Hip or knee pain can leave you with plenty of questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral? Is my arthritis bad enough to see a surgeon? Does an ACL tear always need surgery? What is the difference between robotic and patient-specific knee replacement? How long will I be off work?
This page answers common questions about appointments, hip and knee conditions, sports injuries, surgery and recovery with Dr David Kitchen, Orthopaedic Surgeon in Adelaide.
Dr Kitchen treats hip and knee arthritis, joint replacement and sports knee injuries, including ACL and meniscus injuries. His practice also includes Direct Anterior hip replacement, Mako robotic-assisted joint replacement and patient-specific knee replacement when these options are suited to the individual patient.
Already have a referral? Contact the rooms on (08) 8130 1228 to arrange an appointment.
Appointments & Referrals
Do I need a GP referral to see Dr David Kitchen?
Yes. A GP referral is required for an appointment with Dr David Kitchen and allows you to claim the relevant Medicare rebate for your specialist consultation. Ask your GP to address the referral to Dr David Kitchen, Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Can I specifically ask my GP to refer me to Dr David Kitchen?
Yes. If you would like Dr Kitchen to assess your hip or knee, you can ask your GP to direct the referral to him.
Your GP may send the referral electronically. If you receive a copy yourself, contact Dr Kitchen’s rooms and the team can explain how to forward it and arrange your appointment.
What happens once my referral has been sent?
Once the referral is received, the team reviews the information and contacts you to arrange a suitable appointment time and consulting location.
If you are unsure if the referral has arrived, you can call the rooms on (08) 8130 1228 to check.
Do I need X-rays, an MRI or other scans before my first appointment?
Not necessarily. If your GP has already arranged X-rays, an MRI, CT scan or other imaging, bring the images and reports with you.
You do not need to organise extra scans yourself unless your GP or Dr Kitchen’s rooms have asked you to. After assessing your symptoms and existing imaging, further scans may be requested if they are needed.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring any recent X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans or imaging reports you have, along with a list of your current medications and relevant medical or surgical history.
You should also bring your Medicare card and private health insurance details if you have cover.
It helps to think about what your hip or knee is actually stopping you from doing. Is walking becoming harder? Are you waking at night? Have you stopped playing golf, running or going to the gym? Are stairs, work or getting in and out of the car becoming frustrating?
Those details help Dr Kitchen understand how the problem is affecting you day to day, not just what appears on a scan.
What happens at my first appointment with Dr Kitchen?
Your first appointment is a chance to work out what may be causing your symptoms and what your options are from here.
Dr Kitchen will ask about your pain, stiffness, injury or other symptoms, review your imaging and medical history, and examine your hip or knee. He will also ask what you would like to get back to doing.
Treatment options can then be discussed based on your symptoms, examination, imaging, health and goals.
Does seeing an orthopaedic surgeon mean I will need surgery?
No. A specialist consultation is not a commitment to surgery. It is a chance to identify the cause of the problem, review your imaging, and discuss the available non-surgical and surgical options.
You may be advised to continue physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, medication, activity changes, or another non-surgical treatment. If surgery is being considered, Dr Kitchen will explain why it may be an option, what the procedure involves, the risks and what recovery may look like.
Where does Dr David Kitchen consult?
Dr Kitchen consults privately at:
sportsmed Stepney Healthcare Hub
32 Payneham Road, Stepney SA 5069
sportsmed Henley Beach
225 Military Road, Henley Beach SA 5022
The Specialist Clinic, Port Pirie
The Terrace & Alexander Street, Port Pirie SA 5540.
Where does Dr David Kitchen operate?
Dr Kitchen performs private surgical procedures at Burnside Hospital Stepney, Ashford Hospital, Western Hospital and Port Pirie Hospital.
Fees, Medicare and Private Health Insurance
How much does an appointment with Dr Kitchen cost?
Consultation fees apply and payment is required at your appointment.
The practice accepts EFTPOS and major credit cards. Current consultation fees and Medicare rebate information are available on the Fee Information page.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate?
With a valid GP referral, you can claim the relevant Medicare rebate for part of your specialist consultation fee.
The practice can generally submit the Medicare claim electronically on the day of your appointment.
Do I need private health insurance to see Dr Kitchen?
Private health insurance is not required for a specialist consultation.
