FAQ
What Is Sciatica and Why Does It Run Down My Leg?
Key Takeaways Sciatica describes pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels along the sciatic nerve into the leg, so it is a symptom pattern and not a diagnosis. Leg symptoms appear because a nerve root in the lower spine is compressed or inflamed, and the body maps that irritation across everything…
See MoreKneecap Dislocation Surgery: When Is MPFL Reconstruction Needed?
Key Takeaways A first kneecap dislocation is usually managed without surgery, with reduction, imaging and structured rehabilitation. Reconstruction is typically considered when dislocations repeat, a loose fragment is found, or the knee still feels unsafe despite good rehabilitation. Bone shape and alignment influence the plan, so some knees may need a tibial tubercle osteotomy or…
See MoreDriving After Knee Replacement, Kneeling and Walking Timeline
Key Takeaways Driving after knee replacement usually resumes once you can brake firmly without hesitation and are off strong pain relief, commonly around four to six weeks. Australia sets no fixed waiting period after joint surgery, so the decision rests with your treating doctor and your honest assessment of control. Kneeling is the slowest milestone…
See MoreBest Orthopaedic Surgeon in Sydney: How to Choose the Right One for You
Key Takeaways There is no official ranking of the “best orthopaedic surgeon in Sydney”. Treat top-10 lists and unsupported superiority claims as marketing, not proof of clinical quality. Specialist registration on the Ahpra register, surgical fellowship and a clear subspecialty focus are the checks that carry real weight. An itemised written estimate covering surgeon, anaesthetist,…
See MoreHip Resurfacing Recovery: When Can You Return to the Gym?
Key Takeaways Returning to the gym happens in stages, with rehabilitation exercises, cycling and controlled machine work generally preceding heavy lower-body or impact training. Squats, deadlifts, and lunges should progress through supported, lighter variations before depth, resistance, and complexity are increased. Heavier training depends on satisfactory bone healing, imaging, gait, strength, movement symmetry and the…
See MoreWhat Happens If Hip Resurfacing Fails? Revision Surgery Explained
Key Takeaways Pain, swelling, clicking, or a limp do not automatically mean hip resurfacing has failed; assessment may include X-rays, blood tests, metal-ion testing and specialised imaging. Some stable implants can be monitored, while fracture, infection, loosening, tissue damage or progressive loss of function may make revision more appropriate. Revision may replace only the femoral…
See MoreCan Women Have Hip Resurfacing? Understanding Who Is Suitable
Key Takeaways Women can be suitable for hip resurfacing, but eligibility depends more on component size, bone quality, diagnosis and implant type than sex alone. Smaller anatomy, osteoporosis, dysplasia, osteonecrosis, kidney disease or metal sensitivity may make total hip replacement the more predictable option. Metal-on-metal resurfacing requires careful selection and ongoing surveillance, including metal-ion testing…
See MoreHip Resurfacing vs Hip Replacement: Which Lasts Longer for Younger Patients?
Key Takeaways Neither procedure automatically lasts longer; the best option depends on anatomy, bone quality, diagnosis, activity goals, and surgeon’s experience. Hip resurfacing can perform well in carefully selected younger men with strong bone, larger component sizes, and primary osteoarthritis. Modern total hip replacement offers more predictable outcomes across a broader range of patients and…
See MoreHow Long Does an Anterior Hip Replacement Last? Implant Lifespan Explained
Key Takeaways Modern anterior hip replacements commonly remain unrevised for 20 years or longer, although no lifespan can be guaranteed for an individual patient. The anterior approach does not make the implant last longer; longevity depends more on materials, fixation, component positioning, diagnosis, and patient factors. Registry survival figures measure whether revision occurred, not whether…
See MoreWhen Can You Drive After an Anterior Hip Replacement?
Key Takeaways Driving after anterior hip replacement is guided by functional readiness rather than a fixed date, although many patients are advised to wait around four to six weeks. The operated side and vehicle type matter, with right-sided surgery and manual transmission generally placing greater demands on pedal control. You should be able to enter…
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