Anonymised case summaries to help patients and their families understand what the journey typically looks like.
Important notice: The following stories are shared for educational purposes only. They are anonymised case summaries that illustrate what patients with hip and knee conditions can expect from assessment, surgery, and recovery. Individual outcomes vary. These accounts are not testimonials and do not imply guaranteed results.
Hip and knee surgery affects people differently depending on age, condition, fitness, and goals. These anonymised summaries are intended to help patients and their families understand what the journey typically looks like — from first consultation through to recovery.
A retired woman in her mid-sixties had been managing worsening right hip pain for three years. She had tried physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and a cortisone injection, which provided temporary relief. By the time she came to see Dr Mooney, she was unable to walk more than 15 minutes without stopping and had stopped gardening entirely.
X-rays confirmed advanced osteoarthritis with significant loss of joint space. Dr Mooney recommended total hip replacement using the direct anterior approach (DAA). She was particularly relieved to hear that no posterior restrictions would apply after surgery.
Surgery was performed at Eastwood Private Hospital using the MAKO robotic system. She was walking with a frame on the afternoon of the operation and was discharged home after a two-night stay. By two weeks she was walking independently without a stick. At six weeks she was back in the garden — bending, kneeling, and moving without restriction.
A retired man in his early seventies had severe left knee arthritis that had progressively worsened over five years. He had been managing with a walking stick for 18 months and had given up lawn bowls due to pain and instability.
Dr Mooney confirmed advanced medial compartment osteoarthritis with significant varus deformity. He was offered total knee replacement using the MAKO robotic system, with a 3D plan tailored specifically to his anatomy.
Surgery was performed at Eastwood Private Hospital. He was doing physiotherapy on the first post-operative day and went home on day three. Recovery was gradual — the first four weeks were challenging with swelling and discomfort — but by six weeks he was walking without aids. At three months he returned to lawn bowls.
A man in his mid-thirties ruptured his ACL playing social football. An MRI confirmed a complete tear with an associated medial meniscal tear. He was keen to return to sport and did not want to accept long-term instability.
Given his age, activity goals, and the associated meniscal tear requiring treatment, ACL reconstruction was recommended. The meniscal tear was assessed as repairable, and both procedures were planned for the same operation.
ACL reconstruction was performed arthroscopically using a hamstring tendon graft with the meniscus repaired at the same time. He was on crutches for four weeks and completed a structured nine-month rehabilitation programme. He returned to full training at nine months and played his first match at ten months post-surgery.
A woman in her late forties developed sudden onset locking of her right knee during a morning walk. Over the following weeks the locking recurred repeatedly. She was unable to kneel, struggled on stairs, and had stopped her usual exercise routine entirely.
An MRI confirmed a displaced flap tear of the medial meniscus. The torn fragment was catching between the femur and tibia, causing the joint to lock. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy was recommended to remove the displaced fragment and restore normal joint mechanics.
Surgery was performed as a day procedure taking under 30 minutes. She went home the same afternoon. By the end of the first week she was walking without significant pain. At four weeks she had returned to her regular exercise routine with no further locking.
These journeys give an idea of what to expect, but every patient is different. The best way to understand your options is to come in for a consultation.
The information on this page is provided as general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual circumstances vary — please consult Dr Mooney or your GP to discuss your specific situation.