If surgery is discussed, your health insurance and level of hospital cover become relevant to the costs involved. Your health fund can confirm your hospital cover, excess and other policy details.
Will there be out-of-pocket costs if I need surgery?
There may be.
If surgery is recommended, Dr Kitchen's team provides written Informed Financial Consent outlining the expected surgical costs and any anticipated out-of-pocket amount.
Separate costs can also apply for services such as the anaesthetist, hospital, pathology or additional imaging. Your private health fund can confirm your hospital cover, excess and other policy details.
Is no-gap orthopaedic surgery available?
Selected orthopaedic procedures may be available under no-gap arrangements for eligible patients.
Eligibility is based on the procedure and relevant private health insurance arrangements. Confirm this directly with Dr Kitchen’s rooms before making financial decisions.
Hip Pain and Hip Surgery
When should I see a hip surgeon?
It may be worth asking for an orthopaedic opinion when hip pain or stiffness is starting to interfere with normal life and treatment such as physiotherapy, medication or activity changes is no longer giving you enough relief.
You might notice that walking is getting harder, your hip wakes you at night, getting in and out of the car has become uncomfortable, or putting on your shoes and socks is becoming a daily frustration.
Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon does not mean you will automatically be advised to have a hip replacement.
Can hip arthritis be treated without surgery?
Yes. Hip arthritis does not automatically mean hip replacement.
Treatment may include physiotherapy, strengthening, activity changes, pain medication or other measures discussed with your treating team.
Surgery usually enters the conversation when symptoms and joint damage are having a significant effect on daily life and non-surgical treatment is no longer providing enough relief.
How do I know if I might need a hip replacement?
Hip replacement may enter the discussion when significant joint damage is causing persistent pain and loss of movement, and non-surgical treatment is no longer providing enough relief.
The decision is not based on an X-ray alone. Dr Kitchen will also consider how much your hip affects your walking, sleep, work, exercise, independence, and the activities that matter to you.
What is a total hip replacement?
A total hip replacement replaces the worn or damaged surfaces of the hip joint with prosthetic components to create a new joint surface.
Dr Kitchen performs hip replacements using Direct Anterior and Posterior approaches and also uses Mako robotic-assisted technology for selected hip replacement procedures.
What is Direct Anterior hip replacement?
The Direct Anterior Approach reaches the hip joint from the front of the body.
During this procedure, the surgeon works between natural muscle planes rather than detaching the major hip muscles in the same way as other approaches. This is why the technique is commonly described as a muscle-sparing approach.
The Direct Anterior Approach is not used for every hip replacement. Dr Kitchen will assess your anatomy, joint condition, previous surgery, and the required procedure before discussing which surgical approach may suit your hip.
Is anterior hip replacement the same as robotic hip replacement?
No. Anterior hip replacement describes the surgical approach used to reach the joint.
Robotic-assisted hip replacement describes technology used to help plan and guide parts of the procedure.
A patient can have an anterior hip replacement with robotic assistance in selected circumstances. They describe two different parts of the operation.
What is Mako robotic hip replacement?
Mako SmartRobotics™ is a technology used by Dr Kitchen for selected hip and knee replacement procedures. It supports 3D planning and provides information to help guide implant positioning during surgery.
The robot does not perform the operation independently. Dr Kitchen remains responsible for and in control of the procedure.
What is revision hip replacement?
Revision hip replacement is further surgery on a hip that has previously been replaced.
Assessment may be required if an existing implant develops problems such as wear, loosening, instability, fracture, infection or another issue around the joint.
Revision procedures can be more involved than a first hip replacement because the anatomy and bone around the previous implant may have changed. Dr Kitchen's practice includes revision joint replacement, supported by fellowship experience in complex hip and knee surgery at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore.
Knee Pain and Knee Replacement
When should I see a knee surgeon for arthritis?
It is worth discussing a referral when knee arthritis is affecting walking, stairs, sleep, work or the activities you want to keep doing, and your usual non-surgical treatment is no longer giving enough relief.
Increasing stiffness, night pain, loss of movement, a knee that feels unreliable or growing difficulty with ordinary activities can also be reasons to have the knee assessed.
What are the signs that I might need a knee replacement?
There is no single symptom that means you need a knee replacement.
It may be worth discussing knee replacement when arthritis is causing ongoing pain, stiffness or loss of function and non-surgical treatment is no longer helping enough.
