Orthopaedics — Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti

For Wellington Regional Hospital, call 04 385 5952

For Kenepuru Community Hospital, call 04 385 5999 extension 7205.

Opening hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

After hours, call the Wellington Regional Hospital emergency department on 04 385 5999 extension 5432.

Orthopaedic services are provided at Wellington Regional Hospital and Kenepuru Community Hospital.

Street addresses:

Wellington Regional Hospital
49 Riddiford Street
Newtown
Wellington 6021

Wellington Regional Hospital — Google Maps

Kenepuru Community Hospital
16 Hospital Drive
Porirua 5022

Kenepuru Community Hospital — Google Maps

We treat a variety of conditions such as:

• fractures
• sprains
• sports injuries
• damage to bones as a result of ageing.

These conditions may be present from birth, or they may occur as a result of injury or age-related wear and tear.

Common conditions treated by orthopaedic surgeons include:

• severe osteoarthritis of the hip or knee
• fractured (broken) bones
• torn or inflamed muscles, tendons and cartilage
• dislocations of joints
• infections in bones and joints
• trapped nerves
• disorders of the spine.

Fracture clinic

Fracture clinics are for people who need follow-up appointments after their fracture has been treated.

Follow-up appointments are to:

• monitor progress
• assess whether further treatment is needed.

Further treatment may include:

• re-manipulation of a fracture
• removal of a cast.

Sometimes an x-ray is taken before you are seen in the clinic.

Appointment times

Your appointment may last a few hours if it involves:

• x-rays
• removing casts
• other treatments.

Let reception know if you have other commitments and need to leave the clinic by a certain time.

General outpatients clinics

Your healthcare provider may refer you to the general outpatients clinic for an orthopaedic opinion.

At these appointments a specialist orthopaedic surgeon will advise on diagnosis and management.

Your healthcare provider can ask for x-rays and ultrasounds to be done at the hospital. There is no cost to you for this.

You can have these tests done in a private x-ray clinic, but you will have to pay for them yourself.

Clinics for specific conditions

We run clinics for specific parts of the body or specific conditions, including:

• orthopaedic tumours
• spinal disorders and injuries
• foot and ankle
• hand
• paediatric
• scoliosis
• joint replacement
• haemophilia.

If you have an appointment at one of these clinics you will be seen by a surgeon and other health professionals who have special expertise in that condition.

If your problem is with your spine you will be seen by one of our specialised spine surgeons. Only a small number of people seen by the spine surgeons need to have a spinal operation.

When you come in for an outpatient appointment, we will:

• assess your condition
• discuss your options
• recommend treatment.

Appointments at all our clinics are scarce, so there may be some delay before you receive one.

If you have a condition that was caused by an accident, you may be able to be treated by an orthopaedic surgeon outside of hospital, covered by ACC. Your healthcare provider will decide if this is an appropriate treatment option.

What to bring to your appointment

1. Any letters or reports from your healthcare provider.
2. Any x-rays, CT or MRI films and reports.
3. A list of all medicines you are taking including herbal and natural remedies.
4. Your ACC number, if you have one.

• Achilles tendon rupture — patient information
• Ankle sprains — patient information
• Bunions (hallux valgus) — patient information
• Care of your frame or external fixator and pin sites — patient information
• Caring for your arm cast or plaster (adult) — patient information
• Caring for your child's arm plaster or cast — patient information
• Caring for your child's leg plaster or cast — patient information
• Caring for your leg cast or plaster (adult) — patient information
• Carpal tunnel syndrome — patient information
• Carpal tunnel release under general anaesthesia or sedation — discharge information
• Carpal tunnel release under local anaesthesia — discharge information
• Clavicle (collarbone) fracture — patient information
• Congenital talipes equinovaus (clubfoot) — parent or caregiver information
• Dislocated shoulder — patient information
• Mallet finger sprints — patient information
• Midshaft humerus (arm) fractures — patient information
• Total hip replacement — patient information
• Total knee replacement — patient information
• Ward 6 North — discharge information
• Your broken hip — information for patients