Knee surgeon for Caulfield and Glen Eira patients
Dr Vishal Pai (MBChB, FRACS, FAOrthA) is a Melbourne orthopaedic surgeon whose practice is focused on the knee. He welcomes patients from Caulfield, Carnegie, Bentleigh East, Murrumbeena and across Glen Eira to his consulting rooms at Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists on Bay Road, Sandringham.
Where you will be seen
Your consultations take place at Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists, approximately 10 kilometres south of Caulfield. If surgery is recommended, Dr Pai operates at two private hospitals, both a short drive from Glen Eira.
Where surgery takes place
- Calvary Holmesglen Private Hospital (formerly Holmesglen Private Hospital), 490 South Road, Moorabbin
Approximately 15 minutes by car from Caulfield - The Avenue Hospital, 40 The Avenue, Windsor
Approximately 10 minutes by car from Caulfield
Consulting rooms
Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists
Suite 1, 60 Bay Road
Sandringham VIC 3191
(03) 8657 0595
Travelling from Glen Eira
The Sandringham rooms are approximately 10 kilometres from Caulfield, and outside peak hours the drive usually takes 20 to 25 minutes. When you book, the reception team will be happy to provide directions and advice on parking.
Both hospitals are closer still. The Avenue Hospital in Windsor is approximately 4 kilometres from Caulfield, and Calvary Holmesglen Private Hospital in Moorabbin is a short drive from Bentleigh East, McKinnon and Ormond, so hospital visits are easier for you and your family.
If you are travelling by public transport, take a Frankston line train from Caulfield and change to the Sandringham line at South Yarra or Richmond. Sandringham Station is at the end of the line, a short walk from the rooms.
Dr Pai also sees patients from Caulfield North, Caulfield East, Caulfield South, Glen Huntly, Carnegie, Ormond, McKinnon, Bentleigh East, Murrumbeena, Hughesdale, Oakleigh, Malvern East and Glen Iris.
Rehabilitation closer to home
Much of the recovery from knee surgery takes place in the weeks and months afterwards, working with a physiotherapist. For most patients, this rehabilitation can be completed with a physiotherapist close to home or work.
If you have a knee replacement with Dr Pai and need inpatient rehabilitation afterwards, this can be arranged close to home, such as at Masada Private Hospital in St Kilda East, Calvary Holmesglen Private Hospital in Moorabbin or Epworth Brighton.
- Physiotherapy close to home or work, so that regular sessions fit comfortably around daily life.
- Follow-up appointments by telehealth where appropriate, so that you do not need to travel to Sandringham for every review.
- Dr Pai keeps your general practitioner and physiotherapist informed, so that everyone involved in your care is working to the same plan.
About Dr Vishal Pai
Dr Pai completed his orthopaedic training through the Australian Orthopaedic Association program in Melbourne before undertaking further training in knee surgery overseas. At Southmead Hospital in Bristol, he focused on patellofemoral stabilisation and on partial and revision knee replacement. At the Fortius Clinic in London, his work centred on primary and revision ACL reconstruction, multi-ligament knee reconstruction and complex meniscal repair. In 2015 he also completed a six-month international fellowship in paediatric orthopaedics at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Portland, USA.
In addition to his private practice, Dr Pai is Director of Training for Orthopaedic Surgery at Sandringham Hospital, Bayside Health, where he supervises orthopaedic surgeons in training. He is also involved in clinical research.
- Qualifications
MBChB (Otago), FRACS, FAOrthA - Knee fellowships
Southmead Hospital, Bristol; Fortius Clinic, London - Paediatric fellowship
Shriners Hospitals for Children, Portland, USA - Teaching
Director of Training for Orthopaedic Surgery, Sandringham Hospital, Bayside Health - Professional memberships
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons; Australian Orthopaedic Association
Knee conditions Dr Pai treats
Dr Pai treats knee problems in children and adults, from sporting injuries to arthritis. Not every knee problem requires an operation. Your first consultation focuses on reaching a clear diagnosis and discussing the options that suit you, including non-surgical treatment.