You may notice:
- knee pain affecting your sleep or occurring at rest
- walking shorter distances than you used to
- increasing difficulty with stairs
- pain or swelling after everyday errands
- stiffness that makes it hard to fully bend or straighten the knee
- a knee that feels unstable or unreliable
- giving up exercise, travel or activities because of your knee.
A specialist assessment helps match your symptoms with your examination and imaging before any decision about surgery is made.
Does severe arthritis on an X-ray automatically mean I need knee replacement?
No. An X-ray is important, but it is only one part of the assessment. Dr Kitchen will also consider your pain, movement and how well your knee works in everyday life.
A person can have significant arthritis on an X-ray and still be managing their symptoms. Another person may have a major loss of function that is affecting work, sleep or independence.
The scan needs to make sense alongside what you are experiencing.
Am I too young or too old for a knee replacement?
Age is part of the discussion, but it is not the only consideration.
For a younger, active person, the conversation may include implant wear, activity goals and the possibility of further surgery later in life. For an older person, general health, mobility, independence and medical risks also need to be considered.
Dr Kitchen will assess your knee, imaging, health and what you want to get back to doing before discussing treatment options.
What is the difference between partial and total knee replacement?
A partial knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged compartment of the knee and preserves the healthy areas where possible.
A total knee replacement resurfaces the damaged joint surfaces across the knee and is used when arthritis is more extensive.
The decision is based on the pattern of arthritis, ligament function, alignment, movement and imaging rather than simply choosing the smaller operation.
Can I choose to have a partial knee replacement?
You can certainly ask about it, but not every knee is suitable.
Partial knee replacement is designed for arthritis confined to a suitable part of the joint. The remaining knee surfaces and stabilising ligaments also need to support the procedure.
If arthritis extends across the joint, total knee replacement may provide the better surgical option.
Does Dr Kitchen perform robotic knee replacement?
Yes. Dr Kitchen uses Mako robotic-assisted technology for selected knee replacement procedures, including partial knee replacement.
Mako uses 3D planning and guidance during surgery to help carry out the surgical plan and implant positioning.
The Mako system does not perform the operation independently. It is a surgical tool that provides planning information and guidance during selected procedures.
Dr Kitchen performs the surgery and remains in control throughout the operation.
Is robotic knee replacement always better?
No. Robotic technology is a surgical tool and is not a reason on its own to have a knee replacement.
The first question is which treatment fits your knee, arthritis pattern and symptoms. Dr Kitchen can then discuss if robotic assistance has a role in carrying out that procedure.
What is patient-specific knee replacement?
Patient-specific knee replacement uses detailed imaging to create a 3D model of your knee before surgery.
Custom surgical guides can then be manufactured to fit the contours of your bones and support the pre-operative plan. Dr Kitchen uses patient-specific techniques when an individual's anatomy or surgical requirements make this type of planning useful.
Is a patient-specific knee replacement the same as a custom-made knee implant?
Not usually. The patient-specific part generally refers to the planning and surgical guides created to match your anatomy.
The implant itself is usually selected from established implant systems in the size and design suited to the surgical plan.
Is patient-specific knee replacement the same as robotic surgery?
No. Patient-specific knee replacement uses imaging and guides prepared before surgery.
Robotic-assisted surgery provides computer-assisted planning and guidance used during the operation.
Dr Kitchen can explain which technique, if either, has a role in your proposed procedure.
What is revision knee replacement?
Revision knee replacement is surgery on a knee that has already undergone joint replacement.
It may involve changing one part of the existing replacement or undertaking a larger reconstruction.
Detailed assessment and planning are required because the bone, ligaments or implants may have changed since the original procedure.
ACL, Meniscus and Sports Knee Injuries
Does every ACL tear need surgery?
No. ACL reconstruction may be discussed when the knee repeatedly gives way, instability is stopping you from returning to sport or physical work, or the injury is associated with damage to structures such as the meniscus or cartilage.
Rehabilitation without reconstruction may suit other patients.
The decision is based on knee stability, activity requirements, associated injuries and what you need your knee to do.
What happens during ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a tendon graft.
Dr Kitchen performs the procedure arthroscopically through small incisions. The graft used for reconstruction is selected after considering the patient, injury and activity requirements.
Dr Kitchen will discuss the graft choice with you if ACL reconstruction is being considered.
