Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find quick answers to common questions.
If you need more help, feel free to contact our team — we’re happy to assist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Consultations
You can easily Request a Consultation by calling our friendly team directly on (07) 4911 6088 during business hours OR use our online Consultation Request Form.
Standard Pathway:
A referral from a Doctor (GP or Specialist) that is addressed to Dr Richmond or any other Australian Orthopaedic Surgeon, is required. Once your referral is received, either direct from the Doctor or submitted by you, it will be triaged within 24 hours. Dr Richmond will review the referral and advise regarding referral suitability, appointment urgency, and the need for any further pre-appointment imaging. The administration team will then contact you to arrange an Initial Consultation.
Rapid Access Pathway:
If you 45 years old or younger and have sustained an acute sports-related knee or shoulder injury within the last 2 weeks you may choose to access this option. Call our team or use our online Consultation Request Form to request an Urgent Consultation (in person or via phone/video) with Dr Vicki Richmond (GP). Following an initial assessment, Vicki will arrange any imaging your require, a referral, and a Rapid Access Consultation with Dr Bradley Richmond, as appropriate.
DVA Gold Card and eligible White Card holders are bulk billed for all consultations. If referred by a third party, you may be entitled to receive care from Dr Richmond at no cost e.g., WorkCover, Surgery Connect.
Full payment is required at the time of your consultation. Cash, EFTPOS and credit cards are accepted. You will be issued with a receipt, and we will lodge a claim electronically to Medicare on your behalf. If your bank details are registered with Medicare, you will receive your rebate within 1-3 days.
Your Initial Consultation will involve a thorough discussion of your presenting concerns, functional limitations, and previous health history. Dr Richmond will perform a comprehensive physical examination and review any existing imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans). If further investigations are needed, they will be arranged. He will then provide a clear, understandable explanation of your diagnosis and discuss all suitable treatment options, ensuring you are fully informed for shared decision-making. If surgery is recommended (such as knee replacement surgery, rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction), you will receive detailed information about the procedure, expected outcomes, and potential risks.
Please bring your Medicare card, Private Health Insurance details (if applicable) and a list of your current medications. Prior to your consultation you may elect to provide some of this information electronically via our New Patient Form which will be emailed to you. Xray's or discs containing imaging are not required as Dr Richmond has independent electronic access to these.
Dr Richmond will need to carefully examine the area of your body that is of concern. Please consider this when choosing what you wear e.g., shorts and/or a singlet may be ideal, and wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on.
Please phone or email the office as soon as possible so that your consultation can be rescheduled, and your time-slot given to another patient. If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice or do not attend your consultation without notice, a $100 cancellation fee may be charged.
Please complete our online New Patient Form. Among other things, you will need to provide your Medicare and Private health fund details (if applicable).
If you take regular medications, supplements or herbal medications please prepare a list of these to bring along to your consultation.
Yes, we welcome patients seeking second opinions. We believe it's important for you to feel completely confident and informed about your treatment decisions.
Likewise, Dr Richmond is happy to see patients to provide a second opinion. Embarking on orthopaedic surgery is a big decision and seeking another opinion is often a wise approach.
Procedures
The cost for orthopaedic surgery varies between surgeons, even for the same procedure.
Dr Richmond and his team takes Informed Financial Consent very seriously. If surgery is recommended for your condition, you will be provided with an individualised quote for the Surgical Costs associated with the indicated procedure. You will also be advised how to seek estimates for the additional Surgical Assistant, Anaesthetist, and Hospital costs.
If you have Private Health Insurance and are covered for the required item number, most elective procedures are undertaken with a Known Gap of $500.
If you are a WorkCover, Surgery Connect, or DVA patient - you will have no out-of-pocket Surgical Costs.
Please see the Fees page for more detailed information.
Yes, as long as your Private Health Insurance covers your for the required item number; most common, elective procedures are undertaken with a Known Gap of $500.
As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks, although serious complications are rare. These can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel damage, stiffness, or failure of the surgery to achieve the desired outcome. Dr Richmond will discuss the potential risks and benefits specific to your recommended procedure in detail during your consultation as part of the Procedure Consent process.
