FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need a referral?

Yes. A letter from your general practitioner, physiotherapist, sports doctor or other medical practitioner is required. 

What are your office hours?

Our office is open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday through Friday.  Appointments can be made on 5232764.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring the details of where any x-rays or scans that you have had prior have been performed.  If the scans were performed in Auckland, we can usually access these online so you do not need to bring the images with you.  

I have an ACC claim, will there be any cost for the appointment?

No, as long as the claim has been approved ACC will cover the cost of the initial appointments.  If surgery is planned, a separate application for funding is sent to ACC which can usually take two to eight weeks to be processed.

What happens if ACC declines to cover my surgery and I do not have private health insurance?

There are three options if ACC declines to pay for your surgery.  The first option is to have the ACC decision reviewed.  It is best to discuss this with us to determine if this is worthwhile.  The second option is to self-fund your surgery which means you are responsible for paying all the costs associated with the surgery.  We can provide an estimate of the costs if needed.  The third option is to be referred to your local public hospital to be placed on the waiting list.  We can make the referral if requested.

SURGERY

Can I eat / drink on the morning of surgery

You cannot eat or drink within 6 hours of the planned surgery so for most patients they should not eat or drink from midnight prior to the surgery.  If you are having surgery in the afternoon, you may be able to drink small amounts of water up to three hours prior to surgery. 

Can I take my medication on the morning of surgery?

You can take you regular medications with a small amount water.  If you are taking medication for diabetes, please discuss with us prior to surgery.

How long will I be in hospital?

With improved techniques for managing your pain post-operatively, most patients are able to go home the same day of surgery.  Procedures such as shoulder arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, shoulder stabilization, ACL reconstruction and knee arthroscopy are day case operations although overnight stays are occasionally needed.  Knee replacements typically are in hospital for 3-4 nights and shoulder replacements 1-2 nights.

AFTER SURGERY

When can I return to work?

This varies depending on the type of work involved and Brendan will discuss this with you.  General guidelines are:

Sedentary / Office Based work / Light Duties

Rotator cuff repair                2-3 weeks (arm in sling)

Shoulder Stabilization          2-3 weeks (arm in sling)

Shoulder arthroscopy           1-2 weeks

Shoulder Replacement         2-3 weeks (arm in sling)

Knee arthroscopy                 1-3 days

ACL reconstruction               1-2 weeks

Knee Replacement                2-4 weeks

Heavy / Physical Work

Rotator cuff repair                4 – 6 months 

Shoulder Stabilization          3-4 months

Shoulder arthroscopy           6-8 weeks

Shoulder Replacement         8-12 weeks

Knee arthroscopy                 3-6 weeks

ACL reconstruction               6-8 weeks

Knee Replacement                10-12 weeks

When can I drive?

You cannot drive on the day of your surgical procedure and you should arrange for someone to drive you home.  You should not drive while you are in a sling or on crutches.  With knee surgery, you can return to driving quicker if the surgery is on your left leg and you have an automatic car.  General guidelines are:

Rotator cuff repair                6-7 weeks 

Shoulder Stabilization          6-7 weeks

Shoulder arthroscopy           2-3 weeks

Shoulder Replacement         6-7 weeks

Knee arthroscopy                 1-2 weeks

ACL reconstruction               2-3 weeks

Knee Replacement                4-6 weeks

When can I travel?

Long distance travel is associated with an increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) where blood clots form in the leg and can dislodge to the lung.  Long distance plane or car travel is not recommended for the first six weeks after surgery.  Short domestic travel is relatively low risk for DVT and can be undertaken earlier.  If you are considering travel during your recovery please discuss with Brendan. Additional information about DVT can be found at

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis

Will my joint replacement set off a metal detector at the airport?

The security settings on metal detectors varies between airports and countries and your joint replacement may set off the alarms.  You should inform security staff prior to passing through the metal detector.