Excellence in Orthopaedics
The Wesley Hospital in Brisbane is Australia’s first Centre of Excellence in Orthopaedic Surgery, recognised by one of the world’s leading medical accreditation agencies, SRC. As a Centre of Excellence, we have been recognised for delivering high-quality care, processes and patient journey outcomes – from diagnosis right through to postoperative care.
Wesley Hospital orthopaedic surgeons work with a multidisciplinary team including specialist doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to provide high-quality healthcare for our patients. Our surgeons specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including elective, trauma and robotic-assisted surgery. We have a broad range of subspecialist surgeons who provide care across the spectrum of orthopaedic disorders, with extensive experience in complex orthopaedic cases, sports injuries and sports medicine, as well as acute knee injuries.
At The Wesley Hospital, we provide you with high-quality care and support throughout the entire patient journey. This includes from when you attend the pre-admission clinic for education and assessment prior to surgery, through to post-operative early mobilisation (to restore function) and rehabilitation.
Our orthopaedic surgical services include (but are not limited to):
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
- Arthroplasty.
- Elbow and forearm surgery.
- Foot and ankle surgery.
- Hip replacements.
- Knee and shoulder arthroscopy and reconstruction.
- Knee replacements.
- Lower limb surgery.
- Meniscal preservation surgery.
- Paediatric surgery.
- Shoulder, hand, hip and knee surgery.
- Spinal surgery.
- Trauma surgery.
- Tumour surgery for bone cancers and soft tissue sarcomas.
The Wesley Hospital is also a Centre of Excellence in Robotic Surgery, with the Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery being used by our orthopaedic surgeons since 2018. The Mako robot allows for less invasive procedures, less trauma to soft tissue, reduced pain and blood loss and quicker recovery times. It is used to treat patients with osteoarthritis in the hip or knee, in the following procedures:
- Partial knee replacements.
- Total knee replacements.
- Total hip replacements.
Mako robotic surgery allows specialists to perform complex surgical procedures with the intention of more predictable outcomes through advanced pre-operative planning and surgical precision.
It enables the surgeon to perform comprehensive pre-operative planning through a CT scan of the patient’s joint. This includes anatomy assessment, joint balancing and customised positioning of prosthesis, all prior to the patient entering the operating theatre.
Throughout the procedure, the Mako creates a 3D image of the patient’s joint and Mako AccuStop haptic technology enables the surgeon to cut precisely for each and every patient. While the surgeon still performs the operation, the Mako robot is another tool for surgeons to use to make an informed decision for their patients.
Your orthopaedic surgeon will advise you on whether or not a robotic assisted surgery is the right choice for you.
The Wesley Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) was the first private sarcoma MDT in Australia and remains the only one in Queensland. At The Wesley Hospital, we provide expert surgical care to adolescents and adults diagnosed with benign or malignant musculoskeletal tumours and tumour-related conditions, such as soft tissue sarcomas, primary and metastatic bone tumours and pathological fractures (fractures caused by the presence of tumour).
Musculoskeletal tumour (sarcoma) surgery addresses tumours that grow in the bone or in soft tissues such as fat, skin, nerves, muscles and cartilage. Diagnosis is generally by biopsy. Sarcomas are commonly treated with either radiation therapy or chemotherapy, followed by surgery. Some may be treated with surgery alone.
The Wesley Sarcoma MDT combines expert orthopaedic and sarcoma surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists and pathologists, who work together to provide a multidisciplinary, co-ordinated and customised treatment plan.
SURGEONS
Dr Martin Lowe
Dr Philip Rowell
Assoc. Prof. Scott Sommerville
RADIATION ONCOLOGISTS
Dr David Schlect
MEDICAL ONCOLOGISTS
Assoc. Prof. Nicole McCarthy
RADIOLOGIST
Dr Patricia Connor
PATHOLOGIST
Dr James Bennett
The Wesley orthopaedic program encourages early mobility to restore function, which is achieved by use of an inpatient gymnasium, physiotherapy and, if required, inpatient rehabilitation. Our multidisciplinary team provide the following support services:
- Allied health assessment and support.
- Diabetes education and support.
- Infection control management, education and support.
- Nutrition education and support.
- Rehabilitation education and support.
- Wound care monitoring.
Note: The information here is for general reference only. To understand the benefits and risks specific to your condition and overall situation, please discuss any procedure with your treating doctor.
Your next step
To access orthopaedic services at The Wesley Hospital, you will need a referral from your GP. From there, you can make an appointment with one of our orthopaedic surgeons.