“Specialist orthopaedic care, with a personal approach.”

Dr Andrew Salipas is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip and knee replacement, revision surgery, sports knee injuries and trauma — treating patients across Metropolitan and greater Melbourne.

Dr Andrew Salipas, Orthopaedic Surgeon
Hip · Knee · Trauma
MBBS B.MedSc FRACS (Ortho) FAOrthoA
MBBS B.MedSc FRACS (Ortho) FAOrthoA — University of Melbourne & RACS
Consultant at Monash Health
Operating privately at Cabrini Health & St John of God

“Specialist orthopaedic care, with a personal approach.”

Based in Malvern, Dr Salipas treats patients from across the inner south-east and beyond, combining Australian Orthopaedic training with two years of subspecialty fellowship experience in Canada.

  • Consulting rooms in Malvern, easy to reach from across the inner south-east
  • Public consultant role at Monash Health alongside private practice
  • Operates at Cabrini Health and St John of God Healthcare
Monash Health
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Cabrini Health
Private practice
St John of God Healthcare
Private practice

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Portrait of Dr Andrew Salipas

Dr Andrew Salipas

Orthopaedic Surgeon — Hip, Knee and Trauma
MBBS B.MedSc FRACS (Ortho) FAOrthoA

Dr Andrew Salipas is an Australian-trained orthopaedic surgeon with sub-specialty training in adult hip and knee joint replacement, revision joint replacement, and sports knee surgery.

University of Melbourne FRACS (Ortho) FAOrthoA Canada Fellowship-trained

Melbourne training

Andrew completed his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc) at the University of Melbourne in 2009. His internship and residency were completed at St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne, and in 2011 he completed a post-graduate diploma in Surgical Anatomy.

Specialist surgical training FRACS, 2019

Andrew was accepted into the Australian Orthopaedic Association training scheme, where he completed the five-year accredited training program. In 2019, he successfully completed his orthopaedic fellowship exams (FRACS) and was admitted to the Royal Australian College of Surgeons — the qualifying exam that Australian orthopaedic surgeons must pass to practise independently.

Subspecialty fellowships in Canada 2020

In 2020, Andrew travelled to Canada to complete two further one-year subspecialty fellowships — additional training beyond the standard surgical qualification, undertaken with leading international units:

Adult Hip and Knee Joint Replacement at the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario.
Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.

Practice today

Since returning to Melbourne, Andrew holds a position at Monash Health as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, and has a keen interest and passion for teaching and mentoring junior surgeons. He also works privately at Cabrini Health and St John of God Healthcare.

Outside the clinic

Outside of orthopaedics, Andrew enjoys travelling, playing guitar, keeping fit and active, playing golf, skiing, and watching the footy.

Travelling Guitar Golf Skiing AFL

Have a question about your hip, knee or an injury?

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Hip

Hip pain that's slowing you down?

Dr Salipas treats the full range of hip conditions, from early arthritis through to complex revision surgery — with a focus on getting you back to walking comfortably and doing the things you enjoy.

Conditions we treat

Hip pain has a range of causes, and the right treatment depends on what's actually going on. Dr Salipas commonly sees:

  • Hip osteoarthritis — wear of the cartilage that cushions the joint, causing stiffness and aching pain, often worse with activity.
  • Avascular necrosis — where part of the hip bone loses its blood supply and weakens.
  • A worn or loosened previous hip replacement — implants can wear out over time and may need revision.

Treatment options

Surgery isn't always the first step. Dr Salipas will talk through non-surgical options where appropriate, before discussing:

  • Primary hip replacement — replacing the worn joint surfaces with an artificial implant to relieve pain and restore movement.
  • Revision hip replacement — replacing or repairing a previous hip implant that has worn, loosened or become painful.

Day of surgery

Most patients are admitted on the day of their operation. Hip replacement surgery typically takes around one to two hours, and many patients are up and walking with the help of a physiotherapist within a day of surgery.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Recovery timelines vary from person to person, but most patients are walking without aids and back to light daily activities within six to twelve weeks, guided by a structured physiotherapy program.

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Knee

Get your knee moving again.

From arthritis to sporting injuries, Dr Salipas treats knee conditions across every age group — helping active people return to sport, and helping others simply get back to walking without pain.

