poor training practices or with use of improper gear. Injuries may also be caused when an individual is not medically fit or because of insufficient warm up and stretching exercises. Musculoskeletal injuries are a group of painful disorders that arise due to wear and tear resulting in impairment in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

Knee treatments

  • The anterior cruciate ligament is the most commonly disrupted ligament in the knee.

    Our understanding of the anterior cruciate ligament and its importance to knee stability has increased greatly over the past 20 years, as has our ability to diagnose and treat this injury.

  • Arthroscopic surgery of the knee is performed using a small telescope (arthroscope) and operating instruments which are inserted through, three punctures (usually) approximately 5 millimetres long.

    Using this technique, it is possible to remove torn cartilage and other loose pieces as well as perform various other forms of surgery within the knee using special instruments without the necessity for open the knee.

  • Orthopaedics SA’s Adelaide-based orthopaedic clinic is committed to providing high-quality care and treatment for patients with knee joint conditions, including patellofemoral problems.

    The patella (kneecap) and the femur (thigh bone) meet at the knee joint. When problems arise in this area, it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and instability. Activities that involve bending the knee, such as running, jumping, and climbing stairs, can exacerbate these symptoms.

    If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. The earlier a patellofemoral problem is diagnosed, the more treatment options are available.

  • Revision Knee Replacement means that part or all of your previous knee replacement needs to be revised.

    Surgery is not a pleasant prospect for anyone, but for some people with arthritis, it could mean the difference between leading a normal life or putting up with a debilitating condition. Surgery can be regarded as part of your treatment plan it may help to restore function to your damaged joints as well as relieve pain.

    Surgery is only offered once non-operative treatment has failed. It is an important decision to make and ultimately it is an informed decision between you, your surgeon, family and medical practitioner.

    Although most people are extremely happy with their new knee, complications can occur and you must be aware of these prior to making a decision. If you are undecided, it is best to wait until you are sure this is the procedure for you.

  • Robotic surgery utilises computer-assisted planning combined with a robotic arm guided by your surgeon. It is an advancement of a current technology using computer navigation to assist positioning of a joint replacement implant.

    Used regularly by our surgeons since 2017, robotic assisted joint replacement is a relatively new technology. The major aim is to assist the surgeon in achieving highly accurate placement of a hip or knee prosthesis. Hip and knee replacements already are proven to provide excellent long term outcomes. As robotics is relatively new there are not yet any studies on how this technology affects ‘long term’ outcomes. Shorter term studies have been undertaken and published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

  • A total knee replacement is an operation performed on a knee joint damaged by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, accidents or sports injuries. It is carried only after other forms of treatment have no further benefit.

    The knee is commonly referred to as a hinge joint. It is a major weight bearing joint that is supported by cartilage, ligaments and muscles that allow it to move smoothly as you bend and straighten your leg.

    In South Australia over 1,500 people have knee replacement surgery each year.

  • Unicompartmental or partial knee replacement replaces the worn part of the knee whilst retaining the healthy part of the knee.

    This is not a new concept but there has been resurgence in popularity recently. Better instruments allow for better tissue balancing and also allow for minimally invasive surgery.

    Most commonly the medial compartment of the knee is replaced though occasionally in patients with disabling lateral compartment or patellofemoral (knee cap) arthritis this procedure would be suitable.

Hip conditions

  • Hip Dysplasia is an abnormality of the hip, occurring when the ball and socket of the hip do not fit together in their ‘normal’ position. Hip dysplasia, also commonly referred to as ‘clicky hips’, is also known as development dysplasia of the hip (DDH). It is a very common hip abnormality worldwide, and 8 to 10 Australian children per day are diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia affects more girls than boys.

    The hip joint is made up of a ball and socket; the head of the thigh bone (femur) is the ball and the socket (acetabulum) is part of the pelvis. When the ligaments around this ball and socket joint are loose, it can cause the hip joint to become misaligned. The hip joint is considered to be ‘dislocated’ or ‘subluxated’ when the ball and socket do not fit together in their ‘normal’ position. The hip can also be ‘dysplastic’ which means the shape is not normal.

  • Hip fractures are usually breaks in the top part of the femur (thigh bone), rather than the hip socket. Two parts of this bone are prone to breaking – the femoral neck, where the ball-shaped top of your thigh bone meets the rest of your femur, and the intertrochanteric region, which is the part of your thigh bone that juts outward.

    At Orthopaedics SA, our team of highly trained surgeons assesses and treat all forms of hip fractures. Ask your doctor for a referral to one of our specialists.

  • Osteoarthritis is a condition that affects joints including bone, cartilage, ligaments and muscles. Osteoarthritis can include inflammation of the tissue around the hip joint, damage to joint surface cartilage, bony spurs growing around the edge of the hip joint and/or deterioration of the ligaments and tendons that hold the joint together.

