Services
Hip and knee care
Andy specialises in primary (first-time) hip and knee replacement. He also offers revision surgery, treats general hip and knee problems and knee sports injuries, and advises on treatment without surgery. Wellington consultations at Bowen Specialist Centre begin in January 2027.
Andy will assess what may be causing your symptoms and explain the available treatment options. He will discuss surgery only when it is appropriate for your diagnosis, scans, symptoms and goals.
What to expect at your assessment
Referral or enquiry
For appointments funded by ACC or private health insurance, you’ll need a referral from your GP, physiotherapist or another clinician. If you’re funding the appointment yourself, without ACC or insurance funding, please contact the clinic to discuss whether a self-referral is suitable.
Previous care
Andy reviews any available imaging, reports and details of previous treatment. He can arrange relevant imaging following referral; where helpful, this may be done before your appointment.
Your symptoms and goals
Andy will ask about your symptoms, examine the joint and discuss what you would like to get back to.
Treatment options
Options may include treatment without surgery, further imaging, injections, rehabilitation, monitoring or surgery where clinically appropriate.
Primary and revision joint replacement
A primary replacement is the first replacement of a joint. Revision surgery involves further surgery to replace or revise part or all of an existing replacement. Andy will assess whether either is appropriate.
Primary hip replacement
For hip arthritis, groin pain, stiffness or difficulty walking.
Primary knee replacement
For knee arthritis, swelling, stiffness or reduced confidence with walking.
Revision hip replacement
For pain or concerns after a previous hip replacement.
Revision knee replacement
For pain or concerns after a previous knee replacement.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement
Robotic-assisted knee replacement may be an option at Bowen and Wakefield Hospitals, where appropriate. The surgeon performs the operation, using robotic technology to assist with planning and implant positioning.
Andy will discuss whether robotic assistance is suitable, including the options, risks and any additional costs.
Read about robotic-assisted joint replacement from AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab).
Treatment without surgery
Andy can advise on treatment without surgery for hip and knee problems. Depending on your condition, options may include rehabilitation, changes to activity and injections.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
PRP is prepared from a sample of your own blood, with the platelets concentrated before injection. It may be considered for selected problems after assessment.
Cingal injections
Cingal combines hyaluronic acid with a corticosteroid. It may be considered for pain from osteoarthritis of the knee.
Andy will discuss suitability, possible benefits, risks and alternatives. Responses vary, and injections do not help everyone.
Hip injections are arranged through a radiology provider. Knee injections can generally be done in the clinic, depending on the treatment needed. Please ask the clinic about costs and any funding approval when arranging an injection.
Knee sports injuries and surgery
Andy will discuss treatment in light of your symptoms, examination, scans and the activities you want to return to. Rehabilitation and surgery are considered where appropriate.
Meniscal tears
The menisci are cushions of cartilage in the knee. A tear can cause pain, swelling, catching or locking. Treatment depends on the tear and your symptoms; surgery is not always needed.
Kneecap dislocation and instability
The kneecap (patella) can dislocate or feel unstable. After the initial injury has been treated, assessment can help guide rehabilitation and consider surgery for ongoing instability or repeated dislocations.
ACL injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) helps stabilise the knee. Injuries may cause giving way, particularly with turning or pivoting. Rehabilitation and surgical options are considered alongside any other knee injuries and your activity goals.
Read more about knee sports injury assessment
Enquire about a knee sports injury
Further reading from AAOS OrthoInfo: meniscal tears, kneecap instability and ACL injuries (links open in a new tab).
Urgent concerns: This clinic is not an urgent or emergency service. For medical emergencies, call 111. For new or worsening symptoms requiring urgent assessment, please contact your GP, an urgent care provider, or your nearest emergency department.
ACC hip and knee patients
The clinic can help arrange appointments for ACC-covered hip and knee injuries. There is no surcharge for consultations funded by ACC. Please have your claim number and any relevant ACC correspondence available when enquiring.
Funding for consultations, scans or treatment depends on the covered injury, ACC requirements and any approval needed.
Patient information guides
The patient guides explain joint replacement and knee sports injuries in general terms. Your own treatment and recovery plan will depend on your individual needs.
Questions before booking?
The clinic can advise whether an appointment with Andy may be suitable and what information to send.