What is LET with ACL reconstruction?
Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis, or LET, is an additional procedure that may be discussed alongside ACL reconstruction for selected patients with a higher risk of reinjury.
It uses part of the iliotibial band on the outside of the knee to provide additional rotational support.
Dr Kitchen will explain if LET has a role in your ACL reconstruction plan.
Does every meniscus tear need surgery?
No. Several meniscal tears, especially degenerative tears without significant mechanical symptoms, can be treated using physiotherapy, strengthening and activity changes.
Surgery becomes more relevant when there is a repairable traumatic tear, ongoing mechanical catching, a displaced tear, a root tear or symptoms that continue despite a reasonable period of non-surgical treatment.
What is the difference between meniscus repair and trimming?
Meniscus repair stitches suitable torn tissue back together so it has an opportunity to heal.
Partial meniscectomy, or trimming, removes an unstable part of the torn meniscus that cannot realistically be repaired.
Where repair is suitable, preserving healthy meniscal tissue is valuable because the meniscus plays an important role in cushioning and load distribution within the knee.
My knee is locked and I cannot straighten it. Should I get it checked?
Yes. A knee that is physically locked and cannot fully straighten can be caused by a displaced meniscal tear, including a bucket-handle tear. Dr Kitchen's current patient information recommends urgent assessment for a locked knee.
If you already have an urgent GP or Emergency Department referral, contact the rooms on (08) 8130 1228 and explain that the knee is locked.
I twisted my knee playing sport. When should I get it checked?
It is worth having a knee injury assessed if pain or swelling is not settling, you heard or felt a pop at the time of injury, the knee repeatedly gives way, you cannot fully bend or straighten it, or the injury is stopping you from returning to normal activity.
Your GP can assess the injury, arrange initial imaging if required and refer you for an orthopaedic opinion.
What other sports knee injuries does Dr Kitchen treat?
Dr Kitchen treats lower-limb sports injuries including ACL injuries, meniscal injuries, cartilage injuries, ligament injuries and other traumatic knee problems. His current sports knee service also covers collateral ligament injuries, patellar instability, tendon injuries and selected fractures.
When can I return to sport after ACL or meniscus surgery?
Return to sport is not decided by the calendar alone.
Following ACL reconstruction, Dr Kitchen uses rehabilitation progress, strength testing and functional assessment to help determine readiness for higher-demand activity.
Meniscus recovery is also different after repair compared with trimming. A repaired meniscus needs more time and protection to allow the tissue to heal.
Your return to running, pivoting and sport should follow the rehabilitation plan for your operation.
Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery
How should I prepare for hip or knee surgery?
Once surgery is booked, preparation can include hospital pre-admission assessment, medication review and checks on your general health.
Your hospital or treating team will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before surgery and what to do with your regular medications.
Do not stop prescribed medication, including blood-thinning medication, unless your treating team has specifically instructed you to do so.
Keeping up safe movement and strengthening before surgery, within the limits of your symptoms and treatment advice, may also form part of your preparation.
Should I organise help at home before surgery?
Yes, it is sensible to plan ahead for the early recovery period after a major hip or knee procedure.
Before going to hospital, you may find it useful to:
- clear loose rugs and other trip hazards
- move frequently used items so they are easy to reach
- prepare meals
- arrange transport
- organise help with shopping, pets or household jobs.
The level of help you need will vary with the operation, your home setup and how your recovery progresses.
What should I take to hospital?
Useful items can include:
- loose, comfortable clothing
- flat, non-slip footwear
- toiletries
- glasses or hearing aids
- Medicare and health insurance information
- relevant imaging
- your regular medications in their original packaging.
Your hospital will provide additional instructions for your admission.
How long will I be in hospital after hip or knee replacement?
Hospital stay varies from person to person.
Your discharge is based on your procedure, mobility, pain control, wound care, general health and the support available when you return home.
Your likely hospital stay will be discussed as part of your surgical planning.
Will I need crutches, a frame or a walking stick when I come home?
You may need a walking aid during the early recovery period.
The type of aid and how long you use it will be guided by the procedure and your progress. A physiotherapist will help you learn how to use it safely before you leave hospital.
Recovery After Hip or Knee Surgery
Will I be walking soon after surgery?
Early movement forms part of recovery after major joint surgery.
