Bracing & Supports Webinar


During the year, Össur Academy organises live online webinars on various subjects. Explore our collection of over 40 webinars below, which also includes details for upcoming sessions. We will continually update with new session details as they become available.

Following each session, the presentation and recording of the webinar will be available to view in your own time.

Clinical case studies using FIOR & GENTZ NEURO SWING AFO componentry

This webinar will provide a brief introduction to the NEURO SWING componentry from FIOR & GENTZ, along with a collection of rapid-fire case studies from leading clinics across Australia that have successfully implemented this technology, including clinical tips and tricks as well as patient outcomes.

The webinar recording will be uploaded soon!

Orthotic Management of Acute Spinal Fractures

This webinar will cover a comprehensive range of topics, including fracture levels and types, the naming of spinal orthoses, and specific regions such as cervical, cervical-thoracic, thoracolumbosacral, lumbosacral, and sacroiliac. It will also explore custom spinal orthoses and referral pathways within Western Australia. Additionally, the webinar will delve into the development of a virtual model of care for acute spinal fractures, particularly focusing on remote and rural areas of WA.


About Stephanie Barnard:
Stephanie is the Manager of the Orthotics and Prosthetics Department at East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS), Western Australia’s only adult public O&P department. With over 20 years of experience, she has excelled in clinical orthotic management, clinical education, and healthcare leadership. Stephanie is currently leading the development of a virtual model of care for rural and remote patients with acute spinal fractures, aiming to improve access to orthotic services across Western Australia.

Diagnosis and Management of Acute Snow Sports Injuries: What You Need to Know

This webinar will focus on the diagnosis and management of snow sports injuries. 

About Bevan Colless: Bevan is an Australian-trained physiotherapist with over 20 years of experience operating Asia Physio, a chain of clinics across Japan and Singapore. Bevan operates acute-care clinics in the ski fields of Niseko, Hakuba, Nozawa, Myoko, Madarao and Rusutsu. He has spent 18 winters managing acute snow sports injuries. As part of this, he has developed a special interest in acute knee injuries, and non-surgical management of traumatic soft tissue injuries.

Shoulder Instability Update

This webinar will cover risk assessment for recurrent shoulder instability, indications for surgery, surgery and rehabilitation literature update to optimise recurrence risk. 

About Dr Ritwik Kejriwal: Ritwik is a Shoulder & Knee specialist practicing at Sports Orthopaedic Surgery Centre in New Plymouth, New Zealand. He has a special research interest in shoulder instability surgery rehabilitation and is a trainer for upcoming Orthopaedic Surgeons for advanced shoulder stabilisation surgery technique courses.

Stress Fractures: A Condition ‘Hiding in Plain Sight’

This webinar will cover common and challenging stress fractures in clinical practice settings. Dr Scott Burne, will outline common types, clinical features, and methods of diagnosis. Certain sites can heal poorly and progress to very troubling outcomes if not recognised and managed well. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required with knowledge of typical presentation features. This webinar will also discuss the reasons stress fractures occur and highlight barriers to healing. 

Additional Topics Discussed:  
- The “how”, “why” and “who” of stress fractures and insufficiency fractures. 
- Bone density and other aetiological factors in stress fracture development. 
- Clinical features, including special examinations for certain stress fractures.

About Dr Scott Burne: Dr Scott Burne is a highly passionate Sport and Exercise Physician with a deep love for sport. His enthusiasm for a wide range of sports, coupled with his hands-on experience, underpins his successful career in sports medicine.

The Painful Foot - Nonoperative and Operative Management

As a healthcare professional, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of common painful foot conditions. In this webinar, Naveen will provide valuable insights into the causes, clinical presentation, and management of these conditions (with some tips and tricks as well). This webinar will equip attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively diagnose and treat painful foot conditions in their practice focusing on nonoperative management, and working collaboration towards surgery if indicated. Join us for an informative webinar that will enhance your clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

About Mr Naveen Nara: Naveen is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in the lower limb (hip, knee, foot and ankle) and trauma (upper and lower limb). Naveen completed his medical degree at the University of Melbourne (Royal Melbourne Hospital Clinical School) and underwent orthopaedic training in both Sydney and Melbourne hospitals.

ACL Injuries in the Primary School Aged Child

The increase in ACL injuries in the general population and more specifically in adolescents is receiving both media and clinical attention. However, people may be surprised that children of primary school age also present with ACL injuries.

  • Decision-making for nonsurgical vs surgical management 
  • Surgical techniques for adult's vs adolescents 
  • Post-operative management 
  • Other unique considerations to paediatrics 
  • Research findings from a local longitudinal prospective paediatric ACL Registry

About Kylie Bradford: Kylie graduated from the University of Queensland in 1994, and after working in generalist physiotherapy positions in both Australian and overseas, gravitated to acute orthopaedic care. She held a physiotherapy leadership position in orthopaedics at the previous Royal Children’s Hospital, and then at the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH).