Conditions we treat

  • Knee osteoarthritis — wear of the joint surfaces causing pain, swelling and stiffness, particularly with stairs or prolonged walking.
  • ACL tears — a torn ligament that stabilises the knee, common in sports involving pivoting or sudden direction change.
  • Meniscus tears — damage to the knee's shock-absorbing cartilage, often from twisting injuries.
  • Cartilage injuries — damage to the smooth surface of the joint.
  • Kneecap (patella) instability — where the kneecap slips or dislocates out of place.

Treatment options

  • Partial or total knee replacement — for arthritis that's no longer responding to non-surgical treatment.
  • ACL reconstruction — rebuilding a torn ligament, particularly for active or sporting patients.
  • Arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) — a minimally invasive approach to diagnose and treat meniscus, cartilage and some ligament injuries.
  • Knee osteotomy — surgical correction of a poorly aligned knee to offload the worn-out compartment and help alleviate pain.
  • Patellofemoral joint reconstruction — a combination of soft tissue and bony procedures to correct a recurrently dislocating kneecap.

Day of surgery

Many knee procedures — including arthroscopy and ACL reconstruction — are day surgery or an overnight stay. Knee replacement usually involves a short hospital stay with physiotherapy starting the same or next day.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Recovery depends on the procedure: sports injuries typically involve a staged return to activity over several months under physiotherapy guidance, while knee replacement recovery generally spans six to twelve weeks for a return to daily activities.

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Hip
Hip · Procedure

Total Hip Replacement

For patients whose hip arthritis or joint damage is no longer responding to non-surgical treatment, a total hip replacement can relieve pain and restore movement — letting you get back to walking, sleeping and daily life comfortably.

What is a total hip replacement?

A total hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) involves replacing the worn ball-and-socket surfaces of the hip joint with smooth artificial components — a stem and ball fitted into the thighbone, and a matching socket fitted into the pelvis. Together they recreate a smooth, low-friction joint that moves the way a healthy hip should.

Who is it for?

  • Osteoarthritis that limits walking, sleep or daily activities despite medication, weight management and physiotherapy.
  • Rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis affecting the hip joint.
  • Avascular necrosis, where the bone has lost its blood supply and begun to collapse.
  • Severe hip fractures, where reconstruction isn't practical and a replacement gives a more reliable outcome.
  • Previous hip surgery that hasn't fully relieved symptoms.

The procedure

Dr Salipas performs hip replacement using a well-established, tissue-preserving surgical approach, tailored to each patient's anatomy. The operation usually takes around one to two hours. Implants are chosen based on your bone quality, activity level and goals, with the aim of a stable joint built to last.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Most patients are up and walking with the help of a physiotherapist on the day of surgery or the day after. Hospital stays are typically a few days, starting with a walking frame before progressing to a stick and then unaided walking. Most people return to light daily activities within six to twelve weeks, with continued strength gains over the following months.

Common questions

How long does a hip replacement last?

Modern hip replacements are built to last — most patients can expect their implant to perform well for 15 to 20+ years, depending on activity level and bone quality.

Will I need crutches?

Most patients use a frame or crutches for the first few weeks, moving to a single stick as strength and confidence improve, and then walking unaided.

When can I drive again?

Typically from around four to six weeks, once you can comfortably and safely control the vehicle — Dr Salipas will confirm this is right for you at your review.

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Hip
Hip · Procedure

Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement

The direct anterior approach is a muscle-sparing technique for hip replacement, performed from the front of the hip rather than the side or back — allowing surgery between muscle planes rather than through them.

What is the direct anterior approach?

The direct anterior approach (DAA) reaches the hip joint through a natural interval between muscles at the front of the hip, rather than detaching or splitting muscle to get to the joint. The aim is the same as any hip replacement — removing the worn joint surfaces and fitting new artificial components — but the muscle-sparing approach can offer a smoother early recovery for suitable patients.

Who is it for?

Most patients being considered for hip replacement are potential candidates for the anterior approach. Suitability depends on individual hip anatomy, previous surgery and body build, which Dr Salipas will assess at your consultation alongside imaging.

The procedure

The operation itself takes a similar amount of time to a standard hip replacement — around one to two hours — with the same artificial components used. The difference lies in the surgical path taken to reach the joint, working between rather than through the muscles surrounding the hip.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Many patients find early mobility more comfortable with this approach, often walking with minimal aids soon after surgery. As with any hip replacement, a structured physiotherapy program supports the return to daily activities over the following weeks, with most patients back to light activity within six to twelve weeks.

