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Useful Info

First Visit Guide

At your first appointment, you will be welcomed by one of our friendly reception staff who will get you checked in and ensure we have all of the relevant details on file. Dr Lorentzos will take a thorough history from you and perform an examination of the hip and/or knee joint(s) to determine the impact your condition is having on your everyday life. You may be referred for further X-rays, an MRI or other tests to confirm the diagnosis. To ensure that your first visit to see Dr. Lorentzos is of maximum benefit, please see the list below.

When you come for your appointment please remember to bring the following:

  • Referral letter from GP
  • Medicare card
  • Have your Private Hospital Insurance/Health Fund information with you
  • X-rays, MRI’s, CT scans etc and any other relevant information
  • Any relevant operation records or physiotherapy reports
  • Workers Comp/CTP Insurance patients will need to provide the name insurance company, claim number, and case manager’s details
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Preparing for surgery

If you have decided to proceed with surgery, it is important to prepare both physically and mentally before the procedure. Taking practical steps beforehand can help lower the chance of complications and improve recovery. Being actively involved in both the pre-operative and post-operative stages plays a major role in achieving a good outcome.

Before planned surgery, your overall health should be as stable as possible. Dr Lorentzos will usually complete a physical assessment and arrange routine investigations such as X-rays, blood tests, bacterial screening swabs, and an ECG to make sure you are ready for surgery.

Considerations before surgery:

  • Please disclose all current medications with Dr Lorentzos and your assigned anaesthetist, as some may need to be stopped before the operation. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines often need to be stopped about one week before surgery to lower bleeding risk. If you have any questions regarding this or any medication you are currently taking on a regular basis, please call.
  • If you are above your ideal weight, gradual weight reduction before surgery may help reduce complications; however, Dr Lorentzos does not encourage strict dieting in the month before surgery as the priority is to be well-nourished.
  • If you smoke, reducing or stopping smoking before surgery can improve healing and decrease surgical risks.
  • Any infections (including dental, urinary, bowel, or skin infections), should be treated before surgery, as active infection increases the risk of infection. Please notify us immediately if you have any infection prior to your surgery.
  • Avoid activities or tasks that may cause cuts, scratches, or skin damage for two weeks before surgery, as this may lead to postponement of the procedure.
  • Prepare your home for your return by putting things within easy reach to avoid too much bending/stretching, organise/tidy your space to reduce risk of falls, and arrange for someone to help out with everyday tasks.
  • Shower with an antiseptic wash in the days leading up to the surgery to reduce skin bacteria. Dr Lorentzos recommends Microshield 4 Chlorhexidine Surgical Handwash.
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Post surgery guide

After your surgery, you will either be discharged home or transferred to the ward depending on the procedure you are having. Once you have returned home, it is highly recommended that someone stay with you, at least for the first few nights.

After surgery, you will receive specific post-operative instructions from Dr Lorentzos, it is important you follow the instructions given. Remember: it’s easier to stay on top of pain than to manage it once it becomes severe—so take your medication when needed. Dr Lorentzos will see you for a post-operative appointment in his rooms between 2-8 weeks post surgery depending on the type of surgery you have.

Please see below general guidelines for after your surgical procedure:

  • Take your pain relief and other medications as directed. It’s best to take pain medication with food. After the first 48 hours, only take it if you need it.
  • For the first 24 hours, avoid alcohol, driving, operating machinery, or signing important documents, as the effects of anaesthetic or sedation may still be present.
  • Use ice-packs to help reduce swelling and pain. You can use ice regularly for the first 48 hours, and continue if helpful but make sure your dressing stays clean and dry.
  • Rest for the first few days, but keep gently moving as advised. Keep your leg elevated (above heart level if possible) to help reduce swelling.
  • Don’t remove your dressing unless you’ve been told to. Some patients can remove the outer dressing two days after surgery, and wear a tubigrip to keep compression on the wound. Please do not remove the adhesive dressing.
  • Start physiotherapy within a couple of days after surgery. Early exercises help restore movement, with strengthening added later. Doing your exercises regularly is very important for recovery.
  • Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids (avoid alcohol and limit caffeine).
  • Schedule your follow up appointment with your doctor as advised.

If you’ve had hip surgery:

  • Follow your hip precautions carefully (Dr Lorentzos and/or your physiotherapist will explain these).
  • Avoid bending your hip past 90 degrees (e.g. low chairs), crossing your legs, or twisting your hip.
  • Use any walking aids (like crutches or a walker) as instructed.
  • Sleep in the position recommended to you, often on your back or with a pillow between your legs.

If you've had knee surgery:

  • It’s important to start bending and straightening your knee early to prevent stiffness.
  • Try to fully straighten your knee when resting (don’t keep a pillow under it for long periods).
  • Do your prescribed exercises regularly to regain movement and strength. The hospital's physiotherapists will provide you with an exercise program prior to discharge. It is important to do these exercises frequently, but also important to not overdo these. Excessive activities may lead to swelling and pain.
  • Weight-bearing (putting weight through your leg) should follow your surgeon’s or physio’s advice.
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    Dr Peter Lorentzos is a highly experienced Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with an interest in sports injuries, knee and hip arthroplasty including robotic hip and knee surgery, and trauma.

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