Downtime varies significantly depending on the specific procedure, its complexity, and your work and/or leisure activities. Dr Richmond will provide a precise estimate during your consultation regarding time on crutches, in a knee brace or sling, off work, off sport, and when a return to driving can be expected
Healing is a multi-stage process. Initial soft tissue healing (e.g., incision, muscles) typically takes a few weeks. Bone or tendon healing (e.g., after rotator cuff repair or a fracture repair) can take 6-12 weeks for biological integration. However, regaining full strength, range of motion, and function through physical therapy can take anywhere from 3 months to over a year. Your commitment to your rehabilitation program is crucial for optimal healing
While some discomfort is expected after surgery, our team employs comprehensive pain management strategies to keep you as comfortable as possible. This often includes regional nerve blocks (to numb the area), oral pain medication, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Your pain will be monitored, and medication adjusted as needed.
In most cases, yes. Physiotherapy is a fundamental and critical component of orthopaedic recovery, whether after knee replacement surgery, ACL reconstruction, or rotator cuff repair. A tailored physiotherapy program is essential to regain strength, range of motion, stability, and function. Our practice works closely with local physiotherapists to ensure seamless continuity of care.
A robotic knee replacement, such as the MAKO Stryker knee replacement, is an advanced form of knee replacement. The robotic system assists in planning and executing the surgery with incredible precision. This technology allows for a highly accurate surgical plan tailored to your unique anatomy and assists the surgeon in making extremely precise bone cuts and implant placement, potentially leading to improved alignment, better joint function, and possibly longer implant lifespan. It is a type of minimally invasive knee surgery.
The Zimmer Shoulder Replacement system is a leading technology used in shoulder replacement surgery for conditions like shoulder arthritis. It offers a range of implants designed to match individual anatomy and pathology, aiming to restore natural shoulder mechanics, alleviate pain, and significantly improve range of motion and overall arm function.
An ACL injury can be managed with either non-surgical rehabilitation or Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction (often called ACL replacement). Non-surgical treatment may be suitable for less active people. For active people, especially sportspeople, ACL reconstruction is often recommended to restore knee stability and prevent further damage to the knee joint.
Conditions we treat
Arthritis of the Knee
Joint inflammation causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility due to cartilage breakdown in the knee.
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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
A tear or sprain of the major ligament stabilising the knee, often causing instability and pain.
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Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injury
Damage to the PCL, a key knee ligament, causing instability when the shinbone shifts backward.
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Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
A sprain or tear of the ligament on the inside of the knee, resulting in pain and instability.
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Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Injury
Damage to the ligament on the outside of the knee, causing pain and instability, particularly during twisting.
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Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation and Instability
The kneecap slips out of its groove, causing pain and a feeling of the knee giving way.
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Meniscus Tears in the Knee
Damage to the C-shaped cartilage pads in the knee, leading to pain, swelling, clicking, or locking.
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Osteochondral or Chondral Defects
Localised areas of damaged cartilage and/or underlying bone in the joint, causing pain and limited movement.
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Leg Fractures e.g., Tibial Plateau, Patella
Broken bones in the lower leg (shinbone top) or kneecap, resulting from trauma, causing severe pain.
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Arthritis of the Shoulder
Gradual wear and tear of shoulder joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced arm movement.
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Arthritis of the Acromioclavicular Joint
Degeneration of the joint where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade, causing localised pain.
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Shoulder Dislocation and Instability
The ball of the arm bone separates from the socket, often with labrum tears, leading to recurrent instability.
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Rotator Cuff Tears
Rips in the group of tendons and muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, causing pain, weakness, and limited movement.
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Rotator Cuff Impingement
Tendons rub against shoulder bone, causing pain, inflammation (bursitis), and tendon degeneration.
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Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)
Stiffness and pain in the shoulder capsule, causing severe restriction of arm movement over time.
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Biceps Tendon Rupture or Tendinopathy
Tearing or inflammation of the biceps tendon, resulting in pain, weakness, and sometimes a visible bulge.
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Upper Body Fractures and Dislocations
Broken collarbone, dislocated AC joint, or fractured upper arm bone from trauma.
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