Dr Ryan du Sart

Dr Ryan du Sart Internationally & Australian trained Orthopaedic Surgeon practicing in South West, Western Australia

The ACL is one of four main ligaments in the knee. It runs diagonally through the centre of the joint, connecting the fe...
09/08/2026

The ACL is one of four main ligaments in the knee. It runs diagonally through the centre of the joint, connecting the femur to the tibia, and its job is to stop the shin bone sliding too far forward and to control rotation.

That last part explains something patients often find confusing. The ACL is not doing much when you walk in a straight line, which is why a torn one can feel almost normal once the initial swelling settles, then give way the moment you pivot or change direction.

Around 70 percent of ACL ruptures happen without any contact at all. A sudden stop, a twist on a planted foot, an awkward landing. Because the ligament sits alongside the menisci and the collateral ligaments, ACL tears frequently occur with damage to those structures too, which is part of why imaging matters.

A torn ACL has poor healing capacity and generally will not repair itself. That does not mean everyone needs surgery, but it does mean a knee that has given way or swelled rapidly after an injury is worth having assessed. Start with your GP, who can examine the knee, organise imaging and refer for specialist assessment if needed.

Dr Ryan du Sart consults regularly in Bunbury and Busselton, WA.

03/08/2026

A knee injury that settles down can be secretly misleading.

The ACL sits in the centre of the knee and its job is to control forward movement and rotation. It is doing very little while you walk in a straight line, which is why a torn one can feel close to normal once the initial swelling has gone. The problem shows up the moment you pivot, change direction or land awkwardly, and the knee shifts in a way it should not.

A torn ACL has poor healing capacity and generally will not repair itself. That does not mean everyone needs surgery. It does mean the knee is worth having properly assessed rather than waiting to see whether it settles, because ongoing instability carries its own risks over time.

If your knee gave way, swelled quickly after an injury, or still feels unreliable when you turn, start with your GP. They can examine the knee, organise imaging and refer for specialist assessment if needed.

Dr Ryan du Sart consults regularly in Bunbury and Busselton, WA.

ACL injuries are among the most common significant knee injuries in Australian sport, and they affect far more than elit...
03/08/2026

ACL injuries are among the most common significant knee injuries in Australian sport, and they affect far more than elite athletes.

This post covers what the ACL does, how these injuries typically happen, and why walking comfortably does not always mean the ligament is intact.

If your knee has given way or swelled rapidly after an injury, start with your GP, who can assess it and arrange a referral if appropriate.

Shoulder arthritis develops when the cartilage lining the joint gradually breaks down, causing the bones to move against...
21/07/2026

Shoulder arthritis develops when the cartilage lining the joint gradually breaks down, causing the bones to move against each other with less cushioning than they need. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and a gradual loss of movement that makes everyday tasks - reaching overhead, lifting, or even sleeping comfortably - more difficult over time.

The changes shown here, including worn cartilage, a narrowed joint space, and the formation of bone spurs, are what a surgeon is looking for when reviewing your scans and discussing your options.

If shoulder pain has been affecting your daily life and hasn't improved with conservative treatment, it may be worth speaking with your GP about a referral to an orthopaedic specialist. Dr Ryan du Sart consults regularly in Bunbury and Busselton.

Recovery from shoulder replacement happens in stages, and knowing what's ahead can make the process feel far less daunti...
14/07/2026

Recovery from shoulder replacement happens in stages, and knowing what's ahead can make the process feel far less daunting.

We cover a general recovery timeline, what's considered normal, and the warning signs that mean it's time to call your surgeon.

Recovery pace varies from person to person, so always follow the personalised guidance from your own care team.

Shoulder pain that interferes with sleep or everyday movement is worth taking seriously. This post walks through the bas...
06/07/2026

Shoulder pain that interferes with sleep or everyday movement is worth taking seriously.

This post walks through the basics of shoulder replacement surgery, including the difference between total and reverse procedures, and who the surgery is generally suited for.

If shoulder pain has been ongoing, start the conversation with your GP, who can refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon if appropriate.

Recovery from rotator cuff repair is a gradual process - and knowing what to expect at each stage makes it easier to nav...
25/06/2026

Recovery from rotator cuff repair is a gradual process - and knowing what to expect at each stage makes it easier to navigate.

This post outlines the general recovery pathway, what's normal along the way, and when to contact your surgeon.

Every patient's recovery is individual, and your treating team will guide you through the specifics at your consultation and pre-operative appointment.

You've probably heard someone say "I've done my rotator cuff" - but most people have no idea what that actually means un...
18/06/2026

You've probably heard someone say "I've done my rotator cuff" - but most people have no idea what that actually means until it happens to them.

The truth is, your shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body. It can move in almost every direction, which is impressive - but it comes at a cost. Unlike the hip, which sits deep in a socket for stability, the shoulder is held together mostly by soft tissue.

The rotator cuff is the main group of muscles doing that work: four tendons wrapped around the joint, keeping the ball of your upper arm in place every time you reach, lift, or rotate your arm.

When one of those tendons is irritated, frayed, or torn, the whole system feels it.
It might show up as pain when you reach overhead, trouble sleeping on that side, or a shoulder that feels weak in ways that are hard to describe.

Sometimes it comes on after a fall. More often it builds gradually - years of repetitive movement, or simply age catching up with tissue that was never designed to last forever without some wear.

The good news is that not every rotator cuff injury ends in surgery. Many people do well with physiotherapy and the right management. But for tears that are large, persistent, or significantly affecting your quality of life, surgical repair is an option worth understanding.

If your shoulder has been bothering you for a while and you haven't had it properly assessed, a conversation with your GP is a reasonable starting point. They can arrange imaging and refer you to a specialist if needed.

A rotator cuff tear can make everyday tasks - reaching overhead, getting dressed, sleeping on your side - genuinely diff...
07/06/2026

A rotator cuff tear can make everyday tasks - reaching overhead, getting dressed, sleeping on your side - genuinely difficult.

This post explains what the rotator cuff is, what a repair involves, and how the decision to operate is made. If shoulder pain has been affecting your function and you'd like an orthopaedic opinion, start with your GP, who can assess your situation and refer if appropriate.

These are some of the questions Dr du Sart is asked most often by patients considering hip replacement. Understanding th...
28/05/2026

These are some of the questions Dr du Sart is asked most often by patients considering hip replacement.

Understanding the process helps patients make informed decisions about their care.

If you are wondering whether hip replacement might be relevant for you, start with your GP - they can assess your situation and refer you if appropriate.

Address

6 Higgins Street
South Bunbury, WA
6230

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+61897799767

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