Patient Education

Welcome to the practice

Welcome to our practice. We understand that visiting a specialist can sometimes feel unfamiliar or overwhelming, particularly if it is your first appointment or you are preparing for surgery. This short video is designed to help you become familiar with our clinic, and guide you through what to expect during your visit. Our aim is to ensure you feel comfortable, informed, and confident from the moment you arrive.

When to see an orthopaedic surgeon?

Most joint and muscle problems can be assessed and initially managed by your general practitioner or physiotherapist. However, if your symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment, significantly affect your quality of life, or you have been diagnosed with a condition that may benefit from specialist care, an orthopaedic assessment can help clarify the diagnosis and discuss your treatment options. Many conditions can be managed without surgery, and when an operation is recommended, timely assessment can help achieve the best possible outcome.

How to prepare for your first consultation

Preparing for your first consultation can help you get the most out of your appointment. If available, bring any relevant X-rays, MRI or CT scans, referral letters, and a list of your current medications. It is also helpful to write down your symptoms, when they began, what makes them better or worse, and any questions or concerns you would like to discuss, as these can be easy to forget during the appointment. Our goal is to understand your concerns, establish an accurate diagnosis, and work with you to develop an individualised treatment plan.

What happens at your first consultation

Your first consultation is an opportunity to understand your symptoms, establish an accurate diagnosis, and discuss the treatment options best suited to your individual needs. The appointment will begin with a detailed discussion of your medical history, including your symptoms, previous treatments, medical conditions, medications, and your goals for treatment. This is followed by a thorough examination of the affected joint and a review of any relevant imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans. Together, we will discuss the diagnosis and develop a personalised management plan, which may include further investigations, non-surgical treatment, or surgery where appropriate.

Why does my hip hurt?

Hip pain is a common problem and can arise from a number of different structures in and around the hip. The location of your pain often provides important clues to the underlying cause—for example, groin pain is commonly associated with the hip joint itself, while pain over the outside of the hip may be due to greater trochanteric pain syndrome, and buttock pain may originate from the hip, lower back, or surrounding muscles and tendons. A careful history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging are often needed to establish an accurate diagnosis and develop the most effective treatment plan.

Pain in the groin, is it my hip?

Groin pain is one of the most common symptoms of a problem within the hip joint, but it is not the only possible cause. Conditions such as hip osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears, and hip dysplasia can all present with pain in the groin. However, pain may also arise from muscles, tendons, hernias, or the lower back. A thorough history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging are often required to determine the source of your symptoms and guide the most appropriate treatment.

Hip Pain, 5 Common Causes

Hip pain is a common complaint and can affect people of all ages. While there are many possible causes, the majority of patients have one of a few common conditions: hip osteoarthritis, greater trochanteric pain syndrome (gluteal tendinopathy), femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), hip dysplasia, and hip labral tears. Because treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, an accurate diagnosis based on your history, examination, and appropriate imaging is essential to ensure the most effective management.

Hip Stiffness, why can't I put my shoes on?

Difficulty putting on your shoes and socks is one of the earliest and most common signs of reduced hip mobility. As the hip becomes stiff, everyday movements such as bending to tie your shoes, getting in and out of a car, crossing your legs, or climbing stairs can become increasingly difficult. Hip stiffness may be caused by osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), hip dysplasia, or other conditions affecting the joint. A thorough assessment can identify the underlying cause and help determine the most appropriate treatment to improve your mobility and quality of life.

Tight Hip Flexors?

Many people describe having “tight hip flexors” when they experience stiffness or discomfort at the front of the hip. While tight muscles can contribute to symptoms, persistent tightness is often a sign of an underlying hip problem rather than the primary cause. Conditions such as hip osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), hip dysplasia, or hip flexor tendinopathy can all lead to reduced hip movement and a feeling of tightness. Identifying the underlying cause is important, as treatment should address the source of the problem rather than the symptoms alone.

How do i know if I need a hip replacement?

Hip replacement is considered when hip pain and stiffness begin to significantly affect your quality of life and no longer respond to appropriate non-surgical treatment. Common reasons to consider hip replacement include persistent groin pain, difficulty walking, trouble putting on shoes and socks, pain that disturbs your sleep, and limitations in work, exercise, or everyday activities. The decision to proceed with surgery is based on a combination of your symptoms, physical examination, X-rays, and your individual goals, with the aim of improving pain, mobility, and quality of life.

Can I avoid a hip replacement?

Not everyone with hip arthritis or hip pain requires a hip replacement. Many patients can successfully manage their symptoms with a combination of physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, activity modification, weight management, medications, and selected injection therapies. The aim of these treatments is to reduce pain, improve function, and, where appropriate, delay or avoid surgery. However, if symptoms continue to significantly affect your quality of life despite appropriate non-surgical management, hip replacement may offer the most reliable and lasting improvement in pain and function.

What is Hip Replacement?

A hip replacement is an operation to replace a damaged or arthritic hip joint with artificial components designed to relieve pain and restore function. During the procedure, the worn surfaces of the ball and socket are removed and replaced with implants that recreate the natural movement of the hip. Hip replacement is one of the most successful operations in modern medicine, providing excellent pain relief and improved mobility for the vast majority of patients with advanced hip arthritis or conditions affecting the joint.

How long does recovery from hip replacement take?

Recovery after hip replacement is a gradual process, with most patients walking on the day of surgery and returning home within one to three days. Many people resume driving and light daily activities within a few weeks, while improvements in strength, mobility, and function continue over the following months. Although many patients feel significantly better by three months, full recovery can take up to 12 months as the muscles continue to strengthen and the body adapts to the new joint.

