FAQs

General FAQ's

• 1. What do I bring to my first appointment?

  • Referral letter from your doctor
  • Xrays, scans, copies of results or any other relevant information
  • Medicare card, DVA Card, Concession (Pension/Health Care) card
  • Private Hospital Information
  • WorkCover details - WorkCover number, Employer Name and date of accident

  If you choose, you can download our Patient Registration Form, fill it in and bring it with you on the day of your appointment.

• 2. Where can I find out about fees?

  A simple telephone call to our office on (07) 3812 3855 and all fees can be advised as well as the rebate from Medicare, if applicable.

• 3. What about work related injuries?

  It is advisable to have made contact with WorkCover Queensland, or if a self insured employer, their WorkCover Department, to obtain a WorkCover number. At your initial consultation, you will need to provide your Employer’s name and the date of accident as well as the WorkCover number.

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

• 1. How common is knee replacement surgery?

  Knee replacement is a routine surgery performed on over 600,000 people worldwide each year. Over 90% of people who have had total knee replacement experience an improvement in knee pain and function.

• 2. How do I know what kind of prosthesis will be used?

  Dr Morgan will discuss with you the type of implants to be used.

  Now there are gender specific components, as in male and female, Zimmer implants inserted via computer navigation.

• 3. How long will a joint replacement last?

  Longevity of the prosthetic knee varies from patient to patient. It depends on many factors, such as a patient’s physical condition, activity level, and weight.

  It is useful to keep in mind that prosthetic joints are not as strong or durable as a natural, healthy joint, and there is no guarantee that a prosthetic joint will last the rest of a patient’s life.

  Today, total knee replacement has become a common and predictable procedure. Many patients enjoy relief from pain and improved function, compared to their status before surgery.

  Still, the prosthetic components do wear as they roll and slide against each other during movement. Activities that place a lot of stress on the joint implants, as may be the case with heavier and more active patients, may reduce the service life of the prosthesis.

  Implant loosening and wear on the plastic portions of the implant can lead to the necessity for revision surgery to replace the worn components, or all of the components.

  Dr Morgan will be in the best position to discuss these issues with you, taking into account your particular clinical circumstances, the type of implants used, and your post surgical lifestyle.

• 4. How soon can I return to normal activities after surgery?

  Within six weeks after surgery, most patients are able to walk with a cane or without aides.

  You may drive your vehicle after the six week period if you feel well enough.

  Even after you have fully recovered from you surgery, you will still have some restrictions.

  Normal daily activities do not include contact sports or activities that put excessive strain on your joints.

• 5. I am knock-kneed/bowlegged. Can knee replacement surgery correct this?

  Many people are born with a natural tendency toward knock knees or bowleggedness. However, severe arthritis can lead to an uncomfortable degree of malalignment.

  One of the goals of total knee replacement is to restore your body’s natural alignment and special instrumentation is used to help replicate natural, optimum alignment.

• 6. What about sex?

  Doctors generally allow patients to resume sexual activities as soon as they feel able. In the months following surgery, patients are generally advised to take it easy and modify their positioning to keep pressure off of the joint while it’s healing. As always, it is best to consult with your doctor about what’s safe for your particular condition.

• 7. Will an implant set off a metal detector?

  Since knee implants are made of metal, there’s a change they could set off metal detectors.

  You may be provided with a special card to keep in your wallet explaining that your have a knee replacement. This however does not exempt you from searches.

Total Hip Replacement (THR)

• 1. How long does a THR surgery take?

  The surgery itself take between 1 and 1-1/2 hours

• 2. How long will a joint replacement last?

  Longevity of the prosthetic hip varies from patient to patient. It depends on many factors, such as a patient's physical condition, activity level, and weight, as well as the accuracy of implant placement during surgery.

  It is useful to keep in mind that prosthetic joints are not as strong or durable as a natural, healthy joint, and there is no guarantee that a prosthetic joint will last the rest of a patient's life.

• 3. How much does a hip implant cost? Is it covered by insurance?

  The cost of a total hip implant varies, depending on the type of implant used. Typically, a total hip procedure includes four major implant components and the total implant price is generally covered by your Health Fund. You will need to check with your particular healthcare plan for details.

  If you are not covered by a Health Fund, please confirm with Dr Morgan the cost of your prosthesis.

• 4. How often will I need to be seen by my doctor following the surgery?

  Following surgery, your first post operative review is at six weeks following surgery.

  The frequency of your follow up visits will depend on your progress. Many patients are then seen in the following five to six weeks.

  A recall letter will be sent to you twelve months following your surgery. You will be reviewed at twelve months with follow up x-rays and a request form will be sent with your recall letter.