    Osteoarthritis tends to be more common in people aged over 40 years or those who have had joint injuries. The condition may also be referred to as Osteoarthrosis.

  • Almost every person who plays sports will be affected by a sports injury at some point in their life. These injuries can range in severity from a minor inconvenience to a life-changing incident.

    Orthopaedics SA provides leading sports injury treatment across Adelaide and many regional areas of South Australia. With surgeons who specialise in treating all major joints available, you can find the one to manage your sports injury here. Many of our surgeons are avid sports players themselves, so they understand the importance of returning to a body that you can play sports well in.

  • Orthopaedic trauma refers to injuries of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels, or related soft tissues that most commonly occur during sports, exercise or any other physical activity.

    Trauma may be a result of accidents, poor training practices or with use of improper gear. Injuries may also be caused when an individual is not medically fit or because of insufficient warm up and stretching exercises. Musculoskeletal injuries are a group of painful disorders that arise due to wear and tear resulting in impairment in the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

  • Trochanteric bursitis or hip bursitis is a condition most often found in middle aged or elderly people. It is however; not uncommon in athletes and football or soccer players where extended periods of running are required.

    Bursae are found throughout the body, particularly in the shoulder, knee, ankle and hip joints. They are small sacs of fluid, which cushion and lubricate the areas between the bones, muscles and tendons of the joints. When these bursae or sacs become irritated or inflamed, more fluid accumulates in the bursa, and will result in bursitis. Inflammation of the trochanteric bursa is a common cause of hip pain.

Hip treatments

  • Anterior hip replacement is one of three common approaches (anterior, lateral and posterior) used to place a total hip replacement. It involves approaching surgery from the front of the hip joint (as opposed to the side or back of the joint).

    Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures of all time . It is extremely effective in alleviating pan caused by arthritis, injuries, and many other hip conditions.

    The anterior approach to hip replacement, in particular, has seen a resurgence in recent years. Several surgeons at Orthopaedics SA offer the approach from hospitals across Adelaide.

    Also called a minimally invasive hip replacement, this approach offers a range of benefits that can make it a great alternative to a conventional hip replacement.

    If you have hip arthritis, please arrange a consultation with one of our highly qualified joint replacement surgeons to discuss how we can optimise treatment for you.

  • Hip arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure in which a small camera is inserted through an incision in the hip. The camera, which displays an image of the inside of the hip joint on a video monitor, is used by a surgeon to help diagnose some hip conditions and guide surgical procedures. The small size of the arthroscope, and the surgical instruments used, allow the surgeon to perform the procedure through several small incisions.

    Although it is less frequently performed than shoulder or knee arthroscopy, hip arthroscopy has been regularly performed for many years. It is performed by orthopaedic surgeons who have undergone specialist training in hip arthroscopy.

  • Hip replacement surgery is the process where your surgeon removes damaged sections of the hip joint, and replaces them with an artificial joint. The purpose of this operation is to improve the function of the hip, remove pain, and restore the functionality.

    Hip replacement is a very common orthopaedic procedure which typically carries a high success rate.

    Because it is major surgery, hip replacements are usually performed if non-surgical treatments and lifestyle modifications are no longer providing adequate mobility and pain relief.

  • This means that part or all of your previous hip replacement needs to be revised.

    This operation varies from a minor adjustment to a considerable operation replacing significant amount of bone. Total Hip Replacement (THR) procedure replaces all or part of the hip joint with an artificial device (prosthesis) with a plastic liner in between to restore joint movement.

    A hip may need to be revised due to pain, plastic (polyethylene) wear, dislocation (instability), loosening of either the femoral or acetabular component, infection or osteolysis (bone loss).

  • Robotic surgery utilises computer-assisted planning combined with a robotic arm guided by your surgeon. It is an advancement of a current technology using computer navigation to assist positioning of a joint replacement implant.

    Robotic assisted joint replacement is a relatively new technology, though it has been in use overseas for approximately 10 years. The major aim is to assist the surgeon in achieving highly accurate placement of a hip or knee prosthesis. Hip and knee replacements already are proven to provide excellent long term outcomes. Many shorter term studies have been undertaken and published in peer-reviewed medical journals. As robotics is relatively new there are not yet any studies on how this technology affects ‘long term’ outcomes.

  • Total Hip Replacement is the surgery performed to replace a damaged or worn hip joint.

    A smooth and compressible substance known as articular cartilage coats the surface of the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum). Arthritis occurs when the articular cartilage wears away exposing the underlying bone. This causes roughening and distortion of the joint, resulting in painful and restricted movement. A limp will often develop and the leg may become weak and shortened.

    The new joint relieves pain, improves walking ability, decreases stiffness and in most cases restores leg length and may correct the limp.

    Osteoarthritis of the hip is generally a disease of the older person but may occur in younger people following rheumatoid arthritis, fractures of the hip and other rarer conditions.