Low Allergy Total and Partial Knee Replacements

It turns out about 6% of people can’t tolerate nickel in their jewellery, and perhaps these people do worse after regular knee replacement.  Titanium allergy does exist; even bone cement allergies do exist, but they are super rare.  Skin testing for allergies is possible, not quite predictive, and takes about six months.

The go to solution for total knee replacement is the B.Braun Columbus implant.  For aligning the implant, I use “Lanten” or “Orthalign”.  I’ve even used it to sort out stiff knee replacement where the problem was thought to be metal allergy.

Partial knee replacement is preferable for patients with a good range of movement and isolated single-compartment disease. Different surgeons use different rules as to who to provide partial knee replacement to – but folk over 75, and folk under 60 should seriously consider it for its easier recovery and better return to full function including sport. The Journey partial replacements are available in Australia – and provide coating on the implant to avoid contact with nickel. It is rare for the titanium base plate to cause a problem – but I have had two patients in my career where titanium allergy has been a problem. Journey is even provided for isolated patellofemoral arthritis!

David Mitchell
Orthopaedic Surgeon

Sacral Insufficiency Fracture

Whilst severe pelvic fractures are treated by orthopaedic surgeons in trauma centres, spontaneous sacral insufficiency fractures might be treated by endocrinologists, or rehabilitation physicians. But here are my comments!

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Operative or Non-operative Care of Achilles Rupture

Robotic knee replacement surgery has been widely available for some years – and in Ballarat at St John of God, we have three robots to use with three different companies total knee replacement, and some partial knee replacements. Our surgeons using it find it a useful tool streamlining the operation.

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Advances in Knee Replacement – Is the robot helping?

Robotic knee replacement surgery has been widely available for some years – and in Ballarat at St John of God, we have three robots to use with three different companies total knee replacement, and some partial knee replacements. Our surgeons using it find it a useful tool streamlining the operation.

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Webinar: Foot Deformities in Your Practice: Accept, Accommodate, or Align?

Join an Ossur webinar featuring BallaratOSM orthopaedic surgeon Mr Naveen Nara
A practical, case-based session with Naveen Nara, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in lower limb care.

He will take a closer look at:

✔️ How to assess flexible vs rigid foot deformities
✔️ When orthotics might work and when surgery may be needed
✔️ Why collaboration across disciplines can improve outcomes

Perfect for anyone involved in managing foot and ankle conditions, whether you’re in orthopaedics, podiatry, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or general practice.

Webinar Details:
Date: Thursday 28 August 2025
Time: 6.00PM – 7.00PM AEST

REGISTER HERE

Jai Sharma returns to the Sports Medicine Team

Ballarat Sports Medicine welcomes back Senior Sport and Exercise Medicine registrar, Dr Jai Sharma.

A Ballarat boy himself, Jai moved to the UK to acquire his medical degree (University of Liverpool 2015) and gain valuable experience working in the NHS before returning home to Victoria. Jai has also completed a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine (University of Queensland 2021).

Jai has extensive experience in many hospital settings in particular orthopaedic surgery. Regarding sports, he has worked as team doctor for North Melbourne and Geelong VFL teams, touring doctor with Cricket Australia, match coverage for the BBL, as well as Basketball, Road Cycling and the Ballarat Marathon.

Growing up and going to school in Ballarat gives Jai a unique perspective of the local area and he is keen to engage with the local community and other health care professionals involved in your care to provide the best possible management for you.

Jai’s is available for all aspects of Sports Medicine and injury management. His specific areas of interest include : 

  • Osteoarthritis management
  • Tendon injury
  • Ligament injury
  • Ultrasound injections
  • Sports injuries
  • Bone stress injuries

Jai will be available for appointments from 30th July 2025, on an ongoing basis

Patient Rebates for Sport & Exercise Medicine increase

Changes to Medical Fees: From 1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, Sport and Exercise Physicians in Australia will be recognised by Medicare

as consultant physicians. This means patients will receive a much higher rebate from

Medicare for consultations with Dr Greg Harris, and less out of pocket costs.

The fee for new consultations with Dr Harris will be between $260-$375, and the rebate from

Medicare will be between $150-$270.

Patients will require a valid medical referral from their GP (or another medical specialist) to

see Dr Harris.

GPs (and other medical specialists) can refer patients for complex musculoskeletal and

exercise-related conditions. Referrals will be reviewed to ensure that appointments are

booked for the appropriate length and at the soonest available time. Patients can also still be

referred for ultrasound-guided injections into most joints (not spinal or hips), usually within

1-2 weeks. This includes viscosupplements (Cingal or Durolane) and PRP.

Patients can still see our other Sport and Exercise Medicine doctors with or without a medical

referral, or with a referral from a physio/osteopath/chiropractor. Appointments with Dr Marta

Safavi and Dr Jai Sharma (from late July) can be booked online through our website, in

person or over the phone. Fees for new appointments with either Dr Safavi or Dr Sharma will

be $110, with a Medicare rebate of $38.

Dr Jai Sharma returns to Ballarat Sports Medicine

Ballarat Sports Medicine is overjoyed to advise that Dr Jai Sharma will be returning to consult

at Novar House, 109 Webster Street, Lake Wendouree.

Dr Sharma will be available one day per week, from mid-July onwards. Patients can see him

with or without a medical referral, or with a referral from a physio, osteopath or

chiropractor.