Wondering if the anterior approach suits you?

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Hip
Hip · Procedure

Robotic Hip Replacement

Robotic-assisted technology helps plan and place a hip replacement with additional precision, using a CT-based model of your own anatomy to guide implant position.

What is robotic hip replacement?

Robotic-assisted hip replacement uses a pre-operative CT scan to build a three-dimensional model of your hip, which Dr Salipas uses to plan implant size, position and alignment before surgery begins. During the operation, robotic guidance helps execute that plan with a high level of precision.

Who is it for?

Robotic assistance is an option for most patients undergoing hip replacement, particularly where precise implant alignment is expected to be more challenging — such as unusual hip anatomy, previous hip surgery, or significant deformity. Dr Salipas will discuss whether a robotic-assisted or conventional approach is the better fit for your hip at your consultation.

The procedure

The surgery replaces the same worn joint surfaces as a conventional hip replacement, using the same range of implants. The robotic system acts as a planning and guidance tool for Dr Salipas throughout the procedure, rather than performing the surgery independently — the surgeon remains in control of every step.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Recovery follows the same pathway as conventional hip replacement — walking with physiotherapy support from the day of surgery or the day after, with most patients back to light daily activities within six to twelve weeks.

Curious about robotic hip replacement?

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Hip
Hip · Procedure

Revision Hip Replacement

When a previous hip replacement has worn, loosened or become unstable, revision surgery replaces some or all of the original implant to relieve pain and restore function.

What is revision hip replacement?

Revision hip replacement involves removing a worn, loosened or failed hip implant and replacing the affected components with new ones. It's a more complex procedure than a first-time hip replacement, often requiring specialised implants to address bone loss and restore stable, well-supported fixation.

Who is it for?

  • Wear or loosening of a previous hip implant over time.
  • Recurrent dislocation or instability of a hip replacement.
  • Infection around a hip replacement, managed with a specific staged approach.
  • Fracture around an existing hip implant.

The procedure

Revision hip surgery is planned individually, typically with CT imaging to assess bone quality and the position of the existing implant. Dr Salipas's subspecialty training in revision joint replacement guides the choice of specialised implants and techniques needed for more complex hips.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Recovery from revision hip surgery is generally longer than a first hip replacement, reflecting the more complex nature of the procedure. Hospital stay and rehabilitation are tailored to each patient, with close follow-up to monitor healing.

Concerned about a previous hip replacement?

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Knee
Knee · Procedure

Total Knee Replacement

When knee arthritis has worn away the joint's cartilage and stopped responding to other treatments, a total knee replacement can relieve pain and restore day-to-day movement.

What is a total knee replacement?

A total knee replacement resurfaces the worn ends of the thighbone and shinbone with smooth metal and plastic components, with a plastic button often placed under the kneecap. This recreates a smooth gliding surface for the knee to bend and straighten comfortably.

Who is it for?

  • Advanced osteoarthritis causing pain, swelling and stiffness that limits walking or stairs.
  • Rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis affecting the knee.
  • Significant knee deformity — bow-legged or knock-kneed alignment from long-standing wear.
  • Knee pain that hasn't improved with weight management, medication, injections or physiotherapy.

The procedure

Surgery typically takes around one to two hours. Dr Salipas carefully balances the ligaments and aligns the new joint surfaces to restore natural movement and stability, using implants selected for your individual anatomy.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Walking with physiotherapy support usually begins the same or next day. Hospital stays are typically a few days. Swelling and stiffness are normal in the early weeks, easing as rehabilitation progresses. Most patients are back to light activities by six to twelve weeks, with continued improvement in strength and flexibility for several months.

Common questions

Is knee replacement painful?

Some discomfort is expected, but it's well managed with modern pain-relief protocols, and most patients are surprised how quickly they're up and moving.

Will my knee feel normal?

Most patients regain a well-functioning, pain-free knee, though some report mild differences in sensation — particularly kneeling — compared with a natural knee.

Can both knees be done at once?

Occasionally, for the right patient — this is discussed individually, weighing recovery demands against the convenience of a single admission.

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Knee
Knee · Procedure

Revision Knee Replacement

When a previous knee replacement has worn out, loosened, or become painful or unstable, revision surgery replaces some or all of the original implant to relieve pain and restore function.

What is revision knee replacement?

