Dr Thomas Hilton

Dr Thomas Hilton Committed to patient well-being every step of the way. What work do I do? What training have I had & where do I practice?

Oncology and Joint Reconstruction Surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate care and innovative solutions for complex bone and joint problems, including infections, tumours, and joint replacements. I am an Orthopaedic Surgeon and I work mainly with patients who have bone & soft tissue tumours and patients who need joint replacements or the revision of joint replacements. My sarcoma work include

s:

• Primary bone & soft tissue sarcomas that include osteosarcomas and liposarcomas
The management of sarcoma patients is difficult, and this diagnosis is rare and therefore not as well-known as other cancers like breast and prostate cancer. Late diagnosis is often the case as lumps are assumed benign and bone pain attributed to sporting injuries. My aim is to improve education around sarcoma diagnosis and management to improve patient outcomes, avoid treatment delays and incorrect initial treatment.
• Metastatic bone disease to the limbs, hips and pelvis
Treatment of metastatic disease has improved significantly and with the correct treatment patients with metastases can lead long, pain free and functional lives. My joint replacement work includes:

• Primary joint replacement for conditions such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
• Revision joint replacement for loosening or infection. I was involved in the setup a specialist Bone & Joint Infection Unit at Vincent Pallotti Hospital to better manage patients with these conditions in terms of their surgery and antibiotic stewardship. We have am excellent multidisciplinary team who is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and dedicated. I trained at UCT for my undergraduate and specialist training as well as a fellowship under Dr Keith Hosking. I then went onto a second fellowship in London at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. I have a state practice at Groote Schuur and Red Cross Hospitals running the Orthopaedic Oncology unit on a sessional basis and a private practice at Life Vincent Pallotti and Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospitals. My practice philosophy is to run a caring and ethical practice with good communication and a team approach. The road for these patients is often long and arduous. We would like to make it as easy as possible.

Recovery starts before you leave the theatre, but it doesn't end there.Our latest blog covers everything you need to kno...
17/04/2026

Recovery starts before you leave the theatre, but it doesn't end there.

Our latest blog covers everything you need to know about wound care after orthopaedic surgery, from understanding your dressing to spotting the early signs of infection.

Read it via the link in our bio. 🔗

This case was a chondrosarcoma of the left humerus - a rare bone tumour that requires careful, considered decision-makin...
20/02/2026

This case was a chondrosarcoma of the left humerus - a rare bone tumour that requires careful, considered decision-making.

There are often several possible approaches, including observation, curettage and cementing, or more extensive reconstruction such as endoprosthetic replacement.

Because of this, cases like these are best discussed within a multidisciplinary team and managed by surgeons experienced in sarcoma care.

In this case, curettage and cementing was chosen to treat the tumour while preserving as much function as possible.

Complex cases like this highlight why individualised planning and specialist input are so important in orthopaedic oncology.🤝🏼

What you eat after bone or joint surgery plays an important role in how well your body heals.The right nutrients support...
13/02/2026

What you eat after bone or joint surgery plays an important role in how well your body heals.

The right nutrients support bone strength, tissue repair, immune function, and overall recovery after orthopaedic procedures. Your body needs extra energy to heal, so this isn’t the time to restrict your food intake. In some cases, supplements may help, and guidance from a dietician as part of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) plan can support your early recovery.

Here are some helpful food choices from each group:

🥦 Fibre: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, and lentils
🍗 Protein: eggs, chicken, fish, lean meat, dairy, and legumes
🍊 Vitamin C: citrus fruit, berries, peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes
🥕 Vitamin A: carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, pumpkin, and eggs

If you’re planning orthopaedic surgery, don't hesitate to book a consultation with Dr. Hilton to discuss your procedure and recovery plan.

An open fracture can bring bigger risks than most people realise.When a bone breaks through the skin, bacteria can enter...
04/02/2026

An open fracture can bring bigger risks than most people realise.

When a bone breaks through the skin, bacteria can enter the wound and lead to a serious infection called osteomyelitis.

Cleaning the wound, closing it properly, and starting the right antibiotics can quickly can prevent long-term complications. With the right care it is a very treatable condition but it if it is not done well the first time it can spiral out of control.

