My uncle is one of those people who never slows down—until his knee started hurting so badly that even walking to the mailbox became a challenge. He tried to push through for weeks, hoping it would go away, but it only got worse.

That’s when I set out to find the best orthopaedic specialists in Brisbane, because, let’s face it, there are tons of options, yet not all are worth your time.

After a whole lot of research, we landed on a fantastic specialist who actually made a difference. So if you, or someone you care about, are tired of creaking, limping, or risking sock-related injuries, this list of experts is exactly where you should start.

1. Queensland Knee Surgery Clinic

Address: Specialist Centre, Level 1/259 Wickham Ter, Spring Hill QLD 4000

Contact Details: +61 73 834 7064
Operating Hours:

• Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Saturday to Sunday – Closed

Website 

LinkedIn

Queensland Knee Surgery Clinic is shaped by the experience of its lead surgeon, Dr John Gallagher. He is a knee specialist (FRACS, FA Orth) with over 30 years in orthopaedics and more than two decades focused specifically on knee replacements.

But before even considering surgery, the team here takes the time to truly understand your unique situation when making any decisions.

In fact, Clinical nurse Jessica Houlcroft and physiotherapist Robert Godbolt are frequently mentioned by patients for being both present and genuinely supportive at every visit.

This level of care continues throughout the entire treatment pathway. From the advanced imaging and thorough pre-operative assessments to the clear, step-by-step follow-up after surgery, you’re never left guessing what comes next.

It is also reassuring to see the clinic’s strong connections with respected organisations like the Australian Orthopaedic Association. I really do believe these strengthen the peace of mind regarding the standard of care provided.

However, one thing to note is that the clinic’s expertise is mainly centred on knee replacements for arthritis. If you’re dealing with more complex issues, this clinic may not be the right fit for you.

I couldn’t recommend him enough for anyone considering knee replacements

“Dr John Gallagher is a most fantastic surgeon. His care and expertise pre, during and post surgery was excellent. I couldn’t recommend him enough for anyone considering knee replacements. His staff are also excellent and are very caring and supportive.” 

– LuckyLuke, Google Review 

The whole team are just bloody awesome in their job 

“Having put up with a damaged right knee since a work accident a little over 30 years ago, I have met/dealt with quite a few knee surgeons during this time and several surgeries. It was only 6 years ago that I was told by a friend of Dr. John Gallagher, and I was leading a life of daily restrictions and pain in my right knee. A HTO and 12 month later, I have never looked back, getting back onto the bicycle, doing some light jogging and enjoying life in general. Then, last year in April, some silly gallah (me, now 57), trips while building a retainer wall and snaps the ACL in the same knee by tripping with a couple of heavy concrete blocks in my arms. I was shipped off to a hospital, but having been under John’s awesome care before, I insisted on ‘patch me up’, I am going to see John. It has now been 10 month since the Op, and I am back in my normal routine doing what I love, like walking the dogs, landscaping at home, light exercise to keep the ticker going. The whole team at QKSC are just bloody awesome in their job but also they way they interact with you. It’s like going to a family outing when visiting, with friendly and sincere smiles and laughter, yet having your best interest at heart. Though, Jess doesn’t get you coffee when you’re about to go into the operating theater; she clearly needs to work on that. 🙂 Bottom line, if you want the best surgeon and team and a decent painless life, there is no better than Dr John Gallagher and his team. Thank you so much guys, you are giving me a life back that I enjoy. I’d like to use my phrase ‘I’ll be back’, but I might give that a miss for now. Who knows. BTW, I have now completed the retainer wall and looking good. Many thanks, Frank R” 

– FS Riccobon, Google Review 

2. OSSEM Orthopaedic Surgery

Address: 259 Wickham Ter, Spring Hill QLD 4000

Contact Details: +61 72 42 1444

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Saturday to Sunday – Closed

Website 

Facebook

OSSEM Orthopaedic Surgery has a solid reputation in the Spring Hill area, largely thanks to Associate Professor Michael Reid. With his background in orthopaedics and trauma, you know you are in experienced hands from the start.

That expertise also shows in how they personalise treatment. Whether you need an ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair, or hip or knee replacement, they work hard to ensure their approach fits your specific needs.

One aspect that caught my attention is their FIT-4-SURGERY programme. It is designed to help you head into surgery in the best possible health, using tailored physical and mental preparation, and nutrition plans to support a smoother recovery.

