Bone, Joint and Prosthetic Joint Infection — Gold Coast

Infections involving bone, native joints or orthopaedic implants are among the most difficult infections to diagnose and treat. They often require prolonged antimicrobial therapy, close coordination with orthopaedic surgeons, and careful decisions about whether hardware can be retained. Our infectious diseases physicians provide specialist input into these decisions for adult patients across the Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales.

Conditions we assess

  • Prosthetic joint infection (hip, knee, shoulder and other arthroplasty)
  • Osteomyelitis, both acute and chronic
  • Septic arthritis of native joints
  • Infection associated with fracture fixation hardware, plates, screws and rods
  • Spinal infection, including vertebral osteomyelitis and discitis
  • Infection following orthopaedic or spinal surgery

What specialist assessment involves

Assessment usually includes a detailed review of the surgical history, imaging and prior microbiology, and consideration of what further sampling is required. Reliable microbiological diagnosis is central — treating without adequate samples often leads to prolonged, ineffective therapy.

Where a causative organism is identified, therapy is targeted to that organism and its susceptibilities. Management is planned jointly with the treating orthopaedic surgeon, and may involve debridement, staged revision, or suppressive therapy where surgery is not appropriate.

Many patients require a period of intravenous antibiotics. Where suitable, this can be delivered at home or as an outpatient rather than in hospital.

Working with your surgeon

We work alongside orthopaedic and spinal surgeons on the Gold Coast rather than replacing surgical care. Referrals are welcome from surgeons, general practitioners and other specialists.

Referrals

A current referral addressed to our rooms, or to one of our specialists by name, is required before an appointment can be arranged.

Gold Coast Infection Specialists Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast Specialist Suites Ground Floor, 14 Hill Street, Southport QLD 4215 Phone: 07 5530 0770