Surjit Lidder | Melbourne, VIC | Bright, VIC | Albury, NSW | Hip & Knee Specialist | 03 9110 0019
At Lidder Orthopaedics, we provide specialist assessment and treatment for isolated pelvic, acetabular and sacroiliac joint (SIJ) conditions, including traumatic fractures and Sacroiliac joint pain and instability. Care is tailored to restore stability, mobility, and function.
The sacroiliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis and can be a significant source of lower back, buttock, or groin pain when irritated or unstable.
Symptoms:
Lower back or buttock pain
Pain radiating to groin or thigh
Pain when sitting, standing, or turning in bed
Unilateral (one-sided) discomfort
Causes:
Motor vehicle accidents
Falls from height (especially in older adults)
High-energy trauma
Osteoporotic bone weakness
Ongoing pain following lumbar spine surgery
Diagnosis:
Clinical examination with provocative tests
Diagnostic SIJ injections
MRI or CT scan to exclude other pathology
SPECT CT
Non-Surgical Treatment:
Physiotherapy (core and pelvic stabilisation)
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medication
Image-guided SIJ injections
Radiofrequency ablation (selected cases)
Surgical Treatment:
SIJ fusion (minimally invasive techniques) in refractory cases
When Surgery is Considered:
Persistent pain despite comprehensive non-operative care
Positive diagnostic injections confirming SIJ source
Significant functional limitation affecting quality of life
A pelvic fracture involves a break in one or more bones of the pelvic ring, often resulting from significant trauma. These injuries range from stable fractures to complex, life-threatening injuries.
Symptoms:
Severe pelvic or groin pain
Difficulty walking or weight-bearing
Bruising or swelling in the pelvic region
Pain with movement of legs
Causes:
Motor vehicle accidents
Falls from height (especially in older adults)
High-energy trauma
Osteoporotic bone weakness
Diagnosis:
Clinical assessment
X-rays
CT scan for detailed fracture mapping
Non-Surgical Treatment:
Pain management
Bed rest or protected weight-bearing
Physiotherapy during recovery
Thromboprophylaxis (blood clot prevention)
Surgical Treatment:
Internal fixation with plates and screws
External fixation in unstable trauma
Multidisciplinary trauma care in complex injuries
When Surgery is Considered:
Unstable pelvic ring injuries
Displacement affecting alignment or function
Inability to mobilise safely
Associated vascular or organ injury
The acetabulum is the socket of the hip joint. Fractures here involve the weight-bearing surface of the hip and are often complex injuries requiring specialist management.
Symptoms:
Severe hip or groin pain
Inability to bear weight
Leg shortening or deformity
Pain with any hip movement
Causes:
High-energy trauma (car accidents, falls)
Direct impact to the hip
Osteoporotic bone in older patients
Diagnosis:
X-rays
CT scan (essential for surgical planning)
Non-Surgical Treatment:
Protected or non-weight bearing
Pain management
Physiotherapy during recovery phase
Close radiological monitoring
Surgical Treatment:
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
Hip replacement in selected cases with joint damage
Combined fixation and replacement in complex fractures
When Surgery is Considered:
Displacement of joint surface
Incongruent hip joint
Fracture instability
High risk of post-traumatic arthritis
Mr Lidder provides expert orthopaedic management of pelvic trauma, acetabular fractures, and SI joint disorders, using both non-operative strategies and advanced surgical reconstruction techniques.
You should seek urgent or specialist assessment if you experience:
Ongoing pelvic instability or dysfunction
Persistent SIJ or buttock pain not improving with treatment
Suspected fracture after a fall
Inability to weight-bear
Severe pelvic or hip pain after trauma
Tel: (03) 9110 0019
Fax: (03) 9110 0022
After Hours: (03) 9387 1000
Email: reception@lidderorthopaedics.com
HealthLink: drlidder
