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Hutt, Wellington > Private Hospitals & Specialists >

Boulcott Hospital - Orthopaedic Surgery

Private Surgical Service, Orthopaedics

This is where you will come to have your surgery performed. The visits to your surgeon before and after surgery will be at their consulting rooms.

Description

Boulcott Hospital is a 29-bed surgical hospital in Lower Hutt offering state-of-the-art facilities, leading surgeons, a comprehensive range of services and quality care.

Boulcott Hospital has established itself as a pre-eminent centre for joint replacement in the region, with world-class specialists, facilities and methodologies.
Boulcott Joint Replacement Centre offers end-to-end care for patients, all on one site - from consultation, radiology, surgery through to post-operative care.

Consultants

Ages

Adult / Pakeke, Child / Tamariki, Older adult / Kaumātua, Youth / Rangatahi

Fees and Charges Categorisation

Fees apply

Fees and Charges Description

Click on the link for information about fees and accounts

Languages Spoken

English

Services Provided

ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a strong, stabilising ligament running through the centre of the knee between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). When the ACL is torn, frequently as the result of a sporting injury, arthroscopic surgery known as ACL Reconstruction is performed. The procedure involves replacement of the damaged ligament with tissue grafted from elsewhere, usually the patellar or hamstring tendon. The ends of the grafted tendon are attached to the femur at one end and the tibia at the other using screws or staples. For more information about ACL reconstruction please click here.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a strong, stabilising ligament running through the centre of the knee between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone).

When the ACL is torn, frequently as the result of a sporting injury, arthroscopic surgery known as ACL Reconstruction is performed. The procedure involves replacement of the damaged ligament with tissue grafted from elsewhere, usually the patellar or hamstring tendon. The ends of the grafted tendon are attached to the femur at one end and the tibia at the other using screws or staples.

For more information about ACL reconstruction please click here.

Ankle arthroscopy

Two or three small incisions (cuts) are made in the ankle and a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope) is inserted. This allows the surgeon to look inside the joint, identify problems and, in some cases, operate. Tiny instruments can be passed through the arthroscope to remove bony spurs, damaged cartilage or inflamed tissue.

Two or three small incisions (cuts) are made in the ankle and a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope) is inserted. This allows the surgeon to look inside the joint, identify problems and, in some cases, operate. Tiny instruments can be passed through the arthroscope to remove bony spurs, damaged cartilage or inflamed tissue.

Ankle replacement

An incision (cut) is made in the front of, and several smaller cuts on the outside of, the ankle. The damaged ankle joint is replaced with a metal and plastic implant.

An incision (cut) is made in the front of, and several smaller cuts on the outside of, the ankle. The damaged ankle joint is replaced with a metal and plastic implant.

Arthroscopy (keyhole surgery)

A large number of orthopaedic procedures on joints are performed using an arthroscope, where a fibre optic telescope is used to look inside the joint. Through this type of keyhole surgery, fine instruments can be introduced through small incisions (portals) to allow surgery to be performed without the need for large cuts. This allows many procedures to be performed as a day stay and allows quicker return to normal function of the joint. Arthroscopic surgery is less painful than open surgery and decreases the risk of healing problems. Arthroscopy allows access to parts of the joints which can not be accessed by other types of surgery.

A large number of orthopaedic procedures on joints are performed using an arthroscope, where a fibre optic telescope is used to look inside the joint. Through this type of keyhole surgery, fine instruments can be introduced through small incisions (portals) to allow surgery to be performed without the need for large cuts. This allows many procedures to be performed as a day stay and allows quicker return to normal function of the joint.

Arthroscopic surgery is less painful than open surgery and decreases the risk of healing problems. Arthroscopy allows access to parts of the joints which can not be accessed by other types of surgery.

Bunion correction

A bunion is a lump of bone and soft tissue that forms where the big toe joins the foot. Typically caused by ill-fitting shoes, bunions may require surgery to relieve pain and allow a return to normal activities. Click here for more information.