  You are encouraged to contact the Practice at any stage that you are concerned, that is, a trauma to the hip, unusual swelling/pain, etc.

• 5. Is there a cure for Hip Disease?

  Since hip pain results from damage to the joint, there is no “cure.” However there are a variety of treatment options available, ranging from rehabilitation to total hip replacement surgery.

• 6. What about sex?

  Doctors generally allow patients to resume sexual activities as soon as they feel able. In the months following surgery, patients are generally advised to take it easy and modify their positioning to keep pressure off of the joint while it’s healing. As always, it is best to consult with your doctor about what’s safe for your particular condition.

• 7. What activities can I do or not do after receiving a hip implant?

  Typically, patients are advised to avoid high impact sports such as jogging, basketball, racquetball, gymnastics, etc.

  Safer activities may include walking, golf, swimming, and bicycling.

  Your doctor will advise you on safe activities for your particular condition.

• 8. What if I live alone?

  Please consider your options carefully.

  You may go home alone it you have a network of assistance available. That is, family, friends, neighbours who are available to assist you for approximately four weeks following your surgery, even if only a phone check.

  The other option is to be admitted to a Rehabilitation Hospital following surgery to allow rehabilitation and recuperation prior to returning home.

  At the hospital, the services of a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist and qualified medical staff will be available to assist you in recovering and returning you to your home.

• 9. What is the recovery time following a THR?

  In the weeks immediately following surgery, you may need walking aids such as a cane or crutches. Within a few months, however, you should be able to return to normal activities.

• 10. Will a hip implant last a lifetime?

  The longevity of a prosthetic hip (how long it will last) varies from patient to patient. It depends on many factors, such as a patient's physical condition and activity level, body weight and the surgical technique. A prosthetic joint is not as strong or durable as a natural, healthy joint, and there is no guarantee that a prosthetic joint will last the rest of a patient's life. All prosthetic hips may need to be revised (replaced) at some point.

• 11. Will an implant set off a metal detector?

  Patients have reported mixed experiences at airports: some detectors go off and some don't.

  You may be provided with a special card to keep in your wallet explaining that you have a hip implant.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

• 1. Can the ACL be repaired?

  Once completely torn, the ACL injury does not heal by itself and needs to be surgically reconstructed.

• 2. Do the screws holding the graft in place need to be removed after an ACL reconstruction?

  Removal of the screws is not required unless in the future further injury is applied to the knee.

• 3. How big will the incision be on my knee following an ACL reconstruction?

  There are approximately 3 incisions - approximately 2cms.

• 4. How does my doctor make the diagnosis of an ACL tear?

  Several simple tests can be performed at your initial appointment to test the stability and integrity of the knee joint. A thorough examination is essential.

  If the injury has been sustained in the last seven to ten days, the knee may be too sore to undertake an examination.

  If there is uncertainty in the diagnosis, an MRI scan can be undertaken to determine if there is a complete tear of the ACL and determine if there has been any meniscal injury also.

• 5. How much pain will I have following an ACL reconstruction?

  A script for pain relief medication will be provided following your surgery and should be taken as directed when needed.

• 6. How soon can I go back to sport/work following an ACL reconstruction?

  Work - Once again, depending on the type of work you undertake. Sedentary occupations, e.g. administration/office duties, you can return to within a one to three week period.

  For more physical occupations, e.g. heavy physical labour duties, it is recommended that three months is required away from work unless modified duties can be provided.

  Sport - It is critical that a full rehabilitation program is undertaken. Strengthening of your quadriceps mechanism is essential to obtaining a good result following surgery.

  Return to a running program can commence at approximately four months post surgery.

  Sprinting will be commenced at 6 months with a full return to sport at 9 to 12 months post surgery.

• 7. What about the rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction?

  Rehabilitation is essential in obtaining good results following reconstructive surgery.

  Commencing the day after surgery, a physiotherapist will visit you and instruct you in the exercises that are required.

  A rehabilitation program will be outlined to you and this will take approximately 9 – 12 months until a full return to sport is recommended.

• 8. When will I be able to drive following an ACL reconstruction?

  You will be able to drive three weeks after undergoing surgery.

• 9. Will I need an operation for an ACL tear?

  The recommendation of reconstructive surgery can be depend on your age and lifestyle requirements, that is, if you are a fit, active individual who wishes to maintain an active lifestyle, then surgery would be recommended.

  If you are a person who generally leads a sedentary lifestyle, a recommendation for simple arthroscopic surgery may be recommended if you have persistent pain or catching.

  Surgery should be delayed until any swelling goes down, so you can move your knee again, and you have regained any lost strength in the muscles in the front of your thigh (quadriceps).