Orthopaedic Surgery
A cut above cutting edge Dr Porter is the only orthopaedic surgeon in Canberra to sub-specialise solely in “sports orthopaedics”. His sub-specialty typically includes: arthroscopy & reconstructive (e.g. ACL) procedures of the knee, shoulder and ankle, in addition to osteotomy procedures and other reparative procedures following trauma of the upper and lower limbs. Learn more about some of the procedures below. Please note this is not a complete list of the surgeries we perform. If you’re interested in whether or not we can perform a particular surgery, please contact us.
To learn more about the specific injury or condition requiring surgery, as well as the procedure performed, click on the relevant heading below.
Ankle diastasis or "High ankle sprain"
This is a relatively common sports-related injury involving the distal tibio-fibular joint. Most often it is present in combination with other ankle ligament injuries. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent a prolonged recovery and / or degeneration within the ankle joint.
Achilles tendon rupture
Most Achilles tendon ruptures in physically active healthy patients are managed with surgery, to reduce the risk of recurrence and ensure as accurate restoration of tendon length as possible
Fasciotomy / fasciectomy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome
This procedure is performed for "chronic exertional compartment syndrome" (CECS) that has failed to respond to non-operative treatment. The procedure involves releasing the tight walls of each of the compartments in the leg, via a number of small incision (mini-open) or two larger incisions (open).
Lateral ligament reconstruction
This operation is often perform for ankles that are unstable as a result of damage to the lateral ligament complex and they have not improved despite non-operative treatment
Open reduction and internal fixation of navicular stress fracture with or without bone graft
Stress fractures of the navicular have a risk of not healing, especially if there is a delay in the diagnosis. If this is the case the fracture requires an operation to improve the chances of healing.
Peroneal tendon surgery
A number of injuries can occur, involving the peroneal tendons. These can vary from inflammation to degeneration, to partial or complete tear, and / or tendon instability. Some conditions may settle without surgery, but complete tears and instability usually require surgery.
To learn more about the specific injury or condition requiring surgery, as well as the procedure performed, click on the relevant heading below.
Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction
The elbow joint is formed where the forearm bones (radius and ulna) meet with the upper arm bone (humerus). It is a complex joint that permits both bending and straightening (flexion and extension) of the elbow, as well as rotation of the forearm (pronation-supination). The medial ligament of the elbow (ulnar collateral ligament or UCL) is one of the main stabilising ligaments of the elbow joint. Although the shape of the bones that make up the elbow joint contribute to most of the stability when the elbow is “locked out”. As soon as it bent slightly the joint becomes dependent upon the stability provided by the ligaments on either side of the elbow joint.
Elbow osteoarthritis
Surgical options for the younger patients
To learn more about the specific injury or condition requiring surgery, as well as the procedure performed, click on the relevant heading below.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) reconstruction
Although the PCL is injury less frequently than the ACL, if there is complete rupture of this ligament and the knee is unstable, and / or it is part of a more complex / severe injury, then the PCL may require a reconstruction to return the patient back to full function. There are are some similarities with an ACL reconstruction, but the primary difference is the location of the positioning of the graft and the rehabilitation.
Tibial Tuberosity Transfer (TTT)
This operation involves moving the boney attachment of the patellar tendon. It may be performed for cartilage damage behind the patella (acute injury or degeneration), as part of the surgical treatment for patellar instability, or for patellofemoral pain syndrome which has not responded to less invasive treatments.
ACL reconstruction in children
Even young children can rupture their ACL, and although some can manage without surgery until they are older, many will sustain recurrent injuries with cumulative damage to the knee. Many of these patients will have a better long term outcome if they undergo an ACL reconstruction or repair, and Dr. Porter performs this surgery in a manner that does not result in significant growth disturbance
Medial collateral ligament rupture
Medial collateral ligaments (MCL) can very in severity from minor sprains, to complete ruptures. Their treatment depends upon the severity of the MCL injury and whether or not it is combined with other ligament injuries, such as the ACL.
Anterolateral augmentation of ACL reconstruction
10-25% patients with an ACL rupture, also sustain significant damage to the anterolateral complex of the knee. In order to restore full stability these patients may require an augmentation procedure in addition to the ACL reconstruction. Dr. Porter performed the first research on the this technique, published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, and available to read in the "Journal" section of this website. This technique has been shown to reduce the risk of further ACL injury and to improve functional outcomes, when used appropriately.
Distal Femoral Osteotomy
Some patients have problems related to the knee being too valgus or knock-kneed. This may be early osteoarthritis at the lateral side (out side) of the knee or a significant cartilage injury on that side. Correction of this "mal-alignment" may be required to correct the problem.
ACL Reconstruction
This is an operation commonly performed by Dr. Porter, and an area of sub-specialty interest for Dr. Porter. He has published a number of articles in international orthopaedic journals on the topic. These are available on the "Journal" page of this website.
To learn more about the specific injury or condition requiring surgery, as well as the procedure performed, click on the relevant heading below.
Superior Labral (or "SLAP") repair
SLAP tears are relatively common injuries seen by a sports orthopaedic surgeon, especially in throwing sports, weight training, racket sports, contact sports, military recruits and cross-fit. Athletes present with pain and weakness, which settles with rest, only to recur on report to sport. Most cases require surgery in order to return to full activity.
Shoulder rotator cuff repair
This operation is performed to repair / reattach the torn rotator cuff tendon(s) to the humerus. It is most often performed as an arthroscopic ("key-hole") procedure, but on occasions an incision (open operation) is required.
Shoulder anterior stabilization: arthroscopic
This "key-hole" surgery enables even complex instability patterns to be treated as an arthroscopic procedure. In appropriate cases, the outcomes are similar to those following the more invasive open operations, with less post-operative pain and morbidity.