Orthopaedic Surgeons

What is an orthopaedic surgeon?

Orthopaedics is the medical specialty devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries and diseases of the body’s musculoskeletal system. Orthopaedic surgeons treat a variety of diseases and conditions, including:

Arthritis and osteoporosis
Joint reconstruction and replacement
Fractures and dislocations
Torn ligaments, sprains, and strains
Tendon injuries, pulled muscles, and bursitis
Ruptured discs, sciatica, low back pain, and scoliosis
Knock knees, bow legs, bunions, and hammer toes
Bone tumours, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy
Abnormalities of the fingers and toes and growth abnormalities.

Our Consultants

Dr David Robert Shooter

M.B., B.S. F.R.A.C.S.(Orth), F.A.Orth.A., C.I.M.E., G.E.P.I.

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Dr Glenn Davies

M.B., B.S. F.R.A.C.S.(Orth), F.A.Orth.A., C.I.M.E., G.E.P.I.

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Dr Richard Hudson

M.B., B.S. F.R.A.C.S.(Orth), F.A.Orth.A., C.I.M.E.

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Dr Steven Michael Hatcher

M.B.Ch.B., F.R.A.C.S., F.A.Orth.A., C.I.M.E., G.E.P.I.

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How orthopaedic surgeons contribute to medicolegal matters

Orthopaedic surgeons provide independent, clinically grounded opinions in matters involving musculoskeletal injury, disease, treatment and long-term impairment. Their role is to assist lawyers, insurers, regulators and courts to understand the nature of the condition, the management provided and how outcomes relate to the issues in dispute.

Typically, medicolegal orthopaedic surgeons provide:

File reviews involving medical records, imaging, operative reports, rehabilitation notes and allied health documentation
Expert opinion on diagnosis, causation and the progression of musculoskeletal conditions
Assessment of whether orthopaedic management, surgical intervention or post-operative care aligned with accepted standards of practice at the time
Independent Medical Examinations in matters involving fractures, joint injuries, spinal conditions or alleged treatment complications
Impairment assessments where musculoskeletal injury or surgery has resulted in ongoing functional limitation
Opinion on return-to-work capacity, physical restrictions and long-term prognosis
Supplementary reports to address further questions or newly available information
Expert witness work in civil claims, regulatory proceedings, or inquests, including attendance at conferences, hearings or court

Need an orthopaedic surgeon’s opinion for your medicolegal matter?

Contact our team to discuss the scope of your matter and next steps.