Revision knee replacement is a more complex procedure than a first-time knee replacement. It involves carefully removing the worn or failed implant, addressing any bone loss, and fitting new — often more specialised — components to rebuild a stable, well-functioning knee.

Who is it for?

  • Wear or loosening of a previous knee implant over time.
  • Infection around a knee replacement, managed with a specific staged approach.
  • Instability or stiffness that hasn't settled after the original surgery.
  • Fracture around an existing implant.
  • Ongoing pain without a clear alternative cause.

The procedure

Revision surgery is planned individually, often with CT imaging beforehand to understand bone quality and implant positioning. Dr Salipas has specific subspecialty training in revision joint replacement, using specialised implants and techniques suited to more complex knees where bone stock or ligament support has been affected by the original surgery.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Recovery from revision surgery is generally longer and more gradual than a first knee replacement, reflecting the more complex nature of the procedure. Hospital stay and rehabilitation timelines are tailored to each patient, with close follow-up to monitor healing.

Common questions

How do I know if my knee replacement needs revision?

Increasing pain, swelling, instability or a change in how the knee feels are worth assessing — imaging and, sometimes, blood tests help confirm the cause.

Is revision surgery riskier than a first knee replacement?

It's a more complex procedure with a longer recovery, which is why subspecialty experience in revision surgery matters — Dr Salipas will discuss your individual risks in detail.

Will I need more revisions in future?

Not necessarily — many revision knee replacements perform well for many years, though this depends on the reason for revision and your individual circumstances.

Concerned about a previous knee replacement?

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Knee
Knee · Procedure

ACL Reconstruction

A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can leave the knee feeling unstable, especially during sport or sudden changes of direction. ACL reconstruction rebuilds the ligament using a tendon graft to restore stability and confidence in the knee.

What is ACL reconstruction?

The ACL is one of the key ligaments stabilising the knee. Once torn, it doesn't reliably heal on its own. ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a new graft — commonly taken from the patient's own hamstring or patellar tendon — positioned to recreate the ACL's original function.

Who is it for?

  • Active people, particularly those in pivoting or contact sport, whose knee gives way or feels unstable.
  • Patients with a combined injury — an ACL tear alongside meniscus or cartilage damage.
  • Younger patients wanting to return to sport or physical work with a stable knee.
  • Ongoing instability despite a course of physiotherapy — not everyone with an ACL tear needs surgery, and this is assessed individually.

The procedure

Performed as keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery, ACL reconstruction typically takes around one to one and a half hours. A tendon graft is harvested and secured in place of the torn ligament using small tunnels drilled in the shin and thigh bones. Any associated meniscus or cartilage damage is addressed at the same time where possible.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Most patients go home the same day or after one night. Recovery follows a structured, staged rehabilitation program — early weeks focus on regaining movement and reducing swelling, followed by progressive strengthening. Return to pivoting sport is guided by rehabilitation milestones rather than a fixed date, often around nine to twelve months.

Common questions

Do all ACL tears need surgery?

No — some people manage well with rehabilitation alone, particularly if they don't play pivoting sports. Dr Salipas will help you weigh up the options for your lifestyle.

What graft is used?

Hamstring tendon and patellar tendon grafts are both well-established options — the right choice depends on your knee, sport and Dr Salipas's assessment.

When can I return to sport?

Generally not before nine months, guided by strength testing and rehabilitation milestones rather than the calendar, to reduce the risk of re-injury.

Dealing with a knee ligament injury?

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Knee
Knee · Procedure

Meniscal Surgery

The meniscus is the knee's shock-absorbing cartilage, and a tear can cause pain, swelling, catching or locking. Depending on the type of tear, treatment ranges from repairing the meniscus to trimming the damaged portion.

What is meniscal surgery?

Meniscal surgery is a keyhole (arthroscopic) procedure to treat a torn meniscus. Where possible, Dr Salipas will repair the tear with sutures to preserve as much of the meniscus's natural cushioning function as possible; where the tissue is too damaged, only the torn fragment is trimmed away (a partial meniscectomy).

Who is it for?

  • A meniscus tear causing persistent pain, swelling, catching or locking.
  • Tears that haven't settled with rest, physiotherapy and time.
  • Tear patterns suited to repair, particularly in younger patients, rather than trimming.
  • Tears found alongside an ACL injury, often addressed during the same surgery.

