News

Bone and Joint Action Week

Oct 12, 2017

An Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in hips and knees has shared some tips and advice as part of Bone and Joint Action Week.

Dr Mark Dekkers, who operates at Greenslopes Private Hospital, said there tends to be an increase in injuries around this time of year due to sporting activities and skiing.

Q: When should I see a doctor?

A: “My advice to patients with an acute injury is to seek treatment early.  A consultation with your GP or Physiotherapist will ensure an accurate examination and imaging where appropriate.

Q: Will my treatment always be surgery?

A: “This is a common concern among patients. I take my time to accurately assess each individual problem and devise a management plan that includes both non-operative and operative treatment options as appropriate. Young patients with sporting injuries are usually concerned about the time frames for recovery and returning to work and sport. I think it is important to inform patients of a realistic time frame so they can plan their recovery around work and other commitments.  Most patients won’t need surgery and will recover with early and appropriate treatment”

Q: How much pain will I experience?

A: “Patients are often concerned, particularly with Total Knee Replacements that they will be in quite significant pain. I take particular interest in managing my patients’ pain in both the peri-operative period and on discharge. I also have an open door policy so that if any patient has concerns they can see me at any time.”

Q: How does Computer Navigation Technology work and what are its benefits?

A: “Computer Navigation Technology allows an arthritic knee to be mapped into a computer intra-operatively, giving the surgeon the ability to accurately measure the knee’s deformity and to plan the correction of this deformity.  It has the advantages of faster rehabilitation, less pain, and quicker post-operative recovery - patients can be mobilised the same day of surgery.”

Q: How soon can I get an appointment?

A: “I run an Acute Knee Clinic, particularly on a Monday morning, and my staff are trained to triage and prioritise acute injuries to ensure patients are seen in an appropriate time frame. Acute appointment spots are also available during the week for injuries that may arise.”

Q: What other interests do you have?

A: I also have an interest in meniscal preservation surgery.  There are techniques available to repair meniscal root tears, which can occur with a relatively minor twisting injury and usually happen to middle-age patients. This allow us to repair this type of meniscus tear which often leads to much better long-term results. These techniques allow us to repair more types of meniscus tears instead of resecting them.  Another new technique is for ACL reconstruction using a single hamstring tendon instead of the traditional two hamstring approach. This has the advantage of not only having less post-operative pain, but also provides a stronger graft. These both allow a more rapid rehabilitation and earlier return to work and sport.

For more information about Dr Dekkers, please click here.