A bunion is a lump of bone and soft tissue that forms where the big toe joins the foot. Typically caused by ill-fitting shoes, bunions may require surgery to relieve pain and allow a return to normal activities.

Click here for more information.

Carpal tunnel syndrome | Carpal tunnel release

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist that causes tingling, numbness and pain in your hand. Surgery to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome involves making an incision (cut) from the middle of the palm of your hand to your wrist. Tissue that is pressing on the nerve is then cut to release the pressure.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist that causes tingling, numbness and pain in your hand.

Surgery to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome involves making an incision (cut) from the middle of the palm of your hand to your wrist. Tissue that is pressing on the nerve is then cut to release the pressure.

Discectomy

Discectomy is an operation to remove part or all of a damaged spinal disc that is pressing on nerves, helping to relieve pain and improve movement. Microdiscectomy:a microscope is used by the surgeon to guide tiny instruments to remove the disc or disc fragments.

Discectomy is an operation to remove part or all of a damaged spinal disc that is pressing on nerves, helping to relieve pain and improve movement.

Microdiscectomy:a microscope is used by the surgeon to guide tiny instruments to remove the disc or disc fragments.

Elbow surgery

Elbow surgery is an operation that helps fix problems in the elbow, like injuries or wear and tear from arthritis. Surgery might be: Arthroscopic: less invasive surgery. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a tiny camera to see inside the elbow. They can then fix or take out the damaged parts. Open: for more complicated problems, the surgeon makes a larger cut to get a better look and fix the damaged parts directly. Joint Replacement: when the elbow joint is badly damaged, the surgeon might remove the damaged areas and replace them with parts made of special materials.

Elbow surgery is an operation that helps fix problems in the elbow, like injuries or wear and tear from arthritis. Surgery might be:

  • Arthroscopic: less invasive surgery. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a tiny camera to see inside the elbow. They can then fix or take out the damaged parts.
  • Open: for more complicated problems, the surgeon makes a larger cut to get a better look and fix the damaged parts directly.
  • Joint Replacement: when the elbow joint is badly damaged, the surgeon might remove the damaged areas and replace them with parts made of special materials.
Foot and ankle surgery

Foot and ankle surgeries are operations that help fix problems in your feet and ankles, like broken bones, arthritis, or injuries to the ligaments and tendons. Surgery might be: Arthroscopic: less invasive surgery. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a tiny camera to see inside. They can then fix or take out the damaged parts. Open: for more complicated problems, the surgeon makes a larger cut to get a better look and fix the damaged parts directly. Joint Replacement (ankle): when the ankle is badly damaged, the surgeon might remove the damaged areas and replace them with parts made of special materials.

Foot and ankle surgeries are operations that help fix problems in your feet and ankles, like broken bones, arthritis, or injuries to the ligaments and tendons. Surgery might be:

  • Arthroscopic: less invasive surgery. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a tiny camera to see inside. They can then fix or take out the damaged parts.
  • Open: for more complicated problems, the surgeon makes a larger cut to get a better look and fix the damaged parts directly.
  • Joint Replacement (ankle): when the ankle is badly damaged, the surgeon might remove the damaged areas and replace them with parts made of special materials.
Hand and wrist surgery

Hand and wrist surgeries are operations that help fix problems in your hands and wrists, like broken bones, arthritis, or injuries to the tendons, ligaments, or nerves. Surgery might be: Arthroscopic: less invasive surgery. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a tiny camera to see inside. They can then fix or take out the damaged parts. Open: for more complicated problems, the surgeon makes a larger cut to get a better look and fix the damaged parts directly.