Dr Kitchen's current recovery guidance states that, in most circumstances, a physiotherapist helps patients stand or begin walking within 24 hours following surgery. Walking aids such as crutches or a frame may be used during the early recovery period.
Your own instructions will be based on the procedure performed and your progress.
How long does recovery from hip or knee surgery take?
There is a difference between getting back on your feet and being fully recovered.
The early weeks after major joint surgery involve wound healing, swelling management, movement and gradually increasing activity. Strength, mobility and confidence continue to develop over the following months.
Recovery after a major hip or knee procedure can continue for up to 12 months.
A smaller arthroscopic procedure has a different recovery timeline, so use the advice for your own operation rather than comparing your progress with someone who had a different procedure.
When can I drive after surgery?
You can return to driving once it is safe for you to control the vehicle and you are no longer taking medication that affects your ability to drive.
You need sufficient strength, movement, and reaction time to operate the vehicle safely, including the ability to respond quickly if you need to brake.
Dr Kitchen will advise you based on your procedure and recovery.
When can I return to work?
Time away from work varies with the operation and what your job requires physically.
Desk-based work may be possible sooner than work involving prolonged standing, lifting, climbing, kneeling or heavy physical activity.
If your job involves physical work, driving or long periods on your feet, discuss this with Dr Kitchen so you can plan for a more realistic return-to-work timeframe.
Is swelling normal after hip or knee surgery?
Moderate swelling and bruising are common following hip and knee surgery and can remain noticeable for several weeks. Elevation and ice may be used as directed by your treating team.
A sudden increase in pain or swelling, unexpected calf pain, significant wound redness or heat, new wound discharge, fever or chills should be reported promptly.
When can I shower after surgery?
Your wound-care instructions will tell you when you can shower.
If you have a water-resistant dressing, showering may be permitted before the wound has fully healed.
Do not soak the wound in a bath or swimming pool until Dr Kitchen has confirmed that the incision has healed enough. Follow the instructions provided for your procedure.
When can I fly after hip or knee surgery?
Travel plans should be discussed before surgery, especially if a long flight is involved.
Dr Kitchen's current post-operative guidance discourages long-haul flights during the first 6 to 12 weeks after major joint surgery because of the increased blood-clot risk.
If you already have travel booked, mention the dates during your consultation so they can be considered in your surgical planning.
What symptoms should I report after surgery?
Contact the rooms promptly if you develop:
- a sudden increase in pain that is not controlled by the prescribed medication
- significant redness, heat or new discharge around the wound
- unexpected calf pain or swelling
- a high fever or chills.
Your hospital discharge instructions may list additional symptoms or actions specific to your operation. Follow those instructions and seek urgent medical care when directed.
About Dr David Kitchen
What does Dr David Kitchen treat?
Dr David Kitchen is an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon whose practice includes hip and knee replacement, revision joint replacement and lower-limb sports injuries.
His areas of practice include Direct Anterior and Posterior hip replacement, total and partial knee replacement, Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement, patient-specific knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, meniscus injuries, cartilage injuries and revision hip and knee surgery.
Dr Kitchen completed subspecialty fellowship training at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, UK, with experience in complex hip and knee surgery and joint preservation.
What is Dr Kitchen's approach to treatment?
Dr Kitchen's approach starts with what the patient is trying to regain.
For one person, that may be returning to sport. For another, it may be walking more comfortably, remaining independent, getting back to work or being able to keep up with family.
His philosophy of care is:
“My goal is to understand what matters most to each patient, and to help them get there. Whether that means returning to sport, walking without pain, or simply living life on their own terms.”
Still Have Questions About Your Hip or Knee?
You do not need to work out your diagnosis, procedure or surgical technique before seeing a specialist.
If hip or knee pain, arthritis or an injury is affecting how you walk, work, sleep, exercise or play sport, speak with your GP about an orthopaedic referral.
Ask for your referral to be directed to:
Dr David Kitchen
Orthopaedic Surgeon – Hip, Knee & Sports Injuries
MBBS MA (Cantab) BA Hons PhD FRACS FAOrthA
AHPRA Registration: MED0001951664
Phone: (08) 8130 1228
Fax: (08) 8362 0071
Consulting at sportsmed Stepney, sportsmed Henley Beach and The Specialist Clinic Port Pirie.
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Consulting at sportsmed Stepney, Henley Beach and Port Pirie · A GP referral is required.