Total Knee Replacement in Brisbane
Deciding to proceed with total knee replacement is a significant step, and usually follows a long period of managing pain, reduced mobility and daily limitations.
Then when you make the decision, you may find you have more questions… How do I select a surgeon? Which hospital will the surgery be performed? What surgical approach is most suitable?
Below is a guide designed to support you in making more informed decisions when it comes to your total knee replacement in Brisbane. Decisions that affect your body and your lifestyle.
When Is Total Knee Replacement Considered?
Total knee replacement is considered when knee arthritis or joint damage is significantly affecting quality of life and non-surgical treatments are no longer providing sufficient relief. This may look like:
- Persistent pain that limits daily activities
- Reduced mobility or independence
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or sleeping
- Limited improvement with physiotherapy, medications or injections over a period of time
If your experience sounds like this, a referral from your GP to an orthopaedic specialist should be your first step.
How Do I Select a Surgeon?
Selecting a surgeon is one of the most important decisions in the process. Consider:
Experience and Subspecialty
Look for a surgeon who regularly performs knee replacement surgery and has experience managing a range of joint conditions.
Communication and Consultation
A good consultation should involve clear explanations, time to ask questions and a shared decision-making process. If this doesn’t feel right for you, remember that a consultation is just a conversation with no pressure to proceed.
Treatment and Surgical Approach
Some surgeons may offer different approaches, including traditional or robotic-assisted techniques. Understanding their approach can help you feel more comfortable in your care.
Referrals and Recommendations
Your GP, physiotherapist or other healthcare providers can often recommend surgeons based on their and their patient’s experiences.
Which Hospital will the Surgery be Performed?
The hospital where your surgery is performed can also influence your overall experience, and you have a choice.
In Brisbane, knee replacement can be performed in both public and private hospitals. Private care may offer shorter wait times and more choice of surgeon, depending on your insurance.
Other influences to think about include the facilities and support offered, such as:
- Access to modern operating theatres
- Post-operative care and nursing support
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation services
Health Fund Agreements
If you have private health insurance, it is important to check if your hospital choices participate in your fund’s agreement, particularly if you are considering a no gap option.
Surgical Approaches
Knee replacement surgery can be performed using different techniques. Though the overall goal is the same, specialist approaches may vary.
Traditional Knee Replacement
This is a well-established technique with a long history recorded. Better known as open surgery, it relies on the surgeon’s expertise, experience and alignment tools.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
This approach uses computer technology to assist with planning and implant positioning. It can offer improved precision and more detailed planning for customisation in more complex cases.
Partial Knee Replacement
For selected patients where damage is limited to one part of the knee, a partial replacement may be considered.
Dr Blake Fidock, Ortho ARC Brisbane, will recommend the most appropriate option based on your individual condition and goals.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
To help you make an informed choice, consultation will be a thorough discussion. Dr Fidock encourages you to ask questions if you feel anything has been missed or don’t quite understand something.
- Am I a suitable candidate for knee replacement?
- Which surgical approach do you recommend and why?
- Where will the surgery be performed?
- What costs should I expect?
- What will recovery involve?
Preparing for Surgery
Once you decide to proceed, preparation is an important part of the process. This may include:
- Pre-operative assessment and medical clearance
- Planning for time off work and support at home
- Arranging physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Understanding your recovery timeline
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery after total knee replacement involves a guided plan. Patients can generally expect:
- Early mobilisation after surgery
- Ongoing physiotherapy to improve strength and movement
- Gradual return to daily activities over time
Recovery timelines vary depending on the individual, but consistency with your rehabilitation plan is important to supporting your recovery. More recovery details can be found on the specific procedure page: Total Knee Replacement
Choosing Care in Brisbane
If you are considering Total Knee Replacement in Brisbane, it is important to choose an Orthopaedic Specialist who has extensive training and experience, as well as a personalised approach.
At Ortho ARC, Dr Blake Fidock’s offers:
- Detailed assessment and personalised treatment planning
- Clear explanation of all available options
- Specialist training and experience
- Ongoing support from surgery through to recovery and rehabilitation
Your Ortho ARC Team
Total knee replacement can be an effective option for managing advanced knee arthritis when other treatments are no longer sufficient.
Choosing the right surgeon, hospital and approach involves more than just comparing options. It is about finding a team that supports you through every stage of the process.
If you require Total Knee Replacement in Brisbane, consider speaking to your GP about a referral to Dr Blake Fidock, Ortho ARC Brisbane.
*This information is general in nature and does not replace personalised medical or financial advice. Please consult with Dr Blake Fidock (MED0001788650), Orthopaedic Specialist, for a personalised treatment plan.