FAQs orthopaedic surgery
Orthopaedic surgery: Frequently asked questions
Consulting at
Murdoch
[All surgeons]
Wexford Medical Centre
Suite 13
3 Barry Marshall Pde
Murdoch WA 6150
Nedlands
[Dr O’Beirne & Dr Hardisty]
Hollywood Medical Centre
Suite 37
85 Monash Avenue
Nedlands WA 6008
Joondalup
[Dr Ghoshal]
Joondalup Health Campus
Suite 17, Specialist Medical Centre (East), 60 Shenton Avenue
Joondalup WA 6027
- Contact us
- 08 6166 3778
Have a quick question about our team, appointments, imaging or common bone and joint conditions in Perth? Browse the sections below for clear, practical answers, including About WOCWA and how we work, Conditions we treat, Procedures and surgery options, Non-surgical care and timing for surgery, Recovery, rehab and what to expect. If you cannot find what you need, our reception team can point you to the right page or help you book the next step.
About WOCWA and how we work
How do I book an appointment at Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth?
Call our rooms or use our online request form; we will guide you on what to bring and any imaging needed for your Perth appointment.
Which Perth locations does WOCWA consult and operate from?
We consult and operate at several Perth clinics and hospitals; your confirmation will include the exact address, parking and access details.
What happens at my first orthopaedic consultation in Perth?
Your surgeon will listen to your story, examine the area, review any scans and discuss tailored options; you will have time to ask questions.
How do I get imaging for orthopaedic assessment in Perth and when is it needed?
Simple X-rays are common; ultrasound, CT or MRI may be arranged if the result will change your care or help plan treatment.
Which conditions are best managed by Dr Alex O’Beirne, shoulder surgeon in Perth?
Dr O’Beirne focuses on shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist conditions, including rotator cuff problems, instability and nerve injury.
Which foot, ankle and knee problems are best suited to Dr Gerard Hardisty in Perth?
Dr Hardisty cares for knee, foot and ankle conditions including ACL injury, arthritis and ligament problems.
Which spine conditions are best assessed by Dr Abhijeet Ghoshal for spine surgery in Perth?
Dr Ghoshal assesses lumbar and cervical problems including sciatica and spinal stenosis, and discusses both non-surgical and surgical options.
How does a team approach with three subspecialist surgeons work best for complex cases in Perth?
You see the right subspecialist for your condition; complex cases are discussed within the team so your plan is coordinated.
What questions are best to ask your shoulder, knee, ankle or spine surgeon at WOCWA in Perth?
Ask about diagnosis, non-surgical options, likely benefits and risks, recovery timeframes, and how the plan fits your work and sport.
Do I need a referral to see an orthopaedic surgeon in Perth?
Yes. A GP or specialist referral is recommended as it outlines your history and test results. A valid referral is also required for Medicare rebates
Conditions we treat
How do I know if I have rotator cuff injury symptoms that need a shoulder surgeon in Perth?
Night pain, weakness with lifting or reaching, and pain overhead can indicate a rotator cuff problem; an assessment can confirm and guide care.
What are the signs of carpal tunnel syndrome that need a hand surgeon in Perth?
Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers, night pain and grip weakness are common; nerve tests may help confirm the diagnosis.
What is sciatica and when should I see a spinal surgeon in Perth?
Sciatica is leg pain from nerve irritation in the lower back; seek review if pain persists beyond a few weeks, is severe or you develop weakness.
What are typical ACL injury symptoms that need a knee surgeon in Perth?
A pop at injury, rapid swelling and a feeling of giving way are typical; early assessment and MRI help plan treatment.
What foot and ankle arthritis symptoms suggest I should see an ankle surgeon in Perth?
Ongoing pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty on uneven ground are common signs; imaging clarifies severity and options.
What is brachial plexus injury and when is nerve reconstruction in Perth considered?
The brachial plexus supplies the shoulder and arm; reconstruction is considered when recovery is unlikely without surgery after careful testing.
Is shoulder dislocation an emergency and when should I see a shoulder surgeon in Perth?
A new dislocation needs urgent reduction and follow-up; repeated dislocations or instability merit specialist review.
Procedures and surgery options
When is rotator cuff repair the best option with a shoulder surgeon in Perth?
When is carpal tunnel surgery the best treatment with a hand surgeon in Perth?
When is ACL reconstruction the best option with a knee surgeon in Perth?
Reconstruction is commonly offered for instability with pivoting sport or heavy work, or when the knee gives way in daily life.
When is knee replacement the best solution for knee arthritis in Perth?
It is considered when severe arthritis causes persistent pain and limits function despite exercise therapy, weight management and injections.
When is shoulder stabilisation the best choice after a shoulder dislocation in Perth?
It may be advised for repeated dislocations, significant labral or bone injury, or high-risk sports where instability is likely to recur.
When is nerve reconstruction the best approach for nerve injury in Perth?
Reconstruction is considered when a nerve is unlikely to recover on its own; timing and technique depend on injury type and location.
Non-surgical care and timing for surgery
When is rotator cuff repair the best option with a shoulder surgeon in Perth?
Activity modification, targeted physiotherapy and short-term anti-inflammatories are first-line; an injection may be considered if pain limits rehab.
When is carpal tunnel surgery the best treatment with a hand surgeon in Perth?
Night splinting, activity changes and addressing contributing conditions can help; persistent symptoms may prompt a discussion about surgery.
When is ACL reconstruction the best option with a knee surgeon in Perth?
Once swelling settles and you regain knee motion and quad control; urgent timing may be considered if there are associated injuries.
When is knee replacement the best solution for knee arthritis in Perth?
Gentle activity, physiotherapy, pain control and time often help; imaging and injections are considered if symptoms persist or worsen.
Recovery, rehab and what to expect
How to best prepare myself for spine surgery in Perth?
Stop smoking if relevant, stay active within comfort, organise home help and follow hospital pre-admission advice; bring your medication list.
How to best prepare myself for rotator cuff repair with a shoulder surgeon in Perth?
Arrange a sling-friendly setup at home, practise safe one-handed tasks and plan time off work; follow your pre-op physiotherapy plan.
What is the best timeline for recovery after ACL reconstruction in Perth?
Walking aids are short term; strength and control build over months; return to pivoting sport is considered once strength and testing allow.
What is the best way to manage pain and swelling after ankle surgery in Perth?
Elevate, rest, protect the limb and follow your boot or cast plan; take prescribed pain relief and watch for signs that need review.
What is the best way to protect a nerve repair and support recovery in Perth?
Protect the limb as advised, keep wounds clean, attend therapy for splints and exercises, and allow time for nerve regeneration.
When is it best to return to work, driving and sport after orthopaedic surgery in Perth?
Return depends on the procedure and your job; your surgeon will give tailored timeframes for desk work, manual duties, driving and sport.