About Deb Cotter: Deb is a physiotherapist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience working in both the tertiary public hospital system and the private sector. Prior to commencing her physiotherapy career, she worked as a radiographer and has combined her medical imaging and physiotherapy experience to develop a passion for evidence-based interventions for infants, children, and teenagers.

Reflections on Rotation and the Patello-Femoral Joint

In this webinar, Dr Brian Loh will discuss the topic of Idiopathic rotational deformities in the lower limb. Despite extensive study, there is still confusion regarding the aetiology and at what degree of deformity a normal variant crosses into malalignment. Pathologic rotational abnormality can cause difficulty with walking, patellofemoral pain and instability.

About Brian Loh: Brian Loh is a Melbourne-based orthopaedic surgeon with comprehensive expertise in paediatric and adolescent orthopaedic condition management.

Posterior Knee Injuries – Current Concepts

In this webinar, Ritwik Kejriwal covers management of the following entities:

• PCL and Multiligament Knee Injuries

• Posteromedial Corner Injuries

• Posterolateral Corner Injuries

• Posterior Meniscal Ramp Lesions and Root Tears

About Ritwik Kejriwal: Ritwik Kejriwal is a highly experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialising in knee and shoulder procedures. He performs over 600 surgeries annually at Southern Cross New Plymouth and Taranaki Base Hospital. As the only Fellowship Trained PCL / Multi-Ligament Knee Specialist in Taranaki, he provides personalised solutions for ACL injuries, offering various reconstruction options such as double bundle hamstring, single bundle hamstring, patellar tendon, quads tendon, anterolateral augmentation, and ACL repair. He introduced the Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair technique to Taranaki and has published knee and shoulder research in Tier One Journals. Ritwik Kejriwal has a special interest in managing professional athletes, both locally in Taranaki and during his fellowships in Auckland and Perth.

Can I Run with Osteoarthritis? Maximising Non-Surgical interventions for Hip and Knee OA

In this webinar, Dr. Adam Castricum will discuss the benefits of exercise, including running, not just for osteoarthritis, but for the management and prevention of many chronic diseases. He will also discuss additional non-surgical interventions that will help delay the progression of OA and allow patients to get back to the activities they love, without the need for surgery.

About Dr. Adam Castricum: Dr. Adam Castricum is a specialist Sport and Exercise Physician working mainly out of Axis Sports Medicine in Queenstown, New Zealand, with occasional clinics in his hometown at Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre in Melbourne, where he spent 20 years training and establishing his specialist practise. He was Chief Medical Officer for the Australian Athletics team including the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics as well as team doctor for Hawthorn in the AFL from 2013-2017. He is past President of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSP) and current Chair of the Osteoarthritis Aotearoa New Zealand 2023 Summit Committee being held in Dunedin in November 2023 to help shape a new Model of Osteoarthritis Care for New Zealand.

New Horizons in ACL Injury Management - The Cross Bracing Protocol for ACL Healing

In this webinar, world-renowned knee expert, Jane Rooney, presents a new and exciting paradigm in the world of ACL management and how orthotic management can be involved in this new conservative management protocol. Bracing options which align with this protocol from Össur will then be discussed.

About Jane Rooney: Dr Jane Rooney is a Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist  (with a sub-speciality in the knee) and a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists, awarded in 2009.

Jane works as a Full-time clinician and Clinical Director at Prahran Sports Medicine centre and has a particular interest in ACL injury management but does see a range of complex knee presentations including knee ligament injuries, patellofemoral pain and instability, knee osteoarthritis and adolescent knee presentations.  She works collaboratively with many Leading knee surgeons, Sports Physicians, physiotherapists, orthotists and bracing companies and performance teams across athletes of all abilities from the school athlete - weekend warrior to professional athletes.

Jane was awarded a prestigious Churchill fellowship in 2016 and travelled the world for 3 months investigating contemporary management programs for ACL injury.

State of the Art Management of Painful Knee Arthritis in 2023

In this webinar, Janus explores state of the art management of painful knee arthritis in 2023. Janus discusses a literature based approach to the modern treatment of painful knee arthritis, starting with the non operative options, and then leading onto surgical treatment options.

About Janus Schaumkel: Janus Schaumkel is a New Zealand trained orthopaedic surgeon. He specialises in hip and knee joint replacements, and sports knee arthroscopy and reconstructive surgery, in particular ACL reconstruction. He has 15 years of experience in full time private practice, based in central Auckland. Janus was born and raised in Auckland. He graduated from Auckland Medical School in 1997 and gained his specialist qualification FRACS (Ortho) in 2005.

