Dr. Mark Shillington - Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Mark Shillington - Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Mark Shillington is a Queensland trained Orthopaedic Surgeon who specialises in the management of Know more at http://www.drshillington.com.au.

Dr Shillington is actively involved in orthopaedic research. He regularly presents at peer reviewed conferences and is the author of multiple research papers published in the orthopaedic literature.He has a special interest in paediatric and adult sports injuries.

14/12/2021

New vaccination status requirements come into effect from 17th December

As a healthcare provider, Dr Mark Shillington has a duty of care to protect both the public and our staff, particularly those at high risk of more serious illness, or who are unable to be vaccinated themselves due to medical reasons. Therefore in accordance with the Queensland Health Public Health and Social Measures Directive the following protocol will apply:

1. NO UNVACCINATED SUPPORT PEOPLE are permitted in the practice;

2. Please provide proof of vaccination on arrival;

3. If you are an unvaccinated patient, please phone our reception on arrival and wait in your car until Dr Shillington is available to see you. You will then be required to wear a mask when entering our rooms;

4. Please use the QR check code to check on arrival;

5. If you have any cold or flu symptoms, please contact our rooms and we will convert your appointment to a phone consultation; and

6. If you are requiring surgery and are an unvaccinated patient, please contact your nominated hospital to confirm their COVID protocol.

Please note this protocol is subject to change.

29/04/2019

Synvisc Injections for osteoarthritis knee pain:

Osteoarthritis is a common joint problem and is part of aging. It is characterised by a deep, aching pain exacerbated by use, stiffness and limited range of movement.
This picture of a healthy knee joint shows the cartilage and synovial fluid that act as a cushion for the joint. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where there is slow, progressive destruction of the cartilage in the joint. When this occurs, the bones of the knee joint no longer have any cushioning and may rub together causing the characteristic symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Synvisc-One is a single dose injection that supplements the fluid in your knee to help lubricate and cushion the joint and can provide up to six months of osteoarthritis knee pain relief. Synvisc-One contains a gel-like mixture made from hyaluronan, a substance that is found naturally in joints. Synvisc-One is injected directly into the knee by a doctor. The injection acts to replace and supplement the synovial fluid in the joint and acts like a lubricant and shock absorber between the bones and improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

29/03/2019

Why we recommend topical acne ointment (Benzyl Peroxide) before shoulder surgery:

Propionibacterium acnes is a common bacteria of the skin that has been linked to chronic infections in shoulder surgery. This bacteria is also the main culprit in causing acne on your skin. P. acnes is commonly found in sebaceous glands in the skin of the upper body including the head, neck, shoulders and especially the armpits.

P. acnes has been detected in over one third of patients undergoing first-time shoulder surgery and has been shown to be responsible for up to 56% of shoulder infections after shoulder surgery. Surgery of the shoulder can allow these bacteria that live in the deep pores in the skin to escape to the shoulder joint, causing an infection.

Benzyl peroxide is a topical therapy that has long been used for the treatment of acne; common brands include Clearasil. It works by markedly reducing the number of P. acnes in the skin. Several studies have found that five topical applications of 5% benzoyl peroxide ointment around the shoulder and armpit before shoulder surgery substantially reduces the number of P. acnes identified in the skin. Application of benzyl peroxide therefore reduces the likelihood of infection by P. acnes following shoulder surgery.

09/11/2018

Diabetes and Joint Replacement Surgery

Put simply, diabetes is a condition in which the body does not effectively use sugar. Diabetes lowers the efficiency of the immune system which increases the risk of developing infection. This puts diabetic patients at a higher risk of complications post-surgery, particularly more complicated surgery such as joint replacement surgery.
One of the potential complications for diabetics post joint replacement surgery is delayed wound healing and infection. Part of the reason for this is that elevated blood glucose levels stiffen the arteries and narrow the blood vessels. This decreases blood flow and consequently the ability of the red blood cells to carry nutrients and oxygen to tissues, both of which are essential for healing. White cell efficiency is also affected which decreases the bodies ability to fight infection.
Dr Shillington routinely tests all patient’s glucose levels prior to joint replacement surgery, whether they are known diabetics or not. This is done by a blood test known as HbA1c which can diagnose and monitor diabetes. Ideally this level should be below 8% to optimise recovery and reduce complications post-surgery.
Wound healing is essential in achieving a satisfactory outcome after joint replacement surgery. In order to maximise a patients surgical outcome it is important that patients glucose levels are controlled and Dr Shillington will help patients to achieve this or refer them for further specialist advice if necessary.

