Patient Education
Browse common orthopaedic treatments and procedures by body region, including arthroscopy, ligament and tendon repair, fracture fixation, joint replacement and spinal procedures. Read about indications, risks, alternatives and rehabilitation.
Whether a procedure is appropriate depends on diagnosis, symptoms, test results, health, life and activity goals, and viable non-operative options. Each page provides general information only; it is not a recommendation that you need or are suitable for that procedure.
General Procedure Information
Cervical decompression and fusion may be considered for selected cervical nerve-root or spinal-cord compression, instability or degenerative problems. It is not routine treatment for general neck pain.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
Lumbar decompression or discectomy may be considered for selected nerve-compression problems. Whether surgery is needed depends on symptoms, neurological findings, imaging and the response to non-operative care.
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Lumbar spinal fusion may be considered for selected instability, deformity or degenerative spinal problems to stabilise one or more spinal segments. Suitability requires individual assessment by a spine specialist.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be considered for some osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Suitability requires specialist assessment of pain, fracture features, imaging, neurological status and non-operative treatment.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
Shoulder arthroscopy can assess and treat selected problems inside the shoulder and beneath the acromion. Rotator cuff repair reattaches a torn tendon when appropriate.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
Shoulder joint replacement may be considered for selected severe shoulder arthritis, particular fractures or rotator-cuff-related arthropathy. The replacement type is selected individually according to joint, bone and tendon status.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
Carpal tunnel release may be considered when median-nerve compression symptoms are severe, persistent or have not improved with non-operative care. Its aim is to reduce pressure on the nerve.
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Trigger-finger release may be considered when catching, locking or pain persists and affects hand function. Whether a procedure is needed depends on diagnosis, hand function and the response to non-operative care.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
Treatment for a distal radius fracture may include reduction, casting or surgical fixation. The need for surgery depends on displacement, joint alignment, bone quality, activity needs and overall health.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
Hip arthroscopy uses a small camera and instruments to assess and treat selected problems inside or around the hip. Suitability depends on the cause, degree of arthritis, imaging, symptoms and individual activity goals.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
Total hip replacement is generally considered when major hip-joint damage causes persistent pain and reduced function. Planning should reflect the cause, health, lifestyle needs and personal goals.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
Hip fractures are usually injuries requiring timely hospital assessment. Treatment may include fixation, hemiarthroplasty or total hip replacement, but the approach depends on fracture location, health, function and imaging.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
A small camera and instruments are introduced through small incisions to assess and, when appropriate, treat a problem inside the knee.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
Whether a meniscus tear is best managed with repair, partial meniscectomy or non-operative care depends on its location, pattern, tissue quality, symptoms and the person’s activity needs.
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ACL reconstruction uses a graft to reconstruct a torn ligament. Whether surgery is appropriate depends on instability, associated injuries, sport or work demands and personal goals.
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Total knee replacement is generally considered for severe knee arthritis or other joint damage causing persistent pain and reduced function. Suitability requires individual specialist assessment.
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Ankle-fracture fixation may be considered for unstable, displaced or joint-alignment fractures. The need for surgery depends on fracture type, skin and soft tissues, imaging and individual health.
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Achilles tendon rupture can be treated non-operatively or surgically. Whether repair is suitable depends on the rupture, activity goals, health and wound risks, and ability to follow the rehabilitation plan.
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Lateral ankle ligament repair or reconstruction may be considered for recurrent sprains and ankle instability that persist despite adequate non-operative care. It is not treatment for a single routine ankle sprain.
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Some fractures need the bone to be realigned and stabilised with plates, screws, nails, wires or another method to support healing.
Read about the procedure, risks and recoveryGeneral Procedure Information
Bone grafting or bone substitutes may form part of treatment for selected fractures, bone loss, delayed healing or reconstructive surgery. The need and material choice depend on the cause, bone quality, infection risk and surgical goal.
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