Current Concepts in Knee Ligament Reconstruction

Presented by Dr David Sime, this webinar examines the current treatment of knee ligament injuries and reconstruction techniques. In this session, David covers topics related to ACL reconstruction, MCL reconstruction and multi-ligamentous knee reconstruction. Topics covered include:

  1. Normal Knee Structure
  2. Graft Choice
  3. Surgical Techniques
  4. The Role of Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis
  5. Rehabilitation

About Dr David Sime: Dr David Sime is an internationally trained consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon practising in the Central and South Eastern regions of Melbourne. Dr Sime is committed to providing the highest quality care, and working closely with you to restore your well-being and quality of life. He has a special interest in hip, knee and trauma surgery.

Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

In this webinar, Mr Mark Blackney will discuss minimally invasive foot surgery for bunion and lesser toe deformities.
Topics covered include:
1) Development of technology
2) Conditions treated
3) Advantages 
4) Pitfalls

About Dr Mark Blackney:

Dr Mark Blackney completed his medical degree at the University of Melbourne in 1988, receiving awards in anatomy and surgery. Mark exclusively treats disorders of the foot and ankle. Sports medicine is one of the specialties of Mark’s practice in Melbourne. The treatment of bunion problems forms a significant part of his practice. Mark’s specialty is minimally invasive surgical techniques which have revolutionised the management of foot problems.

Optimising Functional Gait and Neuroplasticity Post Stroke

In this webinar, two clinical leaders in their respective fields will discuss their experience in managing stroke patients and finding the balance between encouraging optimal neuroplastic and physical recovery while allowing the patient to mobilise safely and effectively.

About Kate Perlstein
Kate is the director and senior orthotist of Orthotics Plus, a Melbourne based orthotics clinic and has 18 years of experience in the field. Kate has a Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics and takes a special interest in treating neuromuscular patients using an individualised and multidisciplinary approach.

About Penny Feder

Penny has a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, a Master’s in Health majoring in stroke, and over a decade of clinical experience in neurological rehabilitation. Penny is the clinical lead physiotherapist for adult services at Klint Intensive Neuro Therapies and believes in a holistic approach to achieving her client's goals.

Current State of Play: Treatment of Painful Knee Arthritis

Presented by Jarrad Stevens, this webinar examines the current state of play for treatment of painful knee arthritis. Jarrad provides an insight into the operative and non-operative modalities available including robotic partial knee joint replacement.

Topics covered include:

  1. Non-operative management of knee arthritis
  2. Indications and timing for surgery for arthritis
  3. Robotic knee replacements
  4. Looking after patients after knee replacements - what to look out for

About Dr Jarrad Stevens

Dr Jarrad Stevens is a Melbourne-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon who specialises in conditions affecting bone and joints. His sub-specialty interests include trauma, hip and knee joint replacement and soft tissue conditions around the knee. Jarrad graduated Medical School from the University of Adelaide in 2006 going on to complete the Victorian Orthopaedic training program in 2016. He accepted a consultant position at Peninsula Health before moving to the United Kingdom for two years of subspecialty training. In 2017, Jarrad completed his first fellowship in complex and revision hip and knee joint replacement surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland. During this time, Jarrad gained valuable experience in robotic joint replacements and was awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in computer assisted Orthopaedic surgery.

Gluteal Tendinopathy: Diagnosis and Treatment

In this webinar, Mr James Stoney will provide an in-depth educational experience on Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.

Topics include:

1) Clinical Presentation

2) Anatomy / Pathology

3) Non-surgical management

4) Surgical management

About Mr James Stoney

Mr James Stoney is an Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in surgery of the hip and knee with nearly 20 years of experience in consultant practice. He has been an Assistant Deputy Director of the AOA National Joint Replacement Registry for the last 10 years. He maintains an interest in research and has 25 publications in national and international peer-reviewed journals.

ACL Injury Management: Operative and Non-Operative Treatment, Meniscal and Concurrent Injury and Return to Sport Guidelines

In this webinar, Dr Ross Radic will provide an overview on ACL Injury Management.

The presentation aims to:
- Describe the role of operative and non-operative treatment of ACL Injury
- Explain the impact of meniscal and concurrent injury
- Discuss the return to sports guidelines

About Dr Ross Radic
Dr Ross Radic is an Australian and internationally trained orthopaedic surgeon with extended expertise in all aspects of knee surgery, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, robotic knee replacement, multi-ligament knee reconstruction and limb realignment. Dr Radic is also fellowship trained in shoulder surgery, with a focus on arthroscopic shoulder procedures, sports surgery, and hip and shoulder replacement.

Advancements in Total Knee Replacement Rehabilitation: An Evidence-Based Approach

In this webinar, Dr Larissa Sattler will provide an overview of how to incorporate evidence-based practice into clinical environments. She will also present her own trial research on improving rehabilitation outcomes for total knee replacement patients.

About Dr Larissa Sattler

Dr Larissa Sattler (B.S.P.E, M.Phty, PhD) is an Orthopaedic Physiotherapist and Assistant Professor of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at Bond University. Dr Sattler graduated with a Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Queensland in 2006 and holds a PhD on the topic of total knee replacement rehabilitation, which has led to publications in highly ranked journals such as the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and the Journal of Arthroplasty. Dr Sattler has presented her research at both the Australian Orthopaedic Association and the Australian Physiotherapy Association Scientific Conferences; she is also a member of the Queensland Chapter of the Australian Physiotherapy Association Orthopaedic Group and the Queensland Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Network.