I have spoken with a few patients who believe that this extra level of care made a significant difference in their recovery and overall surgical success.

The clinic itself is up to date, too. Their collaboration with in-house GPs for faster referrals and the choice to operate at trusted hospitals such as Brisbane Private adds another layer of professionalism.

The only thing to keep in mind is that OSSEM’s expertise is focused mainly on musculoskeletal problems. If you have unrelated health concerns, you will likely need to seek care from a different provider.

Validated my condition that no other doctor or specialist has even mentioned 

“I haven’t had surgery or anything yet, just my first consultation with Dr Reid. As someone who has chronic conditions and is overweight, seeing a specialist can be very daunting. Dr Reid was friendly ,kind and professional. Not once was I made to feel unworthy because I am fat. He validated my condition that no other doctor or specialist has even mentioned which was amazing. I feel confident that whichever way my journey goes, it will be in good hands with Dr Reid” 

– Jo Barton, Google Review

Dr Reed was friendly and helpful explaining everything

“I was impressed with the receptionist on first contact. Immediate answers after ascertaining the situation in depth. Dr Reed was friendly and helpful explaining everything. The Anethetist was also thorough.” 

– Tracey Dampier, Google Review 

3. Dr Kenneth Cutbush Shoulder Clinic

Address: Level 7/457 Wickham Ter, Spring Hill QLD 4001

Contact Details: +61 73 063 5500
Operating Hours:

• Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Saturday to Sunday – Closed

Website 

LinkedIn

Dr Kenneth Cutbush has some serious credentials. He is officially accredited as a Surgeon of Excellence in Orthopaedic Surgery, and he is a Fellow of both the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association.

With him is Dr Kristine Italia, and together, they focus solely on shoulder surgery, handling everything from arthroscopic procedures to complex shoulder replacements and fracture management.

I also find it impressive that they handle work-related (WorkCover) and sports injuries, which not every clinic takes on. It’s definitely a plus if that is your situation.

In addition, they use advanced imaging and navigation for diagnosis and planning, and you’ll often find them opting for minimally invasive or arthroscopic techniques.

From what I have seen, this tends to reduce pain and speed up recovery. This’ll all be explained by Dr Cutbush, along with every other question you may have, since others have mentioned how he wants you to walk out well-informed.

The only consistent downside is that follow-up appointments can feel a little rushed, especially when the clinic is busy.

The pre-surgery video consultation was incredibly helpful

“I live in Townsville and traveled to Brisbane for surgery with Dr. Ken Cutbush, and from the beginning, I felt completely reassured. The pre-surgery video consultation was incredibly helpful, making everything clear and easy to understand. The website was straightforward, and the videos provided were excellent for preparing me for what to expect before and after surgery. Dr. Cutbush is friendly and caring. He took the time to answer all my questions and made sure I felt supported every step of the way. His team was equally wonderful—helpful, approachable, and always available when needed.

I’m extremely happy with my experience and would highly recommend Dr. Cutbush and his team” 

– Sharon Mayes, Google Review 

This doctor knows his stuff and he cares for you 

“When you walk towards a Surgeons office and you don’t really want to be there, your nervous, I was. Then you have this first impression. it made me automatically feel less nervous of what would be ahead. I knew what my son had said to me and based on my sons advise to stop avoiding surgery on my long standing right shoulder and see Dr. Cutbush. On my first meeting with Dr. Cutbush and then after the second meeting after my MRI, I was thinking, this doctor knows his stuff and he cares for you and so does his staff. It is obvious, he surrounds himself with those that fit into his everyday actions. From informing you of what is ahead with the operation and the aftercare. It was hard to conceive what a high degree of knowledge Dr. Cutbush had, and it relaxed me. Even my GP after surgery was full of praise in his own words, “I am impressed this surgeons work is amazing, I am totally impressed” From the moment I saw Dr. Cutfish after I woke in recovery and over the next few days I felt the surgery that I delayed for so long was now over and I was on road of total recovery. Thankyou for everything” 

– Wayne Tilly, Google Review 

4. Kalhor Orthopaedic

Address: Mater Private Clinic, Suite 4.10, Level 4, Mater Private Clinic, 550 Stanley Street, South, QLD 4101

Contact Details: +61 73 010 5773

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Saturday to Sunday – Closed

Website 

Facebook

If you are looking for an expert in shoulder, elbow, or knee care, it is hard to go past Dr Ali Kalhor. His impressive qualifications are matched by consistently positive patient outcomes at Kalhor Orthopaedi.