06/09/2018

Anterior Cruciate Ligament
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments in the knee. Together these ligaments and associated muscles stabilise the knee. The role of the ACL is to prevent the shinbone (tibia) from sliding forward or twisting in relation to the thigh bone (femur).
ACL injuries are relatively common and occur when you suddenly change direction or pivot with the knee in a locked position (foot firmly planted on the ground) or receive a direct blow to the knee. The ACL can be partially or totally torn. Most people who fully tear the ACL hear a loud pop or crack at the time of the injury. This is usually followed by extreme pain. Generally the knee will swell and movement may also be restricted.
An ACL injury may occur in combination with damage to the other ligaments of the knee and/or damage to the cartilage in the knee (meniscus).
Immediate treatment following injury should involve rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) to try and reduce the swelling. Along with a physical examination, an MRI will generally be required to confirm diagnosis.
A completely torn ACL usually requires surgical repair. Partial tears may also require surgical repair. This is generally done arthroscopically through 2 small holes. Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive and consequently reduces the recovery period. The aim of ACL surgery is to restore the functional stability of the knee and maintain full range of motion.
For best results it is important that you do not undergo surgery until the swelling in the knee has reduced, you have full range of movement and have adequate quadriceps and hamstring strength. Rehabilitation post-surgery involves a long period of exercises to increase quadriceps and hamstring strength and retrain proprioceptive function. A physiotherapist is usually involved during this phase of recovery.
Tips for avoiding ACL injury:
• Warm up for at least 15 mins prior to activity
• Stretch to improve flexibility
• Work on quadriceps, hamstring, calf muscle, glute and trunk muscle strength
• Work on proprioception and balance exercises

17/08/2018

DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis

A DVT is a blood clot (or thrombus) that forms in the deep veins of your body. They most commonly occur in the lower leg or calf but can also occur in the thigh or more rarely in the arm.
Blood flow requires mechanical help from the muscles of your body especially in the lower leg where the blood needs to flow “uphill”. If the blood flow through the deep veins is slowed for any reason a DVT may develop.
Your risk of developing a DVT is increased with injury and surgery. This can be due to the effects of the surgery itself on the body or due to increased periods of sitting or lying.
If you are on the birth control pill or taking HRT you have an increased risk of developing DVT. This is due to the Oestrogen and Progestogen in these medications. Oestrogen increases the production of chemicals that cause the blood to clot. Progestogen causes the blood vessels to relax and widen which can allow the blood to pool in the veins increasing the risk of a clot developing. For this reason Dr Shillington will require you to cease taking any HRT or the “pill” for 4 weeks prior to surgery. Please note that you should use an alternative form of contraception during this period.
Post-surgery you may need to wear compression stockings until you are moving around normally to help reduce the risk of developing a DVT. You will also be encouraged to perform the exercises your surgeon has prescribed regularly. If you are at a high risk of developing a DVT preventative medications may be given. You're most likely to get a clot between 2 and 10 days after your surgery, but your odds are higher for about 3 months.
The symptoms of a DVT may include:
- Pain and tenderness in the leg
- Swelling of the lower leg, ankle and foot
- Redness and warmth
If you develop any of these symptoms post-surgery it is most important you contact your surgeon or GP immediately.

27/07/2018

Total Hip Replacement:

Hip replacement surgery may be required if you have severe osteoarthritis or damage to your hip due to injury or disease that is causing chronic pain and affecting your daily activities. During hip replacement surgery the damaged bone and cartilage in your hip are replaced with artificial parts known as a prosthesis. Generally this consists of three parts (a ball, socket and stem) made from metal and plastic. The socket replaces the cup shaped part of your pelvis bone that the femur head or ball sits in. The stem is connected to the ball and is inserted in to your femur or upper leg bone. The stem is held in place with “bone cement” or alternatively a porous stem is used that allows your femur bone to grow in to the prosthesis and hold it in place. There are a variety of prosthesis on the market. Dr Shillington has models in his rooms so you can see exactly what the prosthesis he uses looks like.
The surgical procedure will take 1-3 hours and you will generally stay in hospital for 3 or 4 nights. Post surgery exercises, under the guidance of a Physiotherapist and Dr Shillington, will help build strength and flexibility in the hip. For 6 weeks post surgery it is most important you do not bend the hip joint beyond 90 degrees, cross your legs or lie on your side to sleep as this may result in the prosthesis dislocating.

