patient-portal 5 min read

Regional Patient Information

Managing your hip or knee replacement from a distance — how we support regional patients through every stage of their care.

Dr Chien-Wen Liew
Orthopaedics 360

We have the pleasure of treating patients from all over Australia — and we tailor our peri-operative management around convenience. It is more difficult to attend our clinic for appointments when you live regionally, especially for routine reviews. Whilst we will always be available to see you in our usual schedule, sometimes it is more convenient to make changes to suit your travel to and from Adelaide.

01

Managing Your Care From Afar

We have systems in place to ensure you are well supported throughout your journey. Telehealth consultations are available for pre-operative review, post-operative check-ins, and most follow-up appointments that do not require a physical examination. Our team is available by phone and email throughout your recovery.

Your wound dressing is a Hypafix dressing — waterproof, designed to be worn continuously. You can shower normally. Pat it dry. Leave it until it starts to lift, or remove after two weeks. If you're concerned about the wound at any point, take a clear photo and send it to our rooms for review.

02

Preparing to Fly Home

You can fly directly home after discharge — typically 2–4 nights post-operatively. Dr Liew may recommend staying an extra night if you require more independence before a long flight. Many regional patients also choose to stay in Adelaide for a few days or for their 2-week post-op visit before travelling home.

Boarding a flight will most likely require you to use a walking stick. A walking frame is usually not required, but if you used one prior to surgery, the same process applies on the way home. Airlines may have variable requirements if they notice you have had recent surgery — forms for Qantas, Virgin Australia, and REX are linked here.

Medications — you will have some controlled substances when you travel back, such as Endone or Palexia. Carry these in their original dispensed packaging and do not carry more than prescribed. This avoids any issues at customs.

Regional Patient Information
Watch — Dr Liew Explains
Regional Patient Information

Watch Dr Chien-Wen Liew discuss this topic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

As a regional patient, you may have performed this dressing change yourself. If it is still on after 2 weeks, you can safely remove it. Its main purpose is to make the scar slim and protect the wound from abrasion — it won't be doing much by then.
4 weeks post-operatively. We are waiting for a full seal of the wound to avoid infection risk. This includes hydrotherapy — no pools or spas until 4 weeks.
Take a clear, well-lit photo of the wound and send it to our rooms immediately. Our team will review and advise whether you need to be seen or whether it can be managed remotely. Early review is always better than waiting.

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Medical Disclaimer: General educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. AHPRA Registered Specialist.