How painful is hip replacement?

It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort after a hip replacement, particularly during the first few weeks. However, modern surgical techniques, anaesthesia, and multimodal pain management have significantly improved the recovery experience, allowing most patients to begin walking on the day of surgery. Pain typically improves steadily over the first few weeks, and many patients find that the discomfort from surgery is soon outweighed by the relief of their longstanding arthritic pain.

Whats the best approach for hip replacement?

There is no single “best” approach to hip replacement, and the most appropriate technique depends on your individual anatomy, lifestyle, and the experience of your surgeon. Common approaches include the direct anterior, posterior, and lateral approaches, each with its own advantages and indications. When performed well, all can provide excellent long-term outcomes. The most important factors are careful patient selection, accurate implant positioning, and meticulous surgical technique.

Whats the best kind of hip replacement?

There is no single “best” hip replacement for every patient. The choice of implant, bearing surface, and method of fixation depends on factors such as your age, bone quality, activity level, underlying diagnosis, and individual anatomy. Modern hip replacements are designed to provide excellent long-term function and durability, and your surgeon will recommend the option that is most appropriate for your specific circumstances and goals.

Direct Anterior Hip (DAA) Replacement versus Posterior Hip Replacement

The direct anterior and posterior approaches are two of the most commonly performed techniques for hip replacement. Both provide excellent long-term pain relief, function, and implant longevity when performed by an experienced surgeon. The direct anterior approach may offer some advantages such as a lower risk of revision for dislocation, and earlier functional recovery for some patients, but often results in some numbness on the front of the thigh. The posterior approach is a well-established technique with excellent long-term results, and can allow for more extensive exposure in severe deformity. The most appropriate approach depends on your individual anatomy, the shape of your legs and stomach, the severity of your condition and your surgeon’s experience and expertise.

Is Robotic Hip Replacement Better?

Robotic-assisted hip replacement uses preoperative planning and computer-guided technology to help the surgeon position the implants accurately. However, the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry does not currently provide clear evidence that robotic hip replacement has a lower revision rate or better long-term outcomes than conventional hip replacement.   Additionally robotic systems are typically brand aligned, and only available for use with specific prostheses, limiting the ability of surgeons to choose their preferred joint replacements.

Robotic technology may improve planning and the precision of implant positioning, but it does not replace surgical judgement or experience. At present, patients should be cautious about claims that a robotic hip replacement is automatically safer, more successful or longer-lasting, though this may change in the future as technology and research evolves.

How long does hip replacement last?

Modern hip replacements are designed to provide reliable pain relief and improved function for many decades. The Australian National Joint Replacement Registry data indicate that approximately 92% of contemporary hip replacements performed for osteoarthritis remain unrevised at 20 years. More recent international research published in The Lancet suggests that modern hip replacements may have similar survivorship at 30 years, although individual outcomes vary according to age, activity level, diagnosis, implant choice, and other patient factors. For many patients, a hip replacement can therefore be expected to provide a durable, long-term solution.

Will I "go off" at the airport?

Many patients wonder whether their hip replacement will set off airport security scanners. While modern hip implants are made from metal and may occasionally be detected, many newer airport screening systems are less likely to be triggered than older metal detectors. If your implant is identified, security staff may perform a brief additional screening using a handheld scanner or other routine methods. There is no need to carry an implant card, as these are generally not recognised by airport security. If you are going through an older scanner and it does go off, just let the staff know you have a hip replacement. More than one million joint replacements have been done in Australia over the last 20 years, so security staff are very familiar with the scenario!

What is Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is a bone-preserving alternative to total hip replacement for carefully selected patients, particularly younger, active individuals with good bone quality. Rather than removing the entire femoral head, the damaged joint surfaces are reshaped and covered with artificial components, preserving more of the patient’s natural bone. Traditionally, hip resurfacing has been performed using metal-on-metal bearings and has been most suitable for men because of concerns regarding metal wear and outcomes in women. Newer ceramic-on-ceramic hip resurfacing implants may broaden the range of suitable patients, including selected women, although long-term outcome data are still evolving. Careful patient selection remains essential to achieve the best possible results.

Hip Replacement versus Hip Resurfacing?

Total hip replacement and hip resurfacing are both highly effective operations for treating painful hip arthritis, but they are designed for different patients. Total hip replacement is the most commonly performed procedure and is suitable for the vast majority of patients with end-stage arthritis. Hip resurfacing preserves more of the patient’s natural bone and may be an excellent option for carefully selected younger, active individuals who wish to maintain a high level of activity. The choice between the two depends on factors such as your age, bone quality, anatomy, activity level, and underlying diagnosis. Your surgeon will discuss the advantages and potential risks of each option to determine which procedure is best suited to your individual needs.

How long does recovery from hip resurfacing take? 

Recovery after hip resurfacing is generally slower than after a total hip replacement, particularly during the first few months. Most patients begin walking on the day of surgery and return home within one to three days, but are typically advised to use crutches for six weeks to protect the femoral neck while the bone heals. Low-impact activities are gradually increased during rehabilitation, while high-impact activities such as running and jumping are usually avoided for the first six months to reduce the risk of femoral neck fracture. Although many patients return to most everyday activities within 6–12 weeks, strength, function, and confidence continue to improve over 6–12 months.

What is Hip Arthroscopy?

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive (“keyhole”) surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a range of conditions affecting the hip joint. Using a small camera and specialised instruments inserted through small 'stab' incisions, your surgeon can treat problems such as labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), cartilage injuries, loose bodies, and other causes of hip pain. Hip arthroscopy aims to relieve pain, improve function, and preserve the natural hip joint, particularly in younger and more active patients with appropriate indications.