He is not the type to rush you into surgery. Instead, he will explore all conservative options first before even considering surgery. Many patients find this very reassuring, especially when you are unsure about the best way forward.

I also found the clinic’s straightforward information sheets and online resources incredibly helpful. They explain things in plain English, taking a lot of the stress and confusion out of dealing with a new injury or diagnosis.

Support does not stop after surgery, either. The team keeps in touch with regular follow-ups and makes sure your physiotherapist is always up to date, so your recovery feels smooth and well coordinated.

That said, I have found that sorting out administrative paperwork can sometimes be slower than you would hope, especially for procedures linked to insurance or WorkCover.

Dr Kalhor is fantastic. His knowledge, care, bedside manner are A1

“This Doctor is awesome. My local GP referred me to Dr Kalhor.I had trouble with my left knee. My first thoughts were, “How do I know this gentleman is a good Surgeon”. I was a little nervous. I read the reviews here, I read his profiles from a variety of sources. I had my connection with reception over the phone and my initial consultation with him. I asked lots of questions and tested his service skills. I work on the principle. “Perception is Reality”. He passed. I needed a total knee replacement. Let me tell you this. Dr Kalhor is fantastic. His knowledge, care, bedside manner are A1. He knows what he is doing. When people leave reviews, sometimes you ask “Are they real”, “Is the person related”, you know what I mean. The best compliment I can give to Dr Kalhor is, he can operate on me or any of my family in a heart beat. Thanks for doing what you do Dr Kalhor.” 

– Steve Abram, Google Review 

A very caring doctor and excellent surgeon, could not speak more highly of him

“A very caring doctor and excellent surgeon, could not speak more highly of him. I underwent shoulder surgery late last year and have achieved wonderful results. During my initial consultation Dr Kalhor explained my situation quite clearly and after a subsequent MRI outlined what surgery was necessary to repair multiple issues I had developed. The surgery at Mater Private went very well with no complications and with Dr Kalhor visiting me the following day to check up on my condition. Since then I have had 3 follow up visits to check on my progress, all dealt with the same level of care and consideration. On all occasions Dr Kalhor exhibits true and sincere concern for my well-being and has provided valuable advice for other orthopaedic issues I am unfortunately suffering from. I highly recommend Dr Kalhor for his knowledge, skill and for his compassionate nature. The staff at 4th Floor Clinic at the Mater have also been great and are always helpful with appointments and arrangements.” 

– Peter Edge, Google Review 

5. Dr Tony O’Neill

Address: Ground Floor/259 Wickham Ter, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Contact Details: +61 73 834 6623
Operating Hours:

• Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Saturday to Sunday – Closed

Website 

LinkedIn

Dr O’Neill’s FRACS and FAOrthA definitely stand out for their thorough orthopaedic care.

It’s rare to find a specialist who manages everything from ligament reconstructions and rotator cuff repairs to advanced joint preservation and replacement surgeries—all under one practice.

And don’t worry too much, since his services involve minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, particularly for ACL and revision procedures.

The benefits, such as shorter recovery times and faster return to function, make his methods especially appealing for active patients or those keen to resume daily activities with minimal disruption.

Many also mention how handy the same-day surgery option is, especially if you’ve got a busy schedule or aren’t based in Brisbane.

Another thing I consistently noticed was the collaborative approach. Dr O’Neill’s team works in close partnership with physiotherapists, sports physicians, and radiologists, so you aren’t left having to coordinate everything yourself.

However, before you’re officially under their care, you’ll need to navigate the referral process on your own, as it must go through Medical Objects. This first step can be a bit tricky for many patients.

He is a wonderful human being who sits firmly at the top of his field

“I cannot speak highly enough of Dr Tony O’Neill. The expertise, attention to detail and absolute care he provided to me leading up to and post my recent shoulder surgery, as well as with family members and friends previously is of the highest quality. He is a wonderful human being who sits firmly at the top of his field.” 

– John Carey, Google Review 

 The care both before and after the surgeries has been amazing

“Dr.O’Neill and all his staff have been the most friendly and professional people I have had the pleasure of dealing with through my two medical compartment replacement surgeries. The care both before and after the surgeries has been amazing. If you need someone in this field, I could not recommend this team highly enough.” 

– Ian Malpass, Google Review