Lighten the load: Can an unloader brace improve hip symptoms in people with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)?

About Dr Jillian Eyles

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and symptomatic labral tears are common in the young, active population, however, there is very little evidence for effective treatments for these conditions. To address the pressing need to identify new effective treatments, we examined whether a brace can improve hip symptoms and is well-tolerated in people with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome or symptomatic labral tears. This parallel, two-arm, exploratory randomized trial recruited participants from the hospital and private clinics of orthopaedic surgeons and compared usual conservative care to usual conservative care plus a hip brace.

Contemporary Management of Hip Instability and Arthritis

 In the webinar, Dr Slattery will provide an in-depth educational experience on hip instability, degeneration and current management techniques.

Topics include:

1) Hip Biomechanics and Function

2) New Concepts and Mechanisms of Hip Arthritis

3) Hip Stabilisation: Techniques and Bracing

4) Hip Arthritis Treatment

About Dr David Slattery

Dr Slattery is an internationally fellowship trained and recognised specialist in complex pelvic, hip and knee surgery.  He specialises in anterior minimally invasive hip replacement, periacetabular osteotomy, and hip arthroscopy, as well as the latest in hip and knee replacement surgical techniques. Dr Slattery was born and has grown up in Melbourne. He initially went to Melbourne University to study Law with a focus upon health and medical law prior to embarking on his medical career.

Investigation and Management of Knee Pain – Case Studies

In this webinar, Dr Daniel Rahme will discuss the following learning objectives:
1.    Implement appropriate assessment, investigation and referral for knee pain.
2.    Recognise the optimum management of knee pain.
3.    Identify the most appropriate imaging modality.

About Dr Daniel Rahme​

Dr. Daniel Rahme MB.BS. BSc (Med) FRACS (Orth) FAOA is an Orthopaedic Surgeon with a subspecialty interest in hip and knee surgery. Dr Rahme graduated from the University of New South Wales in 1996 and then completed Orthopaedic training on the Sydney Training Program, gaining admission to the Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2007. Dr Rahme did a further 12 months of subspecialty training in hip and knee surgery at the Sydney Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Centre as well as centres in France, Switzerland and Germany. 

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Bunion and Lesser Toe Deformities

In his webinar, Mr Terence Chin discusses minimally Invasive surgery for bunion and lesser toes deformities. Topics covered include:

  1. Pathology of bunion and lesser toe deformities.
  2. Explanation of the evolution of surgical treatment for these conditions.
  3. Discussion around the role and techniques of minimally invasive techniques in surgical treatment.

About Terence Chin

Terence is an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon who practices in Melbourne, Victoria. Terence studied medicine at the University of Adelaide, graduating in 1998. He undertook orthopaedic training in Melbourne, Victoria, achieving his fellowship in orthopaedic surgery from the Royal Australian College of Surgeons in 2008. He received further subspeciality training in foot and ankle surgery in Melbourne under Mr Mark Blackney and Mr Harvinder Bedi. Terence also completed a 12 month foot and ankle orthopaedic fellowship in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada in 2010, under Professor Mark Glazebrook at the University of Dalhousie. Terence manages all aspects of foot and ankle conditions, but has particular interest in forefoot deformities, sports injuries, arthritis, and the use of minimally invasive techniques in foot and ankle surgery.

Complex Knee Ligament Injuries

Join Orthopaedic Surgeon, Chris Kondogiannis as he explores acute and sub-acute management of complex knee ligament injuries. Chris will dive into sports-related knee injuries including multi-ligament reconstructions in the context of sports and high-energy trauma.

About Chris Kondogiannis

Chris is an Orthopaedic Surgeon approaching 20 years of experience in sports-related knee injuries/surgery and arthroscopic knee procedures including cruciate ligament and complex knee multi-ligament reconstruction, patellofemoral issues and knee joint replacement. Chris completed his Orthopaedic Specialty Training in Victoria in 2001 with advanced training in the United Kingdom from 2002 – 2004. Chris has been in private practice in Melbourne since 2004, is a die-hard Collingwood fan and a keen golfer.

The Unhappy Knee Replacement

Over 50,000 knee replacements are performed in Australia every year. Although most patients usually recover well, some experience unsatisfactory results. Join Mr Hayden Morris, Orthopaedic Surgeon, as he explores the unhappy total knee replacement. Hayden will discuss cases where the outcomes are undesirable with a focus on diagnosis and rehabilitation. 

About Hayden Morris

Hayden Morris trained in medicine at the University of Melbourne and graduated in 1983. During basic surgical training, Hayden spent one year at the University of Melbourne as an anatomy and physiology tutor. Hayden underwent orthopaedic training in Victoria and was admitted to the Royal Australian College of Surgeons in 1992. He then undertook overseas study in Europe, Britain and the USA, specialising in musculo-skeletal oncology and knee surgery.