The procedure

Performed arthroscopically through small incisions, the surgery typically takes around thirty to forty-five minutes. Dr Salipas assesses the tear pattern and tissue quality during surgery to decide between repair and trimming, aiming to preserve as much healthy meniscus as safely possible.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Most patients go home the same day. Recovery after a trim is often quicker — walking comfortably within days and back to light activity within a few weeks. Recovery after a repair is slower, as the repair needs time and protection to heal, often involving a brace and restricted weight-bearing for several weeks under guidance.

Common questions

Repair or trim — which will I need?

This is often only clear once Dr Salipas can directly assess the tear during surgery, based on its pattern, location and tissue quality.

How soon can I walk after surgery?

After a trim, most people are walking comfortably within days; after a repair, weight-bearing is more gradual to protect the healing tissue.

Can a meniscus tear be left untreated?

Some tears, especially small or stable ones, can be managed without surgery. Dr Salipas will discuss whether surgery is likely to help in your case.

Living with a meniscus injury?

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Knee
Knee · Procedure

Partial Knee Replacement

When arthritis is limited to just one part of the knee, a partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged area — leaving healthy bone, cartilage and ligaments untouched.

What is a partial knee replacement?

The knee has three separate compartments, and arthritis doesn't always affect all of them evenly. A partial knee replacement resurfaces only the worn compartment — most commonly the inner (medial) side — using a smaller implant while preserving the rest of the natural knee, including its ligaments.

Who is it for?

  • Arthritis confined to one compartment of the knee, confirmed on examination and imaging.
  • Intact ligaments, particularly a healthy anterior cruciate ligament.
  • Pain concentrated on one side of the knee rather than throughout the joint.

Not everyone with knee arthritis is suited to a partial replacement — Dr Salipas will assess whether your pattern of wear makes you a good candidate, or whether a total knee replacement is a better fit.

The procedure

Partial knee replacement is generally a smaller operation than a total knee replacement, using a smaller incision and preserving more of the knee's natural structure. Surgery typically takes around one hour.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Because less tissue is disturbed, many patients experience a faster early recovery than with a total knee replacement, often walking with minimal aids within days. A physiotherapy program supports the return to full activity over the following weeks.

Wondering if a partial replacement suits you?

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Knee
Knee · Procedure

Patellofemoral Reconstruction

For patients whose kneecap (patella) repeatedly slips or dislocates out of place, patellofemoral reconstruction surgery restores the structures that keep it correctly aligned.

What is patellofemoral reconstruction?

The kneecap normally glides in a groove at the front of the knee, held in place by a ligament called the MPFL (medial patellofemoral ligament) along with the shape of the joint itself. When the kneecap dislocates, this ligament is often stretched or torn. Reconstruction surgery rebuilds it using a tendon graft, restoring a stable track for the kneecap to move in.

Who is it for?

  • Recurrent kneecap dislocation — more than one episode of the kneecap slipping out of place.
  • A first-time dislocation with risk factors for recurrence, such as significant ligament or bony changes seen on imaging.
  • Ongoing instability or apprehension that limits sport or daily activity, despite physiotherapy.

The procedure

Surgery typically involves reconstructing the MPFL using a tendon graft, positioned to restore normal kneecap tracking. Where relevant, Dr Salipas will also assess and address any underlying bony alignment issues contributing to instability, as part of a tailored surgical plan.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Most patients go home the same day or after one night. Recovery involves an initial period of protected movement, often with a brace, followed by a structured physiotherapy program to rebuild strength and confidence before returning to sport.

Dealing with a dislocating kneecap?

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Knee
Knee · Procedure

Knee Osteotomy

When leg alignment is putting excess load through one side of the knee, a knee osteotomy reshapes the shinbone or thighbone to shift weight-bearing away from the damaged area — relieving pain while preserving your own joint.

What is a knee osteotomy?

A knee osteotomy involves carefully cutting and realigning either the shinbone (tibia) or thighbone (femur) near the knee, then securing it in a new position with a plate and screws while it heals. Correcting the angle shifts weight-bearing away from a worn part of the knee, reducing pain and slowing further wear.

Who is it for?

  • Younger, active patients with wear limited to one side of the knee, who are not yet suited to a knee replacement.
  • Malalignment (bow-legged or knock-kneed) contributing to uneven load through the knee.
  • Patients wanting to preserve their own joint for as long as possible before considering replacement surgery.

