Orthopaedic Surgery
Experts in the Musculoskeletal System
Your musculoskeletal system is responsible for every movement you make. From something as simple as raising an arm, to more complex movements such as running or throwing a ball, they’re all controlled by the musculoskeletal system. It’s built up of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerves. When you sustain an injury, it can greatly impact your day-to-day life.
In some cases, injuries can be so debilitating that the only treatment option is surgery. In which case you’ll be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon. An orthopaedic surgeon specialises in the musculoskeletal system. They know the ins and outs of how the body works. Their scope of practice includes diagnosing, treating, preventing and rehabilitating injuries and conditions.
What do they treat?
With over 200 bones and 600 muscles in the human body, there’s a lot that can go wrong. Orthopaedic surgeons have extensive knowledge and practice in treating injuries and conditions including:
- Neck, back, ankle, foot, hip and knee pain
- Trauma and fractures
- Carpal tunnel, shoulder, hand and finger injuries
- Injuries sustained during sport
- Injuries to the muscles, spine, facets, discs and nerves
- Pain from osteoarthritis and arthritis
- Bone tumours
- Soft tissue injuries - tendons, muscles and ligaments
Know when to take a break
Overuse injury is responsible for approximately half of all sport injuries that orthopaedic surgeons see and treat. So take a break and consult a physio when something doesn’t feel right.
Orthopaedic procedures
The musculoskeletal system is so extensive that most orthopaedic surgeons choose to sub-specialise. This allows them to treat conditions of a specific area of the body to the best precision and knowledge. There are many different procedures that an orthopaedic surgeon may perform. Which type of procedure and treatment will depend on the area and structures involved, as well as the severity of the problem. Common procedures include:
- Fusion: A procedure where rods are used to fuse bones together
- Internal fixation: Using plates, screws or pins, pieces of bone are held together
- Joint replacement: A whole or partially damaged joint is removed and replaced by an artificial one
- Osteotomy: A procedure in which bone deformity is corrected by cutting and repositioning the bone
- Soft tissue repair: Surgical procedure to repair tendons or ligaments
Frequently Asked Questions
Although experienced in performing orthopaedic surgeries, they may not always be prescribed. Surgical treatment of your condition will vary depending on your needs.
Some common orthopaedic surgeries include arthroscopy, joint replacement, ligament reconstruction and fracture repair.
Yes. Please bring any x-rays, MRI scans and ultrasounds to your appointment. It can also be helpful for you to write a list of questions you may wish to ask.
With any surgical procedure, you’ll likely experience some discomfort and swelling. Your surgeon and medical team will help to effectively manage any pain and ensure you’re healing as expected.
Many factors influence your recovery timeline. Depending on your condition, and the severity of the procedure, it may take a few weeks to several months. On your road to recovery, you will more than likely have to follow a rehabilitation program. You may be referred to a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist for this treatment.
The goal of operative treatment is to restore function and get you moving pain-free. However, there can sometimes be limitations after surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss realistic expectations with you before surgery.
What can I expect from my initial consultation?
If your GP believes your condition may need surgery, you’ll be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon. Although trained and experienced in operative treatment, surgery may not always be recommended. Surgery is an alternative if your condition cannot be alleviated by non-surgical methods. In your initial appointment, your orthopaedic surgeon will diagnose your condition. They’ll examine any x-rays, MRI’s or ultrasounds that you may have. This helps to accurately determine the best treatment option for you.
If your condition cannot improve through rehabilitation, then surgery may be the answer. Your surgeon will explain to you in detail what they believe is the best option. They’ll also discuss any procedures, realistic recovery expectations and ongoing plans.
Orthopaedic surgeons work as part of a larger treating team. You’ll likely see a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist for post-operative care.
Orthopaedic Surgery Consult
As our surgeons are consultants, we are unable to book appointments on their behalf. Please refer to each of our surgeons relative contact details below to book an appointment.
Meet Our Orthopaedic Surgeons
Dr Timothy McMeniman
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Brisbane Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre (BOSMC)
Phone: 07 3839 5095
Email: tmoffice@bosmc.com.au
Dr Richard Hanly
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Lower Limb Clinic Brisbane
Phone: 1300 055 220
Email: admin@llcb.com.au
Dr Tony O’Neill
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Brisbane Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre (BOSMC)
Phone: 07 3834 6623
Email: office@drtonyoneill.com.au
Non-surgical treatment is always considered
Too often we see patients who have been dealing with pain for months, even years, because they ‘think’ they finally need surgery. If possible, we’d rather treat you non-operatively – so consult us sooner rather than later.
Contact QSMC
If you’re unsure whether your condition or injury requires surgery, make an appointment with one of our Physiotherapist’s who can guide you in the right direction.
Bowen Hills Clinic
16 Thompson Street, Bowen Hills
Woolloongabba Clinic
812 Stanley Street, Woolloongabba