Hand and wrist surgeries are operations that help fix problems in your hands and wrists, like broken bones, arthritis, or injuries to the tendons, ligaments, or nerves. Surgery might be:

  • Arthroscopic: less invasive surgery. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a tiny camera to see inside. They can then fix or take out the damaged parts.
  • Open: for more complicated problems, the surgeon makes a larger cut to get a better look and fix the damaged parts directly.
High tibial osteotomy

This procedure is used when osteoarthritic damage to the cartilage on one side of the knee has caused the angle of the knee joint to change so that most of the body's weight is borne by the affected side, adding to the wear on that side. High Tibial Osteotomy involves reshaping and realignment of the bone so that weight becomes more evenly distributed between the inside and outside of the knee, thereby reducing the workload on the damaged side. You will probably have to stay in hospital for several days after surgery followed by up to 6 months rehabilitation. For more information about osteotomy please click here.

This procedure is used when osteoarthritic damage to the cartilage on one side of the knee has caused the angle of the knee joint to change so that most of the body's weight is borne by the affected side, adding to the wear on that side.

High Tibial Osteotomy involves reshaping and realignment of the bone so that weight becomes more evenly distributed between the inside and outside of the knee, thereby reducing the workload on the damaged side.

You will probably have to stay in hospital for several days after surgery followed by up to 6 months rehabilitation.

For more information about osteotomy please click here.

Hip arthroscopy

Small incisions (cuts) are made in the hip area and a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope) is inserted. This allows the surgeon to look inside the joint, identify problems and, in some cases, operate. Tiny instruments can be passed through the arthroscope to remove loose, damaged or inflamed tissue.

Small incisions (cuts) are made in the hip area and a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope) is inserted. This allows the surgeon to look inside the joint, identify problems and, in some cases, operate. Tiny instruments can be passed through the arthroscope to remove loose, damaged or inflamed tissue.

Hip replacement

An incision (cut) is made on the side of the thigh to allow the surgeon access to the hip joint. The diseased and damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with smooth, artificial metal ‘ball’ and plastic ‘socket’ parts.

An incision (cut) is made on the side of the thigh to allow the surgeon access to the hip joint. The diseased and damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with smooth, artificial metal ‘ball’ and plastic ‘socket’ parts.

Joint replacement

For elderly patients joint replacement surgery is commonly required to treat damaged joints from wearing out, arthritis or other forms of joint disease including rheumatoid arthritis. In these procedures the damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with artificial surfaces normally made from metal (chromium cobalt alloy, titanium), plastic (high density polyethelene) or ceramic which act as alternate bearing surfaces for the damaged joint. These operations are major procedures which require the patient to be in hospital for several days and followed by a significant period of rehabilitation. The hospital has several ways of approaching the procedure for replacement and the specifics for the procedure will be covered at the time of assessment and booking of surgery. Occasionally blood transfusions are required; if you have some concerns raise this with your surgeon during consultation.

For elderly patients joint replacement surgery is commonly required to treat damaged joints from wearing out, arthritis or other forms of joint disease including rheumatoid arthritis. In these procedures the damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with artificial surfaces normally made from metal (chromium cobalt alloy, titanium), plastic (high density polyethelene) or ceramic which act as alternate bearing surfaces for the damaged joint.

These operations are major procedures which require the patient to be in hospital for several days and followed by a significant period of rehabilitation. The hospital has several ways of approaching the procedure for replacement and the specifics for the procedure will be covered at the time of assessment and booking of surgery.

Occasionally blood transfusions are required; if you have some concerns raise this with your surgeon during consultation.

Knee arthroscopy

Several small incisions (cuts) are made on the knee through which is inserted a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope). This allows the surgeon to look inside the joint, identify problems and, in some cases, make repairs to damaged tissue.

Several small incisions (cuts) are made on the knee through which is inserted a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope). This allows the surgeon to look inside the joint, identify problems and, in some cases, make repairs to damaged tissue.

