What to Expect
An outline of each step along your joint surgery journey.
Getting Started
For your first appointment, you'll need a referral from your GP. Often, imaging such as X-Rays and CT Scans have already been performed by your GP, but additional bone and joint imaging may be needed after John reviews your symptoms.
A radiology service is conveniently located across the corridor from Grampians Hip and Knee Clinic within St John of God hospital, so that any additional imaging can be done straight after your appointment, and then you and your results can be immediately reviewed by John.
A treatment plan can then be decided between you and John.
Getting Ready for Surgery
'Pre-hab' is all about preparing yourself before surgery so that you get the best result after surgery. A good pre-hab program has several components: exercise and diet, optimising your general health and wellbeing, education and a pain management plan.
Each component is tailored for your needs and to meet your goals. For some people the pre-hab phase may be very short, while for some others getting ready for surgery may take weeks or months. However involved the program is or however long it takes, we work with you each step of the way.
For joint replacement, patients are seen at the pre-admission clinic at St John of God Hospital, and also by our Joint Replacement Coordinator. We prefer that all our patients undergoing joint replacement meet at least once with a physiotherapist prior to surgery so that adequate pre-surgery strengthening and education about rehabilitation from Day 1 post-op on the ward can be discussed.
Patients may prefer to do this with their own physiotherapist if they have been attending someone prior to surgery, or we can refer you to one of our trusted physical therapists.
You'll receive information about what to do on the day of surgery (e.g. what to bring, when to arrive, when you can eat).
Your Surgery
Some surgery can be performed as a day case, while others will require a hospital stay.
Detailed discussions about what to expect on the day of surgery will occur at the pre-admission appointment and pre-operative consultation with John.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Your rehabilitation and recovery starts immediately. The Rapid Recovery and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Programs address each aspect of your management; pain relief, dealing with nausea after surgery, getting back on your feet and ongoing physical therapy.
Your rehabilitation program following discharge is tailored to your needs. Some people will be happy and able to do rehab exercises on their own at home, guided by the instructions provided by the physiotherapists.
Some people prefer to link in regularly with a physiotherapist for rehab sessions, in addition to their own work at home. For others, a formal outpatient rehabilitation program is the best option – John works closely with the rehabilitation team at St John of God Hospital.
Sometimes, but not often, patients require a period of inpatient rehabilitation following their surgery.
Frequently asked joint surgery questions
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment call 03 5331 2887.
You will need a referral from your GP to bring with you on the day.
Where are you located?
Grampians Hip and Knee Clinic is conveniently located within the Orthopaedic Consulting Suites of St John of God Hospital in central Ballarat.
What do I bring to my appointment?
For your appointment please bring:
- your referral from your GP, local doctor or specialist
- any X-rays, CT or MRI scans that you have
- your medicare card
- private health insurance details
Please wear comfortable clothes that John will be able to assess your hip or knee joints in (e.g. leggings, shorts).
What if I need X-rays?
If you need X-rays or other imaging, this can be done by Lake Imaging at St John of God Hospital, conveniently located across the corridor from Grampians Hip and Knee Clinic.