Current Management of Meniscal Tears

Presented by Tim Lording, this webinar examines the current state of play for meniscal tears. Tim provides an insight into the current protocols in place and the critical thinking required when evaluating meniscal injuries. Topics covered include:

  1. Meniscal structure and function
  2. Types of meniscal tears
  3. When to repair, when to resect and when to leave alone
  4. Rehabilitation after meniscal surgery

About ​​​​​​Tim Lording ​​​

Tim Lording is a locally and internationally trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in surgery of the knee. Born and educated in Melbourne, Tim completed his undergraduate medical degree at Monash University in 2002. He subsequently undertook advanced orthopaedic training in Victoria and Tasmania, and obtained a fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2011.

Foot Wound Offloading in Central Australia

Presented by Andrew Jolly (cPO) and Gabrielle McNamara (Podiatrist), this webinar discusses the health services operating in Central Australia that cover an area of nearly one million square kilometres, including services for users living in remote settings across the lower half of the NT, APY Lands (SA) and across the border into WA. Hear about the challenges and enablers to effective foot wound offloading in this setting and the novel initiatives underway to increase access to foot wound offloading that is culturally and environmentally appropriate for the region.

About Andrew Jolly

Andrew is a prosthetist/orthotist, currently working to support the administration of the Congress Allied Health Service. Andrew has been involved with the development of high risk foot services in rural, remote and low resource contexts, including Kiribati, Samoa and Alice Springs.

About Gabrielle McNamara

Gabrielle is a Podiatrist, currently working in a Project Podiatry role with Congress Allied Health Service as part of the Diabetes Related Foot Complications Program. Gabrielle has experience working in Community Health, Hospital, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care settings. Gabrielle is passionate about working with diverse communities and advocating for equitable health access.

Tackling Osteoarthritis - An MDT Approach

In this webinar, Matthew will explore in-depth how to tackle OA effectively using an MDT approach. You will learn about the rationale behind an MDT program, including a clinical case study highlighting the utility of the Össur Unloader braces. This webinar will also cover a comprehensive definition of OA and review the current guidelines for OA management. Importantly, Matthew will discuss the key elements of MDT care and how best to implement an MDT program.

About Matthew Williams
Matthew is an Allied Health Manager at a mobile workforce in the NDIS and Aged Care Sectors. He recently worked as a Physiotherapist and Musculoskeletal Coordinator at the Royal North Shore Hospital Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program, a position he held for 8 years and assisted in the expansion of the program in the public and private sectors. Matthew continues to actively contribute to research on the benefits of conservative management for OA sufferers and has consulted in a number of working groups implementing conservative multidisciplinary programs. Most recently he presented the Australasian region for the World Health Organisation in developing a package of rehabilitation interventions utilised globally.

Short and Day Stay Arthroplasty at a Regional Australian Hospital with Routine Resources

This webinar covers the journey toward the pilot program of day surgery joint replacement at Grafton Base Hospital and the program results. Dr Martin discusses early results, lessons learned along the way and barriers to day surgery total joint replacement. Technical aspects of the program is presented and importantly, the motivation for the development of this or similar programs is explored.

About Dr Sam Martin
Dr Sam Martin is a fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon with a hip and knee arthroplasty practice based in the Mid North Coast and Clarence Valley region of New South Wales. Dr Martin graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2000 and undertook surgical training in Queensland. Completing his training in 2009, Dr Martin was then awarded a Fellowship of The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Orthopaedics. Dr Martin lived in Belgium for 12 months to participate in a hip and knee fellowship at the University Hospital of Leuven, Pellenberg campus.

‘A brace, one of those things will do’ - Demystifying Orthotic Management of the Spine

Join Timothy Burke, cPO, as he explores the clinical considerations of spinal orthosis and the role Orthotists and Prosthetists can have in guiding spinal fracture management.  

About Mr Timothy Burke: Mr Timothy Burke has more than 10 years of clinical experience working in the Victorian public health care system across the spectrum of care (acute, subacute and chronic management) and has developed an interest and expertise in trauma and the orthotic management of spinal fractures.

The Changing Face of ACL Injury Management in Australia

Internationally renowned Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Nigel Hartnett, presents on the changing face of ACL injury management in Australia and how current management does not always equate to best practice. Nigel covers the factors and his decision algorithm for determining when non-surgical or surgical ACL management is required, and how allied health professionals can assist patients to rehabilitate following an ACL injury with or without surgery. Nigel also discuss ACL prevention strategies and how the Rebound ACL brace from Össur can assist patients during their rehabilitation.

