Leading hip surgeon
Dr Hamish Gray is a highly regarded hip surgeon and can provide simple to complex hip and pelvis surgery for patients on the Sunshine Coast.
Internationally trained, with 4 hip and knee fellowships, Dr Gray has completed world-renowned training at the the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh to learn complex hip & knee surgery and limb reconstruction. Only one orthopaedic surgeon is chosen each year to this training in this academic, high volume centre. This training means he can provide simple to complex knee surgery. A leading hip and pelvis surgeon Dr Gray has also completed 2 accredited Australian Association of Orthopaedic fellowships: a hip and knee fellowship and a paediatric orthopaedic fellowship.
Minimally Invasive hip Surgery
In 2011, Dr Hamish Gray was the only Australian chosen to complete two complete prestigious international fellowships at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, a world leader in research and innovation in hip and knee joint surgery. It is a high-volume centre and place of referral for complex surgery. There are many different approaches to MIS hip joint replacement. It was here in Edinburgh that Dr Gray learnt the Direct Superior Approach for minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. A technique he continues to use 13 years later. Patients can expect shorter hospital stays, less damage to muscles, tendons and bones with increased comfort during recovery & rehabilitation. He is experienced with other approaches so he can offer individualised approaches for each patient.
Individualised hip replacement surgeon
Robotic assisted surgery allows precise placement for your individual anatomy. For patients with markedly abnormal anatomy or bone destruction Dr Gray can offer acetabular reconstruction and custom-made implants. Modern hip replacements can last 20 - 30 years.
Australian National Joint Replacement Registry
We encourage all our patients to participate in the Australian Joint Replacement Registry. The purpose of this de-identified and voluntary database is to improve the long-term success of hip replacements and prevent revision surgery. The Registry identifies poorly performing implants, to prevent their use.
A rare complication for one surgeon or hospital, may be understood as a trend when all the joint replacements in Australia are examined. A rare event is still a significant issue for you as an individual, if it means you need repeat surgery, long stays in hospital, your joint replacement fails or becomes infected. For example, the Australian Registry was the first in the world to identify the problems with the use of the ASR metal-on-metal hip resurfacing a decade ago.
Changes made by surgeons because of this registry has meant that proportionally fewer redo joint replacement surgeries (also known as revision surgery) in 2021 compared to 2004.
It is important that we use Registry information when deciding with you about joint replacements that achieve your short-term goals & long-term outcomes.
Complex primary (first) hip replacement: dysplasia, rheumatoid arthritis,
Complex primary (first) hip replacements can occur in young adults, patients with dysplastic joints (abnormal anatomy), arthritic joints due to rheumatological conditions, prior surgery and ankylosed (fused) hips. In these situations, your best hip replacement is the first replacement done meticulously to the highest standard. Dr Gray trained in the internationally renowned centre for knee and hip surgery, the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. It was in this world leading centre he learnt the tissue sparing approaches. These are also known as Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). These minimally invasive approaches cause less muscle and tissue disruption giving the advantage of rapid recovery; with same day walking and shorter stays in hospital.
Dr Gray will talk with you about which replacement approach is suitable for your situation.
Simple to Complex Hip Revision surgery
Revision surgery is when you need to replace your first hip replacement. This can be due to the replacement wearing out, loosening, infection, fractures, or dislocation. A hip replacement dislocation requires urgent relocation and can become recurrent. Revision procedures require careful assessment and planning to address multiple issues. You need a highly qualified team including infectious disease specialists, physicians, anaesthetists, intensive care doctors, rehabilitation & allied health professionals. Dr Gray regularly performs revisions and accepted referrals from GPs and other specialists to do so.
The procedure requires careful assessment as it is challenging & patient specific surgery. It can be hard to track down details of surgery done many years ago. You will need a highly qualified & connected team including infectious disease specialists, trusted anaesthetists, intensive care doctors, rehabilitation & allied health professionals. Dr Gary is often referred these due to his further training in this area.
Non-Operative Care
It is sometimes said that "the good surgeons know how to operate; better ones know when to operate and the best surgeons know when not to operate". When the decision is made not to operate Dr Gray can co-ordinate the treatment plan on the Sunshine Coast. This may include physical therapy, pain relief & rehabilitation. Pain relief interventions can include injections of steroids, hyaluronic acid, and Platelet-Rich Plasma [PRP], or geniculate nerve ablation. Non-operative treatment can also delay surgery to allow you to be in the best physical condition for surgery or to have it later in life. We recommend physiotherapy programs that are specific for knee and hip conditions, such as the GLA:D program.
Fractures of pelvis, hip, and femur
Fractures of the pelvis, hip and femur can be managed by Dr Gray. Transfers from public hospitals can be facilitated by ringing the nurse manager of the patient's preferred private hospital and if they have beds, they will provide you with the contact details for Dr Gray.
Hip Resurfacing:
Hip Resurfacing is an alternative to a hip replacement, especially if you are young and aim to return to high-impact activities.
In hip resurfacing the damaged bone and cartilage are carefully removed and replaced with metal or ceramic. The head and neck of the femur are not removed and as much normal bone as possible is kept. This means that a stem does not need to be placed down the shaft of the femur for this operation. On the socket/cup side of the joint a new socket is placed in the same manner as a hip replacement.
This operation is suitable for active, younger people with osteoarthritis, but healthy bone of sufficient size and strength. Significant deformities, in-dwelling metalwork and other diagnoses can mean that this operation is not suitable for some patients.
Whilst Dr Gray does have a paediatric orthopaedic fellowship he does not manage conditions involving newborn hips privately. These are referred to Sunshine Coast University Public Hospital or Queensland Children's Hospital. Other conditions of the hip joint can be investigated and managed by Dr Gray. If they need further specialised care at the Queensland Children's Hospital Dr Gray will facilitate this.
Conditions of the hip joint can be investigated and managed by Dr Gray. If they need further specialised care at the Queensland Children's Hospital Dr Gray will facilitate this.
Infections of the hip joint
Urgent investigation and treatment of the hip joint due to infection or fracture
Your treating doctor needs to contact Dr Gray directly as soon as possible when infection or fracture of a prosthesis is identified, including superficial infections of skin. If you are a current patient your doctor will have his contact details.