The procedure

Surgery involves precisely planned cuts to the tibia or femur, correcting the alignment before fixing the bone in its new position with a plate and screws. Planning is individualised, based on your specific leg alignment measured on imaging beforehand.

Recovery & rehabilitation

Recovery is more gradual than joint replacement, as the bone needs time to heal in its corrected position — usually with a period of restricted weight-bearing guided by follow-up X-rays. Physiotherapy supports a progressive return to activity as healing is confirmed.

Want to know if osteotomy could help your knee?

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Patient Rehab

Recovery is part of the plan, not an afterthought.

Surgery is only one part of getting you back on your feet. Dr Salipas works closely with physiotherapists to guide your rehabilitation from before your operation through to full recovery.

Before your surgery

Where time allows, building strength and mobility before surgery — sometimes called "pre-habilitation" — can make the early weeks of recovery more comfortable. Dr Salipas will let you know if pre-operative physiotherapy is likely to help in your case.

Early recovery

Most patients begin walking with the help of a physiotherapist on the day of surgery or the day after, guided by hospital nursing and allied health staff. The early focus is on safe movement, swelling management and regaining basic daily function.

Working with your physio

Once home, ongoing physiotherapy is a key part of your recovery — rebuilding strength, flexibility and confidence in the joint. Dr Salipas works closely with physiotherapists to make sure your rehabilitation program matches your surgery and your individual goals, whether that's walking comfortably around Malvern or getting back to sport.

Getting back to activity

Recovery timelines vary by procedure and by person. Joint replacement patients are typically back to light daily activities within six to twelve weeks; sports knee surgery, such as ACL reconstruction, follows a longer, milestone-based return to sport over several months. Dr Salipas and your physiotherapy team will guide you through what to expect at each stage, and when it's safe to progress to the next.

Have a question about your recovery?

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Trauma

Experienced care after an injury.

Fractures and joint injuries around the hip, knee and lower limb need prompt, experienced treatment. Dr Salipas provides trauma care through Monash Health, Cabrini Health and St John of God Healthcare.

When you need us

Falls and accidents can cause fractures around the hip, knee and lower leg — from a broken hip in an older patient to a fractured kneecap or shinbone after a sporting or traffic accident. These injuries generally need timely surgical assessment.

Treatment approach

Depending on the injury, treatment may involve:

  • Internal fixation — using plates, screws or rods to hold broken bone in place while it heals.
  • Joint replacement — where a fracture is severe enough that repairing the joint isn't practical, such as some hip fractures in older patients.

Dr Salipas works closely with hospital emergency and orthopaedic teams at Monash Health, Cabrini Health and St John of God Healthcare to coordinate timely care.

Recovery after trauma

Recovery from a traumatic injury is usually staged — starting with protecting the repair, then progressively rebuilding strength and movement with physiotherapy. Timelines vary widely depending on the injury and are discussed individually with each patient.

Had a fall or injury?

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Trauma
Trauma · Upper Limb

Clavicle Fracture

Clavicle (collarbone) fractures usually follow a fall onto the shoulder or an outstretched arm, common in cycling and contact sport — causing a visible bump, pain and difficulty lifting the arm.

Treatment approach

Many clavicle fractures heal well in a sling without surgery. Surgical fixation with a plate and screws is considered for fractures that are significantly displaced, shortened, or at higher risk of not healing — particularly in active patients wanting a faster, more predictable recovery.

Recovery

Fractures managed without surgery are reviewed with X-rays over several weeks to confirm healing. After surgical fixation, gentle movement begins early, with a gradual return to full activity and contact sport typically by three to four months.

Had a fall onto your shoulder?

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Trauma
Trauma · Upper Limb

Humerus Fracture

Fractures of the humerus (upper arm bone) can occur near the shoulder, along the shaft, or near the elbow — usually from a fall or a direct blow to the arm.

Treatment approach

Many humeral shaft fractures heal well with a supportive brace. Surgery — using a plate, screws, or a rod inside the bone — is considered where the fracture is significantly displaced, involves a joint surface, or hasn't healed with bracing alone.

Recovery

Whether treated with a brace or surgery, gentle elbow and shoulder movement is encouraged early to avoid stiffness, with physiotherapy guiding a progressive return to strength and function over the following weeks.

Dealing with an upper arm injury?

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Trauma
Trauma · Upper Limb

Radius & Ulna Fracture

The radius and ulna are the two bones of the forearm. Fractures often follow a fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow, and can involve one or both bones.

