Getting the Diagnosis Right
Joint and soft tissue injuries are some of the most commonly mismanaged conditions in sport - a sprained ankle that keeps giving way, a shoulder that never quite feels stable, hip pain written off as a muscle strain. On the Sunshine Coast I see these presentations regularly, and accurate diagnosis from the outset makes a real difference to outcomes.
As a Sport & Exercise Medicine specialist, I take a thorough approach to every joint assessment. That means understanding your injury mechanism, your activity demands, and your goals - then arriving at an accurate diagnosis before recommending any treatment pathway.
Ligament Injuries
Ligament injuries range from minor sprains to complete tears requiring surgical reconstruction. Getting the right assessment early makes a significant difference to outcomes - whether that means accurate grading, timely MRI referral, or coordinating with an orthopaedic surgeon when surgery is indicated.
- ACL tears - complete assessment, MRI coordination, surgical or non-surgical pathway planning, and return-to-sport management
- PCL injuries - often underdiagnosed; grading and appropriate management pathway
- MCL & LCL injuries - grading, bracing, rehabilitation coordination and monitoring
- Ankle ligaments - ATFL, CFL and syndesmotic injuries; including chronic ankle instability assessment
- Thumb & finger ligaments - UCL (skier's thumb), volar plate, and collateral ligament injuries
Labral Tears
Labral injuries of the hip and shoulder are frequently overlooked as a source of joint pain, instability, and dysfunction - particularly in active patients. Specialist assessment is essential to avoid prolonged misdiagnosis.
- Hip labral tears - often associated with FAI (femoroacetabular impingement); presenting as groin or anterior hip pain with activity
- Shoulder labral tears - including SLAP tears and Bankart lesions in overhead athletes and those with instability
- Investigation coordination - MRI arthrogram referral and interpretation, surgical referral when indicated
Meniscal Injuries
Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries, and management decisions - conservative versus surgical - depend heavily on the type of tear, its location, your age, and your activity goals. I provide specialist assessment to help you understand your options and make an informed decision.
- Acute traumatic meniscal tears in sport
- Degenerative meniscal tears in active adults
- MRI referral and interpretation
- Conservative management and rehabilitation coordination
- Surgical referral for tears requiring repair or resection
Joint Dislocations
Recurrent dislocations or chronic instability following an initial dislocation event require specialist assessment to identify the underlying structural cause and plan appropriate management - whether that's rehabilitation, bracing, or surgical stabilisation.
- Shoulder dislocations - including first-time dislocations in young athletes where surgical stabilisation significantly reduces recurrence risk
- Patella (kneecap) dislocations - assessment of bony anatomy, ligament integrity (MPFL), and risk of recurrence
- Elbow dislocations - post-reduction assessment and rehabilitation planning
Bursitis & Impingement Syndromes
Bursal inflammation and impingement are often secondary to underlying biomechanical issues - treating the symptom without addressing the cause leads to recurrence. A thorough assessment identifies contributing factors and targets treatment appropriately.
- Subacromial bursitis & shoulder impingement - including differentiation from rotator cuff pathology
- Greater trochanteric bursitis (GTPS) - now understood to primarily involve gluteal tendinopathy
- Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome - lateral knee pain in runners and cyclists
- Prepatellar & infrapatellar bursitis - knee bursitis assessment and management
- Retrocalcaneal bursitis - posterior heel pain differentiation from Achilles pathology
- Ultrasound-guided injections - where indicated for bursitis management
Cartilage Injuries
Articular cartilage has limited capacity for self-repair, and early accurate assessment is important for appropriate management - whether that's load management and rehabilitation, or surgical referral for cartilage repair procedures in suitable candidates.
- Acute cartilage injuries from sport or trauma
- Osteochondral defects - ankle, knee
- Chondromalacia patella
- Surgical referral for cartilage repair or restoration procedures when indicated
How I Approach Joint & Soft Tissue Injuries
Accurate Diagnosis First
A detailed history and thorough clinical examination before any investigation or treatment. Understanding your injury mechanism and activity demands is essential.
Targeted Investigation
X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, or CT referral when indicated - and the expertise to interpret findings in the context of your symptoms and clinical picture.
Management Options
Clear explanation of your options - conservative rehabilitation, injection therapies, or surgical referral - with the evidence behind each pathway.
Coordinated Care
Working closely with physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons, and other specialists to ensure your management is seamless and goal-directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see Dr Wells?
A GP referral is not required but is recommended - it allows Medicare rebates to apply to your consultation. Your GP can refer you directly, or you can self-refer and pay the full specialist fee. See the FAQ page for more detail.
Will I need an MRI before my appointment?
Not necessarily. In many cases, a thorough clinical examination will provide enough information to guide initial management. If imaging is required, I'll arrange appropriate referrals at or after your first consultation. If you've already had imaging, please inform the clinic as soon as possible with the correct radiology provider(s).
How do I know if my injury needs surgery?
Many joint and soft tissue injuries don't require surgery. The decision depends on the specific injury, your age, activity level, and goals. I'll provide a clear explanation of your options and, where surgery is indicated, refer you to an appropriate orthopaedic surgeon.
Can you perform ultrasound-guided injections at the same appointment?
I offer ultrasound-guided injections, but often another dedicated appointment time is required in order to give you and my next patient my full time and attention. See the Injection Therapies page for more information.
What does a consultation cost and are there Medicare rebates?
Private health insurance does not cover specialist medical consultations. However, Dr Wells has access to top-tier Medicare rebate rates (MBS A4), so with a valid GP referral your rebate is maximised, with approximately $150 rebate back to you on an initial consultation. Dr Wells can also refer for Medicare-rebateable MRI scans. You can self-refer, but the full specialist fee applies with no Medicare rebate. See the FAQ page for more detail.