About Dr Nigel Hartnett: Dr Nigel Hartnett is a New Zealand-born Orthopaedic Surgeon, based in Melbourne, who specialises in managing and treating knee conditions and injuries of patients of all ages. He completed his degree in Medicine at the University of Otago in 2000 and obtained his Fellowship in Orthopaedic Surgery from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2010, becoming a Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association in 2014. Nigel is an active international member of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery, and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, The European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy, The Asia-Pacific Knee, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Society, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Nigel completed his sub-specialty training in Knee Surgery under the mentorship of the world-renowned surgeons Mr. John Bartlett, Professor Julian Feller, Mr. Hayden Morris, and Mr. Tim Whitehead.

The Ticking Timebomb of Paediatric Knee Injuries in Sport

Dr Sheanna Maine follows on from Dr Alex Nicholl's presentation on Paediatric ACL injuries with an overview of the development of Australia’s first Paediatric ACL registry at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. ​​​​​​The registry has been set up to firstly identify children who have ACL injuries and look at their outcomes following ACL reconstruction. We take a look at the demographic data gathered to date including age, gender and sporting activity for the first 150 patients recruited. A key aim will be to raise awareness of the importance of injury prevention programs in this small but critically important age group.

About Dr Sheanna Maine: Dr Maine is an Adult Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgeon with a specialist interest in Paediatric Orthopaedics and Limb Reconstruction. She has completed fellowships in paediatric orthopaedics and patellofemoral surgery. Dr Maine is secretary of the Australian Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society and is also a faculty member of the Australian Paediatric Orthopaedic Society having been an organising committee member and instructional course lecturer for the past 4 years. She currently practices in Brisbane focussing on paediatric surgery, patellofemoral conditions, lower limb deformity correction surgery and limb lengthening/reconstruction in children and adults.

From Rupture to Running - Holistic Management of Achilles Tendon Injuries

Presented by Dr Amy Touzell, an Australian trained Orthopaedic Surgeon, this webinar covers surgical and conservative management of Achilles Tendon injuries. Dr Amy Touzell's presentation covers surgical techniques, when she chooses to operate and her conservative management protocols. Josh Ferguson, Physiotherapist, discusses the rehabilitation process for patients after a rupture or Achilles injury, to help them return to activity and best function.

About Dr Amy Touzell BMedSci, BMed, MPH, GradDipSurgAnat, FRACS(orth).
Dr Amy Touzell is a highly respected, Australian trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with a subspecialty interest in foot and ankle arthroscopy. After completing medical school through the University of Newcastle in 2005, she moved back home to Melbourne for surgical training. Dr Touzell completed the very first year of her surgical training at Frankston Public Hospital. Following her Australian training, Dr Touzell moved to the United Kingdom for two years to learn the latest minimally invasive techniques in lower limb deformity correction and complex trauma management.

About Josh Ferguson
B.Physio, M.Sports Physio.
A titled APA Sports Physio, Josh has worked in private practice since graduating in 2005. Josh enjoys working with sports people across the full spectrum of participation: from elite athletes to social participants for both injury prevention and improved conditioning. Josh was appointed as the Physiotherapist for the Canadian Hockey Team at the Rio Olympics. Josh also consults at The Victorian Institute of Sport across all sports, including hockey, swimming, athletics, cycling and netball, and is a keen athlete himself.

The Growing Burden of Arthritis: The Promise and Reality of Regenerative Medicine

Join Dr Julien Freitag, Associate Professor and Musculoskeletal Specialist, as he discusses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) ability to differentiate into bone and cartilage that has seen considerable research interest in their potential to assist in musculoskeletal repair and regeneration. Both pre-clinical and early phase clinical trials have shown reproducible benefit of stem cell therapy in managing OA with observed pain, functional and structural improvements.

About Dr. Julien Freitag: Dr Julien Freitag is an Associate Professor, experienced Musculoskeletal Specialist and a Fellow of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians. Dr Julien Freitag also holds an adjunct research Fellow position at Charles Stuart University and his practice is focused on the active management of musculoskeletal conditions, including osteoarthritis and tendinopathy.

The Influence of Footwear, Exercise and Knee Bracing on the Biomechanics of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

In this webinar, Scott Starkey discusses his current research investigating the knee load response from the Össur Unloader One brace, footwear type, and exercise on participants with knee osteoarthritis. In particular, Scott discusses the collection of patient-specific anatomical data and muscle data and how these can be used to best model knee joint function.

About Scott Starkey: Scott is a Physiotherapist and PhD candidate at the Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine at the University of Melbourne. His research investigates the effect of physiotherapy-based interventions for people at risk of, and with established knee osteoarthritis via patient-specific neuromusculoskeletal modelling. Scott also works clinically at Symmetry Physiotherapy in Altona North where he has a special interest in knee rehabilitation.