Treatment approach

Fractures of both forearm bones in adults generally require surgical fixation with plates and screws to restore length, rotation and alignment, since the forearm relies on precise alignment for normal rotation of the wrist and hand.

Recovery

Early finger and elbow movement is encouraged to prevent stiffness, with the wrist protected for several weeks as the bones heal. A full return to activities, including sport, is generally guided by follow-up X-rays confirming solid healing.

Injured your forearm?

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Trauma
Trauma · Upper Limb

Distal Radius Fracture

A distal radius fracture — a break near the wrist end of the radius — is one of the most common fractures, typically from a fall onto an outstretched hand.

Treatment approach

Many distal radius fractures can be treated in a cast if the bone is well-aligned. Surgery, usually with a plate and screws, is considered where the fracture is significantly displaced, involves the joint surface, or is unstable.

Recovery

Finger movement is encouraged from day one to avoid stiffness. Cast or splint protection typically continues for around six weeks, with physiotherapy supporting the return of wrist strength and movement afterwards.

Fallen onto an outstretched hand?

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Trauma
Trauma · Lower Limb

Hip Fracture

Hip fractures — breaks in the upper femur near the hip joint — most often occur in older patients after a fall, and need timely surgical treatment to restore mobility and reduce the risks of prolonged immobility.

Treatment approach

Depending on the fracture pattern and location, treatment involves either internal fixation with screws or a plate, or a hip replacement (partial or total) where the fracture disrupts the blood supply to the joint.

Recovery

Early mobilisation, usually within a day of surgery, is a key part of recovery and helps reduce complications. Physiotherapy and, often, a period of rehabilitation support a structured return to walking and independence.

Had a fall affecting your hip?

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Trauma
Trauma · Lower Limb

Femur Fracture

Fractures of the femur (thighbone shaft) usually result from significant force — a fall from height, sporting injury or traffic accident — causing severe pain and an inability to weight-bear.

Treatment approach

Most femoral shaft fractures are treated surgically with a rod placed inside the bone (intramedullary nailing), providing strong internal support while the bone heals.

Recovery

Many patients can begin walking with support soon after surgery, with weight-bearing progressed under physiotherapy guidance as healing is confirmed on X-ray. Full recovery of strength typically continues over several months.

Sustained a thigh injury?

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Trauma
Trauma · Lower Limb

Tibial Fracture

The tibia (shinbone) is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg, and fractures can range from a stable crack to a severe, displaced break — often from sport, falls or traffic accidents.

Treatment approach

Treatment depends on the fracture pattern — some stable fractures are managed in a cast or brace, while displaced or unstable fractures are usually treated surgically with a rod, plate or screws to restore alignment and support healing.

Recovery

Weight-bearing is introduced gradually, guided by the fracture pattern and follow-up X-rays. Physiotherapy supports the return of ankle and knee movement, strength and, eventually, sport or physical activity.

Injured your shin or lower leg?

Get in touch to arrange an assessment with Dr Salipas.

Contact the practice
Trauma
Trauma · Lower Limb

Ankle Fracture

Ankle fractures involve one or more of the bones forming the ankle joint, typically from a twisting injury, fall, or sporting accident.

Treatment approach

Stable, well-aligned ankle fractures can often be treated in a cast. Fractures that are displaced or affect the stability of the joint are generally treated surgically with plates and screws to restore normal alignment.

Recovery

Weight-bearing is introduced gradually according to the fracture and treatment used, with physiotherapy supporting the return of ankle movement, strength and balance before a full return to activity.

Twisted or injured your ankle?

Get in touch to arrange an assessment with Dr Salipas.

Contact the practice
Contact

Get in touch.

Reach out to arrange a consultation, or ask a question about a hip, knee or injury concern. A GP referral is required for a specialist appointment.

Practice details

Fax / referrals (03) 9018 4311
Specialist appointments require a current referral from your GP. Please have your referral and any relevant scans or reports ready when you contact the practice.
Cabrini Malvern
Orthopaedic Specialist Centre
181–183 Wattletree Road, Malvern VIC 3144
St John of God Berwick
75 Kangan Drive, Berwick VIC 3806
Drouin
Suite 13/22–26 Princes Way, Drouin VIC 3818

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Practising at, and recognised by
Cabrini Health
St John of God Health Care
Monash Health
Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons