I take particular
interest in managing
my patients’ pain...
Bone and Joint Action Week
An Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising
in hips and knees has shared some tips
and advice as part of this month’s 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
6 | GPH News – October 2017
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."
Dr Mark Dekkers performs a computer-navigated total knee replacement