If you’re worried about an open fracture or a possible bone infection, reach out to Dr Thomas Hilton for expert assessment and treatment.🦴

01/02/2026

Not everything your orthopaedic surgeon recommends will sound “normal”, but there’s always a medical reason behind it:

1️⃣ Avoid certain foods temporarily
Some surgeons limit anti-inflammatory supplements, herbal teas, or even garlic/ginger pre- and post-op because they can thin the blood and increase bruising or bleeding. This can affect wound healing.

2️⃣ Sleep with a pillow between (or under) your legs
It helps stabilise the operated limb, reduces twisting, and keeps implants/joints in safer alignment

3️⃣ Keep the wound completely dry - even when showering
Moisture increases infection risk, so strict wound care matters more than you think

If you’re unsure about a post-op instruction, always ask your surgeon - they’re your biggest advocate in the healing journey.

Soft tissue sarcoma can sometimes spread beyond its original site - a process known as metastasis.Cancer may begin in on...
27/01/2026

Soft tissue sarcoma can sometimes spread beyond its original site - a process known as metastasis.

Cancer may begin in one area of the body, develop in nearby or distant tissue such as bone, and travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Understanding where this has happened is an important part of accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Dr. Hilton is an expert in sarcomas, and if you need clarity, further investigation, or treatment, he is the right specialist to guide you through the next steps with care and expertise.💪🏽

2 days until BOOM begins in Cape Town.While the meeting officially starts in two days, BOOM gets underway a little earli...
24/01/2026

2 days until BOOM begins in Cape Town.

While the meeting officially starts in two days, BOOM gets underway a little earlier.
Today, we’ll be welcoming colleagues with a wine tasting hosted by local wine farms, followed by dinner - a relaxed way to connect before the scientific programme begins.

A chance to ease into the conversations and enjoy a bit of Cape Town hospitality ahead of the days to come.👏🏼

5 days to go until the Birmingham Orthopaedic Oncology Meeting (BOOM) - and here are our convenors for this year’s event...
22/01/2026

5 days to go until the Birmingham Orthopaedic Oncology Meeting (BOOM) - and here are our convenors for this year’s event.

This group brings a broad range of experience in sarcoma and joint reconstruction and will help guide discussions around complex clinical decisions, so it’s a privilege to be part of the convenor group for this year.

The conversations ahead should be thoughtful and constructive as the meeting gets underway.💪🏼

Treatment for bone sarcomas is never one-size-fits-all.Every treatment plan is carefully tailored based on the type and ...
20/01/2026

Treatment for bone sarcomas is never one-size-fits-all.

Every treatment plan is carefully tailored based on the type and stage of the sarcoma, as well as the patient’s overall health. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may be used - often in combination and in a specific sequence - to achieve the best possible outcome.

Beyond treating the cancer itself, the focus is on preserving function, managing pain, and supporting long-term quality of life.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a bone sarcoma, book a consultation with Dr Thomas Hilton to discuss personalised treatment options.💙

Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, but having a simple plan can make the day much easier.A few small steps - l...
10/01/2026

Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, but having a simple plan can make the day much easier.

A few small steps - like doing your pre-op wash, avoiding lotions or creams, and bringing a list of your medications - help keep you safe and support a smooth procedure.

Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, prepared, and supported for the day.💪🏽

Bone cancers differ based on where they start and how they grow within the bone.🦴 Osteosarcoma develops from bone-formin...
06/01/2026

Bone cancers differ based on where they start and how they grow within the bone.

🦴 Osteosarcoma develops from bone-forming cells and usually grows in the hard outer layer of the bone, often near the ends of long bones such as the knee or shoulder.

🦴 Ewing sarcoma typically begins in puberty, when bones are growing very quickly, and can extend into surrounding soft tissue

🦴 Chondrosarcoma doesn't have a known cause, but tends to grow within the bone, often progressing slowly but requiring specialist care

If you need clarity, investigation, or treatment, Dr. Hilton is a specialist in bone and soft tissue tumours and is the right expert to guide you through the next steps.

31/12/2025

After a hip replacement, most people heal without ever having a problem - but there are a few movements that can make the new joint slip out of place.

Knowing what to avoid in the early weeks helps protect the implant, reduce pain, and keep your recovery on track.

If you’re recovering from hip surgery, we’re happy to answer your questions and help you heal safely.💙

Address

Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Pinelands
Cape Town
7405

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday 08:00 - 17:00

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