Patient Information Guide
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
To make the most of your visit, please bring:
- Photo ID
- Referral letter (if applicable)
- Any previous X-rays, MRI scans or reports
- List of current medications
- Allergy information
- Any previous operation notes related to your condition
- Insurance details (for private patients)
- Comfortable clothing
What Clothing Should You Wear?
Please wear clothing that allows easy assessment and movement:
- Loose-fitting shorts or trousers that roll up
- Comfortable sports-style clothing
- Avoid tight jeans or boots that are difficult to remove
This helps with walking assessment, joint examination and mobility tests.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Discussion of Symptoms
→ Pain location
→ Triggers and limitations
→ Previous treatments
→ Work, lifestyle and activity goals
→ Triggers and limitations
→ Previous treatments
→ Work, lifestyle and activity goals
Physical Examination
→ Walking assessment
→ Joint movement testing
→ Strength and stability checks
→ Joint movement testing
→ Strength and stability checks
Review of Imaging
→ X-rays
→ MRI scans
→ Previous operation findings
If further imaging is needed, I will arrange this.
→ MRI scans
→ Previous operation findings
If further imaging is needed, I will arrange this.
Diagnosis & Explanation
→ A clear explanation of the cause of your symptoms
→ Easy-to-understand discussion of the anatomy involved
→ Time to ask questions
→ Easy-to-understand discussion of the anatomy involved
→ Time to ask questions
Planning Your Treatment
→ Individualised to your needs
→ Stepwise, starting with safest and least invasive options
→ Evidence-based
Treatment may include:
→ Physiotherapy
→ Medications
→ Injections (steroid, hyaluronic acid, PRP)
→ Bracing
→ Minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy)
→ Joint replacement (partial or total)
You will always be involved in shared decision-making.
→ Stepwise, starting with safest and least invasive options
→ Evidence-based
Treatment may include:
→ Physiotherapy
→ Medications
→ Injections (steroid, hyaluronic acid, PRP)
→ Bracing
→ Minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy)
→ Joint replacement (partial or total)
You will always be involved in shared decision-making.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
If surgery is planned, here is an outline of your day:
Arrival at Hospital
- Check in with the admissions team
- Change into a gown and compression stockings
- Have routine checks (blood pressure, pulse, observations)
Meeting the Surgical Team
- Your surgeon (me) – to confirm the operation and mark the limb
- Your anaesthetist – to discuss anaesthetic and pain control
- Your theatre nurse – who supports you throughout
Final questions and consent will be completed.
Anaesthetic
- Spinal anaesthetic with light sedation
- General anaesthetic
- Local anaesthetic injections or regional anaesthesia
The safest and most comfortable option will be chosen for you.
The Operation
Typical operating times:
- Arthroscopy: 20–45 minutes
- Partial knee replacement: 45–60 minutes
- Total knee or hip replacement: 60–90 minutes
Recovery Room
- Be monitored closely
- Receive tailored pain relief
- Become more alert and comfortable
Most patients stay 30–90 minutes.
Back to the Ward
- Be encouraged to mobilise early
- Begin physiotherapy
- Start eating and drinking once safe
- Receive postoperative instructions
Some procedures are day-case; others require an overnight stay.
Going Home
Before leaving, you will receive:
- Your medications
- Wound care instructions
- Physiotherapy exercises
- A follow-up appointment
- Contact numbers if you need help
We will ensure you feel safe and confident before discharge.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
If surgery is planned, here is an outline of your day:
Arrival at Hospital
You will:
- Check in with the admissions team
- Change into a gown and compression stockings
- Have routine checks (blood pressure, pulse, observations)
Meeting the Surgical Team
You will meet:
- Your surgeon (me) – to confirm the operation and mark the limb
- Your anaesthetist – to discuss anaesthetic and pain control
- Your theatre nurse – who supports you throughout
Final questions and consent will be completed.
Anaesthetic
You may receive:
- Spinal anaesthetic with light sedation
- General anaesthetic
- Local anaesthetic injections
The safest and most comfortable option will be chosen for you.
The Operation
Typical operating times:
- Arthroscopy: 20–45 minutes
- Partial knee replacement: 45–60 minutes
- Total knee or hip replacement: 60–90 minutes
After surgery you will go to recovery.
Recovery Room
You will:
- Be monitored closely
- Receive tailored pain relief
- Become more alert and comfortable
Most patients stay 30–90 minutes.
Back to the Ward
You will:
- Be encouraged to mobilise early
- Begin physiotherapy
- Start eating and drinking once safe
- Receive postoperative instructions
Some procedures are day-case; others require an overnight stay.
Going Home
Before leaving, you will receive:
- Your medications
- Wound care instructions
- Physiotherapy exercises
- A follow-up appointment
- Contact numbers if you need help
We will ensure you feel safe and confident before discharge.
Typical Post-operative Care
Pain Management
- Oral pain medication
- Ice packs
- Elevation (for knee or lower limb surgery)
Mobility
- Physiotherapy-guided walking
- Crutches or supports if required
- Gradual increase in activity
Wound Care
- Keep dressings clean and dry
- Avoid soaking the wound until healed
- Dissolving stitches are often used
Follow-Up
Usually at:
- 2 weeks (wound check)
- 6 weeks (progress review)
Return to Activities
- Desk work: 2–4 weeks
- Driving: 2–6 weeks, depending on procedure
- Light exercise: 4–6 weeks
- Sports: 6–12 weeks for arthroscopy; 3–6 months for joint replacement
You will also receive a procedure-specific recovery guide.
Red Flag Symptoms After Treatment or Surgery
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop:
Signs of Infection
- Increasing redness, heat or swelling
- Wound leaking fluid or pus
- Fever or chills
Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Calf pain or tenderness
- Sudden swelling of the leg
- Redness or warmth in the calf
Chest Symptoms (medical emergency)
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
Neurological Symptoms
- New numbness or weakness
- Foot drop
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
Other Concerning Symptoms
- Severe uncontrolled pain
- Rapidly increasing swelling
- Inability to bear weight
- If unsure, please contact us for guidance.