Manage symptoms and support movement
Options may include activity changes, physiotherapy, medicines, braces or casts, and selected injections. The combination depends on the condition.
Read about shoulder injectionsA GUIDE TO BONES, JOINTS & MOVEMENT
What is orthopaedics?
Orthopaedics is the medical specialty concerned with bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves — the system that supports your body and helps you move.
Explore the conditions it treats, the options beyond surgery, and what treatment and recovery can involve.
Explore treatments by body area
UNDERSTANDING ORTHOPAEDIC CARE
More than broken bones.
Orthopaedic care covers injuries, long-term joint problems and conditions that affect how the body develops and moves.
People may seek help for arthritis, sporting injuries, fractures, tendon or ligament damage, nerve compression and spinal conditions. Children’s orthopaedics and the treatment of bone and soft tissue tumours are specialist areas of care.
An assessment brings together your symptoms, medical history, an examination and any necessary tests to guide the next steps.
UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS
How are orthopaedic conditions treated?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis, its effect on daily life and your goals. An operation is one option within a wider care plan.
Repair, reconstruct or replace
Procedures include arthroscopy, tendon and ligament surgery, fracture treatment and joint replacement. Your specialist explains the purpose, alternatives and risks.
Browse proceduresWork towards everyday activities
Recovery may involve exercises, physiotherapy and follow-up appointments to support strength, movement and function, with or without surgery.
Understand recoveryCONDITIONS & TREATMENT GUIDES
Explore care by body area.
Start with the area that concerns you. Each guide explains the condition or procedure, when it may be considered and what to discuss with your specialist.
01
Hip
Explore care for hip arthritis, injury and restricted movement, including joint replacement and keyhole surgery.
Conditions & care overviewTotal hip replacementReplacement of the damaged hip ball and socket to address pain and restricted movement.Anterior hip replacementHip replacement through the front of the joint, with suitability assessed for your individual hip.Hip arthroscopyKeyhole surgery for selected problems within and around the hip joint.Revision hip replacementAssessment and surgery for problems with an existing hip replacement.Robotic assisted hip replacementComputer-assisted planning and surgeon-controlled technology for selected hip replacements.
02
Knee
Understand options for knee arthritis, ligament injuries, kneecap instability and a previous joint replacement.
Conditions & care overviewTotal knee replacementExplore the options for a painful or damaged knee, with specialist advice on total knee replacement and a care plan suited to your needs.Partial knee replacementReplacement of one damaged knee compartment while retaining suitable healthy joint surfaces.ACL reconstructionSurgery to restore knee stability after an anterior cruciate ligament injury.Knee arthroscopyKeyhole surgery for selected injuries and mechanical problems inside the knee.Kneecap replacement and stabilisationTreatment options for arthritis or instability where the kneecap meets the thigh bone.Revision knee replacementTreatment for wear, loosening or other complications affecting a previous knee replacement.Robotic assisted knee surgeryTechnology-assisted planning and implant positioning for selected knee replacements.
03
Shoulder
Learn about treatment for shoulder arthritis, tendon and labral injuries, pain and loss of movement.
Conditions & care overviewShoulder replacement surgeryReplacement options for a severely damaged shoulder joint when other treatments no longer provide enough relief.Shoulder arthroscopyKeyhole surgery to assess and treat selected shoulder problems.Biceps tenodesis and tenotomySurgical options for persistent pain associated with the long head of the biceps tendon.SLAP tear treatment and repairAssessment of an injury to the upper shoulder labrum and its attachment to the biceps tendon.
04
Hand, elbow & wrist
Read about nerve compression, elbow joint problems and wrist damage that affects everyday hand function.
Conditions & care overview05
Ankle & foot
Explore care for ankle arthritis and instability, painful bunions and selected problems inside the ankle joint.
Conditions & care overviewAnkle arthroscopyKeyhole surgery to assess and treat selected problems within the ankle joint.Ankle ligament reconstructionSurgical treatment for an ankle that remains unstable after ligament injury.Total ankle replacementReplacement of a damaged ankle joint for selected people with advanced arthritis.Keyhole bunion surgeryMinimally invasive correction for selected painful bunions.Open bunion surgeryCorrection of a painful bunion through an open surgical approach.Ankle block for foot surgeryA local anaesthetic option for selected foot procedures and pain relief after surgery.
06
Spine
Understand assessment and treatment for back or neck symptoms, disc problems and changes in spinal alignment.
Conditions & care overview07
Children’s orthopaedics
Growing bones need age-appropriate care. Options may include observation, bracing, casting, rehabilitation or surgery.
Conditions & care overview08
Bone & soft tissue tumours
Specialist investigations guide care for benign growths and cancers. Treatment is planned with the relevant cancer care team.
Conditions & care overviewOrthopaedic oncology surgerySurgery for selected bone and soft tissue tumours, planned with the wider cancer care team.ChemotherapyUnderstand the role of chemotherapy in a coordinated treatment plan for selected cancers.RadiotherapyUnderstand how radiation treatment may fit into care for a bone or soft tissue tumour.
INJURIES & FRACTURES
Care after an injury.
Fractures and sporting injuries can affect any body area. Assessment helps determine whether protection, rehabilitation or surgery is appropriate.
BEFORE & AFTER TREATMENT
Recovery is part of the plan.
Understanding the next steps can help you prepare. Your care plan may cover pain management, wound or cast care, exercise and follow-up appointments.
Ask how treatment could affect work, driving, sport and support at home. Recovery milestones vary, so follow the advice given for your own condition.
Patient informationYOUR FIRST CONSULTATION
What to bring and what to expect
Referral, scans, medicines and questions for your specialist.
PREPARING FOR A PROCEDUREPlan for treatment and time at home
Read about preparation, hospital arrangements and recovery support.
REHABILITATION & FOLLOW-UPBuild movement and confidence
Understand the role of physiotherapy after surgery.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Understanding your care.
Are orthopedics and orthopaedics the same thing?
Yes. Both spellings describe the same medical specialty. Orthopaedics is the spelling commonly used in Australia.
Does seeing an orthopaedic specialist mean I need surgery?
No. A consultation helps identify the cause of your symptoms and discuss suitable options. Your plan may involve non-surgical treatment, monitoring or surgery, depending on your condition.
How is the right treatment chosen?
Your specialist considers your symptoms, examination, relevant imaging, general health and goals. Ask about the likely benefits, risks, alternatives and recovery requirements of each option.
What is the difference between arthroscopy and joint replacement?
Arthroscopy uses a small camera and instruments to assess or treat selected problems within a joint. Joint replacement replaces damaged joint surfaces with implants. They address different problems and are not interchangeable.
Will I need a referral?
A referral from your GP or another medical practitioner provides useful information about your medical history and may be needed for a Medicare rebate. Check the requirements before your appointment.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies with the condition, treatment and person. Your specialist will explain expected milestones, rehabilitation and the timing of a return to work, driving or sport.