Patellofemoral Instability in Paediatric Patients

Presented by Dr Sheanna Maine, this webinar covers the diagnosis and management of patellofemoral instability in paediatric patients. Topics covered include:

  1. Prevalence and incidence of patellofemoral instability
  2. Causes and risk factors for patellofemoral instability in this population
  3. How paediatric management differs from the management of adults

About Dr Sheanna Maine: Dr Maine is an Adult Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgeon with a specialist interest in Paediatric Orthopaedics and Limb Reconstruction. She has completed fellowships in paediatric orthopaedics and patellofemoral surgery. Sheanna is secretary of the Australian Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society and is also a faculty member of the Australian Paediatric Orthopaedic Society having been an organising committee member and instructional course lecturer for the past 4 years. She currently practices in Brisbane focussing on paediatric surgery, patellofemoral conditions, lower limb deformity correction surgery and limb lengthening/reconstruction in children and adults.

An Orthopaedic Surgeon's Insight into Sports Knee Injuries

Presented by Dr Ross Radic, this webinar explores the causes and movements attributing to sport-related knee injuries. We also discuss the management, referral and protocols regarding post-surgery steps with third parties, including recovery and ongoing support, strengthening and movement of the sport-related knee injuries.

About Dr Ross Radic: Dr Ross Radic is an Australian and internationally trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with extended expertise in all aspects of knee surgery, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, robotic knee replacement, multi-ligament knee reconstruction and limb realignment.

Management of ACL Injuries in Paediatric Patients

This webinar discusses Dr Nicholls’ surgical and conservative management protocols for ACL injuries in the paediatric population and factors that influence the treatment pathway.

Topics covered include:

  1. Prevalence and incidence of paediatric ACL injuries
  2. Risk factors for paediatric ACL injuries
  3. How management in paediatric patients differs from standard management
  4. Protocols for surgical and conservative management

About Dr Alex Nicholls: Dr Alex Nicholls is an orthopaedic surgeon, specialising in all paediatric and adult knee conditions. Dr Nicholls works closely with sports injuries, arthroscopic ligament reconstructions and managing arthritis in young and active patients.

Bracing Protocols in Management of Osteoarthritis and Other Degenerative Meniscus Conditions

Presented by Dr Timothy McMeniman, this webinar discusses principles for treating knee OA and other degenerative meniscus conditions, and how he incorporates bracing protocols into his management. Topics covered include:

1.     Overview of OA management and meniscus tears/degeneration
2.     Integration of bracing in OA management
3.     Integration of bracing in the management of meniscus injuries

About Dr Timothy Mcmeniman: Dr Timothy McMeniman is an Orthopaedic Surgeon trained in Queensland who specialises in treating sports injuries of the lower limb, knee arthroscopy, and joint replacement of the knee and hip.

An Orthopaedic Insight Into Some of the Most Common Foot and Ankle Conditions Seen by a Surgeon

In this webinar, Mr Otis Wang discusses some of the most common foot and ankle concerns that present to his orthopaedic clinic, along with the treatment pathways. Topics covered include:

1.      Bunion and Lesser Toes with Metatarsalgia
2.      Hallux Rigidus - Big Toe Arthritis and Cartiva
3.      Flat Foot Deformity - Tibalis Posterior and Spring Ligament Dysfunction
4.      Ankle Lateral Instability and Cavovarus Foot
5.      Syndesmosis Instability the High Ankle Sprain

About Mr Otis Wang: Mr Wang obtained his medical degree from the University of Melbourne in 1998 and completed his orthopaedic surgical training in Victoria gaining his Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons in Orthopaedic Surgery in 2006. He then completed international fellowships in Cambridge and Bristol in the UK specialising in foot, ankle and knee surgery. His interest and specialisation cover all aspects of foot and ankle surgery including conditions ranging from sporting injuries, both elite and the weekend warrior, to degenerative and reconstructive conditions.

Advanced Bracing Principles For Revision ACL and Complex Multi-Ligament Knee

Recent evolving ACL surgical treatment technologies and conservative treatment protocols require advanced rehabilitation technologies. The importance of dynamic, anatomically appropriate loading is critical. Presented by Bret Carter, Director of Medical Marketing at Össur Americas – Bracing & Supports, this webinar discusses the need for conservative ACL treatments particularly focused on ACL revisions, the biomechanical data, as well as the clinical application and utilisation of such bracing.

About Bret Carter
Bret Carter, Director of Medical Marketing at Össur Americas – Bracing & Supports, has been involved with Sports Medicine for over 30 years. Global experience in patient care and outcomes, biomechanical and clinical research, product research and development, along with clinical and corporate education – Bret has a passion for new and innovative technologies that will advance both patient care and medical professionals alike.

Spinal Fractures, Conservative Management and Overcoming Tyranny of Distance for Managing Rural Patients

Presented by Dr Ryan Gallagher, Physiotherapist, this presentation explores some of the issues and challenges faced in managing patients who have suffered a spinal fracture living in rural and remote regions, including challenges faced in receiving timely and appropriate care. The presentation draws on experiences, knowledge and processes that Dr Gallagher has employed to improve the clinical outcomes for patients with spinal fractures requiring conservative management with a spinal orthosis, and the role that technology, such as telehealth, can play in managing rural and regional patients.

