Orthopaedic Hip and Knee Surgeon Melbourne

Mr Andrew Chia is a Melbourne based and trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in anterior total hip replacement with a bikini incision, partial and total knee replacement, knee arthroscopy and hip arthroscopy.

Picture of Mr Andrew Chia orthopaedic hip and knee surgeon melbourne

Mr Andrew Chia is a highly-trained and qualified Orthopaedic Surgeon with particular expertise in hip and knee surgery. He graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2000. Andrew commenced his surgical training in 2003 with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He began advanced orthopaedic surgical training in 2006 and became a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in 2010. Andrew spent his early consultant years at Australia’s largest trauma centre, The Alfred Hospital. In addition to providing public service to patients with elective hip and knee conditions, here he developed his surgical skills in complex reconstructions and trauma. He subsequently went on to complete a fellowship in hip arthroscopy and anterior minimally invasive total hip replacements in Melbourne, before completing a further hip and knee fellowship in Lyon, France. 

About Andrew Chia – Orthopaedic Hip and Knee surgeon

Andrew is involved in the selection process, training and examination of future Australian orthopaedic surgeons. He is also actively involved in the teaching and training of medical students and overseas surgeons undertaking fellowships. He has been appointed Adjunct Lecturer by Monash University.     

Andrew utilises the latest arthroscopic and minimally invasive techniques for the management of all hip and knee conditions thereby, facilitating the best recovery and outcome for patients from surgery.

He is a Consultant Orthopaedic Hip and Knee Surgeon at Epworth, St Vincent’s Private, The Bays and The Alfred. He is an Adjunct Lecturer with Monash University (training future doctors) and an Instructional Consultant for the M.O.R.E. Institute Switzerland on anterior minimally invasive total hip replacement. Andrew is a leading Reference Centre site for the bikini incision method in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. This is his primary method of performing hip replacements.

Areas of specialty:

Orthopaedic Hip and Knee Surgeon Melbourne

Andrew has performed more bikini incision total hip replacements through the Anterior Minimally Invasive Surgery technique in Melbourne than any other orthopaedic surgeon.

Anterior Hip Replacement

What is an anterior hip replacement?

A hip replacement is an operation performed to replace a worn-out hip joint. The diseased joint and bone are removed. A new ball and socket joint are inserted. There are many different types of artificial joints available, all made from different materials and offering different bearing surfaces. Your surgeon will often discuss the options available and what his or her preferences are.

When having a hip replacement, a very important consideration is the method used to insert the artificial joint. An anterior approach is a method of inserting the artificial joint through the front. With an anterior hip replacement, no muscles are cut or nerves damaged. All other common approaches (i.e. lateral and posterior) involve cutting muscles or tendons. This can result in limping and dislocations.

Anterior hip replacement is advantageous for the active patient as recovery tends to be quicker with less pain and no limp. There are no restrictions on activities after the operation with an anterior approach hip replacement.

What are the symptoms of joint damage requiring a hip replacement?

Most patients complain of pain in the groin, however, pain may also radiate to your lower back or buttock, and also down to your knees. Walking often makes the pain worse. Daily activities such as putting on shoes and socks, going up and down stairs, getting up from chairs, driving, and walking around the block or shopping centre become more and more difficult. Some patients also have the sensation of ‘grating’ in the hip and develop pain at night.

Osteoarthritis Diagnosis

Your GP or another paramedical professional will suspect osteoarthritis based on your symptoms and a thorough examination of your hip. A simple X-ray is often enough to confirm the diagnosis. A CT scan with 3D reconstruction or MRI may be required if the diagnosis is unclear.

What are the causes of osteoarthritis?

Most commonly, osteoarthritis is due to ‘wear and tear’ of the joint as we age. It may also develop secondary to other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, hip dysplasia, Perthes disease, trauma and fractures.

The cause of premature osteoarthritis has been suggested as FAI. This may be the reason we see younger and younger patients developing arthritis.

Is it osteoarthritis dangerous?

Osteoarthritis is not life-threatening, but can severely impact your quality of life and function. The activities of daily living, which most take for granted, become increasingly difficult.

What is the treatment for osteoarthritis?

In the early stages of osteoarthritis, pain killers, physiotherapy and weight loss are effective. But, as the hip joint continues to wear out, these modalities become less and less so. As a result, when the symptoms begin to interfere with your function or lifestyle, the most effective treatment is a total hip replacement. A total hip replacement provides the most reliable and consistent results with respect to pain minimisation and return of function. The anterior minimally invasive surgical technique is an effective method of performing a total hip replacement.