Sports injuries and knee preservation
Ligament injuries, meniscal tears, cartilage damage and kneecap instability are common among people who lead an active life, whether at footy, netball or soccer, at the gym or on the court. Dr Pai has treated knee injuries in players from local clubs including the Caulfield Grammarians and Ormond Amateur football clubs. Treatment is planned around your injury, your season and the activities you would like to return to.
Knee arthritis and replacement
An assessment for knee arthritis considers how your knee affects walking, sleep, work and daily life, and what treatment you have already tried. Options range from non-operative care to partial, total and robotic-assisted knee replacement, as well as revision surgery when a previous replacement has not been successful.
What happens at your first appointment
A new patient appointment takes approximately 30 minutes. Dr Pai will ask about your symptoms and how your knee affects your daily life, examine your knee and go through your X-rays or scans with you. If you do not yet have suitable imaging, it can usually be arranged at a radiology practice near your home.
You should leave with a clear explanation of what is causing your symptoms, the options available, including non-surgical treatment, and the next step. Dr Pai then writes to your general practitioner, and to your physiotherapist if you have one.
Your first appointment needs to be in person so that your knee can be examined. After that, follow-up appointments can usually be arranged by telehealth in appropriate circumstances.
Consultation fees and Medicare rebates are listed on the Appointments and Fees page. If surgery is recommended, you will receive a written quote before anything is booked.
Before you visit
- Ask your general practitioner for a referral to Dr Vishal Pai. A current referral is required to claim the Medicare rebate.
- Bring any X-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound images, or let the rooms know where they were performed so that access can be arranged.
- Complete the New Patient Registration Form before your appointment.
- Wear shorts or loose trousers so that your knee can be examined comfortably.
Questions from Caulfield and Glen Eira patients
Does Dr Pai consult in Caulfield?
No. Patients from Caulfield and Glen Eira are seen at Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists, Suite 1, 60 Bay Road, Sandringham. Surgery is performed at Calvary Holmesglen Private Hospital in Moorabbin or The Avenue Hospital in Windsor, both a short drive from Glen Eira.
I've hurt my knee playing community sport in Glen Eira. Can Dr Pai help?
Yes. Dr Pai sees players with knee injuries from clubs and competitions across Glen Eira, including Murrumbeena Football Netball Club and Glen Eira FC. Many knee injuries, including some ACL and meniscal tears, can be managed without an operation. Your first appointment focuses on a clear diagnosis and a plan for returning to sport safely.
Which hospital would I have surgery at?
Dr Pai operates at Calvary Holmesglen Private Hospital in Moorabbin and The Avenue Hospital in Windsor. He will talk through which hospital suits your operation, and you are welcome to say if one is easier for you or your family to reach.
Can I have my scans done near home?
Usually, yes. X-rays and MRI scans can generally be performed at a radiology practice near you. Bring the images and reports to your appointment, or let the rooms know where they were performed so that access can be arranged.
Will I need to travel to Sandringham for every appointment?
No. Your first appointment needs to be in person so that Dr Pai can examine your knee. Follow-up appointments can usually be arranged by telehealth in appropriate circumstances.
Do I need a referral?
Yes. A current referral from your general practitioner or another specialist is required to claim the Medicare rebate. Your doctor can address the referral to Dr Vishal Pai at Sandringham Orthopaedic Specialists.
Will I need surgery?
Not necessarily. Many knee problems, including some ACL and meniscal injuries, can be managed without an operation. Dr Pai will explain both the surgical and non-surgical options so that you can make an informed decision.
Does Dr Pai see WorkSafe or TAC patients?
Dr Pai does not currently provide private consultations for WorkSafe or TAC claims. If you have a claim, please ask your general practitioner for a referral to a surgeon who participates in those schemes.
How do I make an appointment?
Please call the rooms on (03) 8657 0595 or send an enquiry, and the team will arrange a time that suits you.
Arrange a knee consultation
The team would be pleased to help you arrange an appointment. Call (03) 8657 0595 or send an enquiry, and please have your referral and any scans ready.