25/06/2018

ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES:

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles that connect your shoulder blade to the humerus bone in your upper arm. These muscles stabilise the shoulder joint and help rotate the upper arm. Rotator cuff injuries are the most common shoulder injury. The muscles can get pinched (impingement syndrome), inflamed (tendinitis) or tear partially or completely. The first symptom of rotator cuff injury is shoulder pain. This can come on gradually due to overuse leading to inflammation or suddenly due to a severe stretch, pull or fall.
The degree and type of injury is diagnosed by your GP or surgeon based on symptoms and physical assessment often in combination with radiology (Xray, ultrasound or MRI). Depending on the diagnosis non-surgical options may be trialled including Physiotherapy, rest, strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections.
Surgery may be required if tendonitis does not settle with other treatments or the rotator cuff is torn. If the rotator cuff is being pinched some excess bone may be removed from the shoulder in a procedure known as arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASAD) which creates a larger space for the rotator cuff and prevents pinching. If the rotator cuff is torn arthroscopic surgical repair of the tear is often recommended.
It is most important after either procedure that you follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding exercises and wearing a sling.

11/06/2018

DENTAL WORK POST TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY:

There is a risk that bacteria can travel via the blood from the mouth to an artificial joint during a dental procedure. Due to the metal and plastic prosthesis it is harder for the body’s immune system to fight infection in artificial joints.
As such if you have a non-infected dental problem without pain it is best to defer treatment for 3-6 months after joint replacement surgery. If treatment cannot be deferred and a high or medium risk procedure is indicated (such as tooth extraction or root canal surgery) in the 6 months post joint replacement surgery, antibiotics should be given prior to the procedure. Please discuss this with your dentist and arrange a script with your GP or surgeon. Routine check-ups and cleans do not generally require antibiotics however it would be best to avoid these during the 6 months following your surgery if possible.
If at any time you suspect you have an infection in your artificial joint please contact your GP or surgeon immediately. Signs of infection include increased pain and stiffness, swelling, warmth and redness, wound ooze, fevers, chills and night sweats and fatigue.

24/05/2018

SMOKING RISKS:
Dr Shillington recommends you cease smoking for at least 4 weeks prior to undergoing any orthopaedic surgery.
Smoking has a serious negative effect on bones, muscles, and joints which often leads to poorer outcomes from orthopaedic surgery. Smoking increases the chance that your bones and tissue may not heal well, that the area may become infected, or that you may experience more pain after surgery.
Oxygen is required by the body for healing post-surgery. The chemicals in ci******es affect the body’s ability to effectively carry oxygen to the tissues of the body, especially those further from the heart such as your foot. Current research has shown that in foot or ankle surgery there is 2 to 10 times the risk of the bones not healing post-surgery in smokers.
The chemicals in ci******es also limit the activity of the neutrophils (infection fighting cells) making it more difficult for the body to fight infection post-surgery.
These chemicals may also increase inflammation and affect the way the body interprets pain signals. Consequently the amount of pain experienced by smokers may be greater than non-smokers and persist long after the wound has healed.

30/04/2018

Osteoarthritis is a common disease that affects the joints in our bodies. More commonly it affects the larger joints such as the knees and hips. It occurs when the cartilage breaks down causing pain, swelling and limited mobility. Lifestyle changes can help minimise the risk of developing osteoarthritis and also help manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

These include:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with low impact exercise

Doing resistance exercises to improve leg muscle strength

Maintaining a healthy diet and weight

It is important to review your private health insurance policy regularly. The type of cover you require changes at diffe...
23/04/2018

It is important to review your private health insurance policy regularly. The type of cover you require changes at different stages of your life.

Address

2 Gray Street
Ipswich, QLD
4305

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