Department overview
Problems with bones, joints and movement can affect everyday life. Our orthopaedic services include evaluation and management of injuries, joint problems and conditions that may need surgical care.
The hospital lists fracture management, joint replacement, arthroscopy, spine-related orthopaedic concerns and pain management among its services. Your treating clinician will explain what assessment and treatment may be suitable.
Care and services include
Joint replacement: more information
Learn about evaluation and treatment considerations before deciding what is right for you.
Pain when walking, repeated falls, a fracture after an accident or stiffness that stops ordinary activity can be worrying. An orthopaedic consultation should help you understand the cause, how urgent it is and which choices are reasonable—not simply lead to an operation.
When an orthopaedic assessment may help
Seek an appointment when persistent knee, hip, shoulder or back-related joint symptoms affect walking, work, sleep or daily tasks. Swelling, restricted movement and pain after a fall also deserve assessment.
- Persistent knee or hip pain despite initial care
- Difficulty using stairs, standing or walking
- Deformity, swelling or loss of joint motion
- Suspected injury, sprain or fracture
What happens before treatment is chosen?
The doctor may ask how symptoms began, what has already been tried and how much movement is affected. Examination and appropriate imaging can help distinguish arthritis, injury, nerve symptoms and other causes. Treatment may include activity changes, physiotherapy, medicines, injections or surgery depending on the diagnosis.
If joint replacement is raised, ask why it is preferred over non-operative options, which joint surfaces would be treated and how recovery would affect your home and work.
Questions to resolve before knee or hip surgery
An informed decision covers more than the implant. Ask about the actual procedure, expected hospital stay, rehabilitation, help needed at home and problems that require urgent review. Infection, blood clots, persistent pain and implant-related complications should be discussed in an individualized way.
- What are the likely benefits and limitations for my condition?
- Which alternatives are reasonable and how long should I try them?
- Who will perform the operation and manage postoperative care?
- What rehabilitation, follow-up and costs should I plan for?
Fractures and accident-related injuries
A limb that looks deformed, cannot bear weight or is accompanied by severe pain, numbness or an open wound may require immediate emergency assessment. Do not wait for a routine outpatient slot. The hospital lists accident and trauma care; call ahead if you need directions or ambulance-related information.
Before your consultation
These questions and preparations can help you make the most of your visit.
- Bring previous X-rays or scans and medicine details
- Explain the tasks you cannot do because of pain
- Ask when another opinion or additional testing is appropriate
- Clarify rehabilitation arrangements and follow-up
Common questions
Is knee replacement automatically advised for arthritis?
No. Severity of symptoms, daily limitations, examination and response to other treatments all matter. A surgeon should explain why replacement is or is not appropriate.
What if I cannot walk after a fall?
Possible fracture or serious injury warrants urgent medical evaluation. Seek emergency care rather than booking a routine joint consultation.
Can a painful joint be managed without surgery?
Often there are non-operative options, but suitability depends on the cause and severity. Ask the treating clinician about the range of choices.
How soon can I work after joint surgery?
It varies with the operation, your health, your job and rehabilitation. Request a personalized plan rather than relying on a universal timeline.
Further reading: AAOS — questions to ask before joint replacement
This information is general. Your treating clinician can discuss the diagnosis, available services and treatment suitable for your circumstances.