How to see TomPre SurgeryDay of SurgeryPost Surgery

Come prepared

Getting referred

Ask your GP, physiotherapist or other treatment provider to refer you to Tom to assess your condition and discuss surgical options. Once we receive the referral we will help you arrange an initial consultation. Let your referrer know as much detail about your injury/condition as this will help us determine if you need further investigations before your consultation.

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Before your consultation

  • Let us know details of x-rays or scans you have had and where they were done. Tom will review imaging prior to your appointment. With advanced notice we can typically arrange for images from radiology providers around the country to be transferred to be available for your consultation.
  • We may need to contact you for Insurance details, Southern Cross membership number or ACC documentation if you have had an injury.

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What to bring

  • A list of your medical history and current medications.
  • Wear appropriate clothing to facilitate examination of the area in question. Shorts are best for hip and knee complaints, and a singlet or shirt you are happy to remove for the shoulder.
  • Tom encourages you to bring a friend or family member for support.
  • If English is not your first language it may be helpful to bring a friend or family member to help translate.

What to expect

Tom will ask questions about your orthopaedic condition, and any important medical history. He will examine the relevant area and review your x-rays /scans. If further information is required, he will refer you for the appropriate tests. Once all the appropriate information has been gathered to make a treatment plan, Tom will discuss the management options with you.

Recommended treatment may be non-surgical or involve an operation. Tom welcomes you to ask questions about your condition as well as the alternative treatment options. It is his goal that you feel well informed to make a decision on the best way to proceed.

Treatment options

Tom may discuss non operative and operative treatment options with you. For most conditions non operative treatment is the first option, and Tom may ask you to try this and return for a further consultation before considering surgery.

Non-surgical options

  • Pain medications
  • Orthotics (bracing/splints)
  • Activity modification and rest
  • Physiotherapy
  • Steroid injections
  • Weight reduction especially with conditions relating to the hip and knee joint

If your condition can be managed without surgery that is generally recommended, and some times surgical options will be discussed, with the expectation the patient completes a thorough trial of non operative options before we commit to surgery. Generally if the condition can be managed with pain relief, activity modification and Physiotherapy that is a safer option than undergoing an operation.

If surgery is an option, Tom will go over what's involved, the benefits and risks as well as the postoperative recovery and together we will decide on the most appropriate treatment course for you.

Get a referral

To see Tom you will require a referral from your GP, Physiotherapist or other treatment provider. Ask to be referred to Tom for your surgery and we will help you set up an initial consultation.