About Dr Ryan Gallagher:
Dr Gallagher is a Physiotherapist with 10 years’ experience working in Neurosurgery, with numerous journal publications in Physiotherapy, Neurosurgery and spinal fracture management. Dr Gallagher is an affiliated researcher with the Hunter Medical Research Institute and currently works as an advanced practice Physiotherapist in the Neurosurgical Clinic at the John Hunter Hospital in NSW. His research interests include research which improves models of care and the quality of care for patients needing Neurosurgical input.

Medical Imaging and Conservative Management of Common Fractures

Presented by Xavier Yu, Radiologist, and Robert Vragovski, Orthopaedic Technologist, this webinar covers medical imaging of simple fractures including how to analyse x-rays, MRIs and effectively read a radiologist’s report. This webinar also covers the conservative management of simple fractures in upper and lower limbs including casting techniques, time frames of healing, force application for best management of common fractures and tips and tricks from a clinician who has treated thousands of fracture patients.

About Xavier Yu:
Based in Melbourne, Xavier (MBBS/BA FRANZCR) is a Radiologist in General Radiology at St Vincent's Hospital, Western Health and Barwon Health (Geelong) in public practice, for Capital Radiology in Somerville and works for Everlight Radiology (Teleradiology). Xavier is also a reader for Monash and NorthWest BreastScreen. He is a current member of the RANZCR Victorian Branch Committee and Diagnostic Economics Committee. Xavier's special interests in radiology include musculoskeletal imaging, breast imaging, health advocacy, clinical governance and education.

About Robert Vragovski:
A Senior Orthopaedic Technologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Rob has over 20 years of experience working in casting, including hosting casting workshops nationally and internationally. Rob also lectures at LaTrobe University and Monash University and has presented plastering workshops for General Practitioners rurally and regionally. Rob is the current treasurer of Australian Institute of Orthopaedic Technologists and a member of National American Orthopaedic Technologists.

Diagnosing and Treating Medial Knee Pain

Medial collateral ligament injuries are among the most commonly diagnosed sports injuries. It is however important to realise that not all medial knee pain is caused by injuries to this ligament. In this webinar, Mark Fulcher, Sport and Exercise Physician at Axis, New Zealand, discusses an approach to the assessment and management of medial knee pain with a specific focus on the medial collateral ligament. The treatment of isolated medial ligament injuries, as well as multi-ligament injuries is also reviewed.

About Mark Fulcher:
Mark Fulcher (MBChB, MMedSci, FACSEP) is a Sport and Exercise Physician at Axis, New Zealand. Mark is currently the Medical Director at New Zealand Football and Team Doctor for the All Whites, Football Ferns (NZ Women’s Team) and the Northern Mystics netball team. Mark contributes to Sports Medicine education as a regular guest lecturer at universities and Sports Medicine meetings around New Zealand. Mark has a special interest in injury prevention and the treatment of concussion.

A Review of Össur’s Spinal Interest Group Meeting 2018

A review of Össur’s Spinal Interest Group Meeting 2018 including the complete presentation of special guest presenter, Mr. Greg Etherington, Consultant Spine Surgeon at The Alfred Hospital - “Treatment of stable and unstable fractures of the spine - diagnosis and treatment considerations”.

About Greg Etherington:
Greg Etherington completed his Orthopaedic training in 1999 in Sydney, before undertaking Spine Fellowships in London from 2000-2002 at Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (Stanmore), Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital (London) and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (London). Greg continued to work in London from 2002-2007 as a Spine Surgery Consultant at the UCLH Trust, before moving to Spine Service in Sydney in 2007. In 2011, Greg was appointed as Spine Surgery Consultant at The Alfred Hospital and Epworth Hospital in Melbourne.

Management of Degenerative Meniscal Tears

Presented by Christopher Wallis, CPO, this webinar discusses the management of meniscal injuries, with a focus on degenerative meniscal tears. It explores the presentation and prevalence of meniscal injuries, treatment options, recent literature demonstrating a shift in treatment strategy, and a clinically proven treatment option for degenerative meniscus tears and knee OA.

Practical Application and Management of Halo Orthoses

Presented by Gavin Burchall, Manager of Orthotic & Prosthetic Department at the Alfred Hospital, this webinar provides a practical overview of Halo orthoses, including Halo selection, application techniques, and review protocols.

Developments in the Management of PCL and Multi-ligament Knee Injuries

Presented by Luke O’Brien, Vice President of Clinical Physical Therapy in Vail and the Rehabilitation Coordinator for Dr. Richard Steadman, and Christopher Wallis, CPO and Össur APAC Clinical and Education Manager, this webinar discusses developments in the management of PCL injuries, including multi-ligament knee injuries with PCL involvement. The webinar explores the clinical presentation of PCL injuries, recent literature, treatment options, and the rehabilitation of PCL injuries utilising Össur’s Rebound PCL brace.

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