Dr Alexey Borshch is a Brisbane fracture surgeon and specialist orthopaedic surgeon. He consults at Queensland Surgery Centre in Hamilton and operates at Brisbane Private Hospital, treating fractures around the hip, knee, ankle and foot. He holds FAOrthA, MBBS and BSc (Hons), is a Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, and completed the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Fellowship Examination in Orthopaedic Surgery. Orthopaedic trauma (fracture care) has been part of his training and hospital work throughout his career.
Not every fracture needs an operation. Treatment depends on where the break is, whether the bone fragments have moved, the condition of the skin and soft tissues, your bone quality, your general health and your usual activities. Each consultation includes a discussion of both non-surgical and surgical options.
Many fractures happen at work. Dr Borshch sees injured workers under WorkCover Queensland and other workers' compensation insurers; see the WorkCover patients page for how referrals, claims and surgery approval work.
When should you see a fracture surgeon?
Many fractures are first seen in an emergency department or by a GP, and some heal well in a cast, boot or brace. A specialist opinion is worth considering when:
- the fracture has moved out of position, involves a joint surface or is unstable
- you have been told surgery may be needed and would like to discuss your options
- a fracture is healing slowly, or pain, stiffness or swelling persist after the bone has healed
- you have had a fracture near a joint replacement, a previous fracture fixation or other surgery.
A referral from your GP, an emergency department or another specialist is needed for a specialist consultation and for Medicare rebates.
Urgent problems need the nearest emergency department, not a clinic appointment. This includes a wound over or near the fracture, a limb that looks deformed, numbness or pins and needles, a cold or pale hand or foot, rapidly increasing swelling, or severe pain that is not controlled with pain relief. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Fractures treated
Hip fractures (neck of femur)
A hip fracture usually follows a fall, most often in older people, and is almost always treated with surgery so that you can get up and walk again as soon as it is safe. Depending on the fracture, the bone may be fixed with screws, a plate or a nail, or part or all of the hip joint may be replaced. Recovery is supported by early mobilisation, rehabilitation and attention to bone health to reduce the risk of further fractures.
Read about neck of femur fracture surgery and hip surgery in Brisbane.
Knee fractures
Fractures around the knee include tibial plateau fractures (the top of the shin bone), distal femur fractures (the lower end of the thigh bone) and patella (kneecap) fractures. Because they often involve the joint surface, restoring the shape and alignment of the joint is important. Some can be managed in a brace with limited weight-bearing; displaced fractures may need surgery with plates, screws, a nail or wires.
Read about knee surgery in Brisbane.
Ankle and foot fractures
Ankle fractures can involve one or more parts of the ankle and the syndesmosis (the ligaments joining the two leg bones above the ankle). Stable fractures may be treated in a cast or boot; unstable or displaced fractures usually need surgery to restore the joint. In the foot, displaced midfoot (Lisfranc) injuries, some heel bone (calcaneus) fractures and some metatarsal fractures may also need surgery.
Read about ankle fracture surgery and foot and ankle surgery in Brisbane.
Fractures around joint replacements
A fall can cause a fracture near a hip or knee replacement (a periprosthetic fracture). Treatment depends on whether the implant is still firmly fixed to the bone, and may involve fixing the fracture, revising (replacing) the implant, or both.
Read about revision hip replacement and revision knee replacement.
Recovery and risks
Recovery depends on the fracture and its treatment. Most people need a period of protected or limited weight-bearing, physiotherapy and follow-up X-rays to check healing. Bones usually take six weeks or more to heal, and a return to full activity often takes longer.
Fracture surgery carries risks, including infection, wound problems, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, delayed healing or non-union (the bone not healing), stiffness, ongoing pain, later arthritis and the need for further surgery. Dr Borshch will explain the risks that apply to your fracture and how they are reduced.
What happens at your fracture appointment?
Dr Borshch consults at Queensland Surgery Centre, 9/33 Racecourse Road, Hamilton, and performs private orthopaedic surgery at Brisbane Private Hospital.
Your consultation includes a discussion of how the injury happened, your symptoms, treatment so far, your medical history and the activities that matter to you, followed by an examination and a review of your X-rays or CT scans.
Bring your referral, X-rays or CT scans and their reports (or details of where they were done), hospital discharge papers if you were seen in an emergency department, any cast, boot or brace instructions, and a list of your medications, especially blood thinners. You can read more about your first appointment and consultation and surgical fees.
Request an appointment or call the clinic on (07) 3123 7148.
Health practitioners can send a patient referral.
This page provides general information. Your diagnosis and treatment plan require an individual assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Do all fractures need surgery?
No. Many fractures heal well in a cast, boot or brace. Surgery is considered when a fracture is displaced, unstable or involves a joint surface, or when it is unlikely to heal in a good position without it.
Do I need a referral to see a fracture surgeon?
Yes, for a clinic appointment. A current referral from your GP, an emergency department or another specialist is needed for a specialist consultation and for Medicare rebates, and health practitioners can send a referral directly. Emergencies should go to the nearest emergency department.
Will plates and screws need to be removed?
Usually not. Plates, screws and nails are generally left in place unless they cause irritation or other problems, in which case removal can be discussed once the bone has healed.
How are consultation and surgery fees handled?
Consultation fees are advised when you book. If surgery is recommended, you will receive a written estimate of Dr Borshch's fees before you decide, so that you can check your rebates with Medicare and your health fund. Hospital, anaesthetist and other charges are billed separately. See the fees page for how this works.