Your Joint Journey: an AOA patient podcast
Your Joint Journey is a podcast from the Australian Orthopaedic Association, created to help you better understand common orthopaedic conditions, treatments and procedures.
Whether you’re living with arthritis, recovering from a sports injury, considering joint replacement surgery, managing pain or simply looking to stay active as you age, each episode features leading Australian orthopaedic surgeons who explain treatment options, dispel common myths and answer the questions patients ask most often.
With clear, trusted information, Your Joint Journey helps you make informed decisions about your care and move with confidence through every stage of life.
For more information on orthopaedic conditions and treatment, visit the
patient information pages on the AOA website.
Disclaimer
Your Joint Journey provides general health information for educational purposes. Every patient is different and this information should not replace should not replace advice from your doctor, surgeon or another qualified health professional. Do not start, stop or change any treatment or medication based on this podcast. Discuss your circumstances, options and risks with your treating team. In an emergency, call Triple Zero.
Episode one
Preoperative joint optimisation with Dr Catherine McDougall
Preparing well can make an important difference to joint replacement surgery and recovery. In this first episode of the Your Joint Journey hip mini-series, Queensland orthopaedic surgeon Dr Catherine McDougall explains the practical steps patients can take before hip or knee replacement. The episode covers diabetes, smoking, nutrition, fitness, medications, infection prevention and mental health.
Episode two
Hip replacement 101 with Dr Richard de Steiger
When is it time to consider a hip replacement, and what should patients expect? Professor Richard de Steiger, the Epworth Victor Smorgon Chair of Surgery at the University of Melbourne, explains what the procedure involves, how implants and surgical approaches are selected, and how long a modern replacement may last. Drawing on insights from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry, he also discusses potential complications, revision surgery and the advances shaping the future of hip replacement.
Episode three
Hip replacement: anterior approach with Dr Chris Wilson
What is the direct anterior approach to hip replacement and is it suitable for every patient? Adelaide-based arthroplasty surgeon Dr Chris Wilson explains how the technique differs from the posterior approach, the factors surgeons consider when selecting an approach and what happens during the procedure. He also discusses preparation, rehabilitation, potential early recovery benefits and how the two approaches compare over the longer term, helping patients understand the questions they should explore with their surgeon.
Episode four
Hip replacement: posterior approach with Dr Matt Lyons
What is the posterior approach to hip replacement, and when might it be recommended? Orthopaedic hip and knee surgeon Dr Matt Lyons explains how the technique differs from the anterior approach and why a patient’s anatomy, condition and surgical history matter. He also discusses implant selection, surgeon experience, pain relief, recovery, precautions and returning to driving, work and exercise. This episode will help patients understand the factors involved in choosing the most appropriate surgical approach to hip surgery.
Episode five
Hip arthroscopy with Dr Al Burns
Hip arthroscopy is a form of keyhole surgery used to treat certain causes of hip pain without replacing the joint. In this episode of Your Joint Journey, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Al Burns explains the conditions it can treat, including hip impingement and labral tears, and why these problems often affect younger, active people. The episode covers how patients are assessed, what happens during surgery and what recovery and rehabilitation involves. Al also advises about realistic outcomes, the causes of persistent pain and whether hip arthroscopy may delay the need for a future hip replacement.