Knee meniscus surgery

The menisci are two circular strips of cartilage that form a cushioning layer between the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) in the knee joint. Together the medial and lateral menisci, on the inside and outside of the knee, respectively, act as shock absorbers and distribute the weight of the body across the knee joint. The menisci can become torn through injury or damaged from age-related wear and tear and may require surgery. The most common meniscal surgery is partial meniscectomy in which the torn portion of the meniscus is cut away so that the cartilage surface is smooth again. In some cases meniscal repair is carried out, in this case the torn edges of the meniscus are sutured together. Both procedures are performed arthroscopically. For more information please click on the following link for meniscal tears and for meniscal transplant surgery.

The menisci are two circular strips of cartilage that form a cushioning layer between the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) in the knee joint. Together the medial and lateral menisci, on the inside and outside of the knee, respectively, act as shock absorbers and distribute the weight of the body across the knee joint.

The menisci can become torn through injury or damaged from age-related wear and tear and may require surgery.

The most common meniscal surgery is partial meniscectomy in which the torn portion of the meniscus is cut away so that the cartilage surface is smooth again.

In some cases meniscal repair is carried out, in this case the torn edges of the meniscus are sutured together.

Both procedures are performed arthroscopically.

For more information please click on the following link for meniscal tears and for meniscal transplant surgery.

Knee replacement

An incision (cut) is made on the front of the knee to allow the surgeon access to the knee joint. The damaged and painful areas of the thigh bone (femur) and lower leg bone (tibia), including the knee joint, are removed and replaced with metal and plastic parts.

An incision (cut) is made on the front of the knee to allow the surgeon access to the knee joint. The damaged and painful areas of the thigh bone (femur) and lower leg bone (tibia), including the knee joint, are removed and replaced with metal and plastic parts.

Knee surgery

Knee surgery is an operation that helps fix problems in your knee, like an injury, arthritis, a torn ligament, or damaged cartilage. Surgery might be: Arthroscopic: less invasive surgery. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a tiny camera to see inside the knee. They can then fix or take out the damaged parts. Open: for more complicated problems, the surgeon makes a larger cut to get a better look and fix the damaged parts directly. Joint Replacement: when the knee is badly damaged, the surgeon might remove the damaged areas and replace them with parts made of special materials.

Knee surgery is an operation that helps fix problems in your knee, like an injury, arthritis, a torn ligament, or damaged cartilage. Surgery might be:

  • Arthroscopic: less invasive surgery. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a tiny camera to see inside the knee. They can then fix or take out the damaged parts.
  • Open: for more complicated problems, the surgeon makes a larger cut to get a better look and fix the damaged parts directly.
  • Joint Replacement: when the knee is badly damaged, the surgeon might remove the damaged areas and replace them with parts made of special materials.
Osteotomy

Osteotomy is the division of a crooked or bent bone to improve alignment of the limb. These procedures normally involve some form of internal fixation, such as rods or plates, or external fixation which involves external wires and pins to hold the bone. The type of procedure for fixation will be explained when the surgery is planned.

Osteotomy is the division of a crooked or bent bone to improve alignment of the limb.

These procedures normally involve some form of internal fixation, such as rods or plates, or external fixation which involves external wires and pins to hold the bone. The type of procedure for fixation will be explained when the surgery is planned.

Revision joint replacement

Revision joint replacement is the repair or replacement of an existing joint replacement.

Revision joint replacement is the repair or replacement of an existing joint replacement.

Rotator cuff repair

Several small incisions (cuts) are made in the shoulder through which is inserted a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope). The surgeon is then able to remove any bony spurs or inflamed tissue and mend torn tendons of the rotator cuff group.

Several small incisions (cuts) are made in the shoulder through which is inserted a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope). The surgeon is then able to remove any bony spurs or inflamed tissue and mend torn tendons of the rotator cuff group.

Shoulder arthroscopy

This surgery involves making several small incisions (cuts) on the shoulder through which is inserted a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope). This allows the surgeon to look inside the shoulder, identify problems and, in some cases, make repairs to damaged tissue.

This surgery involves making several small incisions (cuts) on the shoulder through which is inserted a small telescopic instrument with a tiny camera attached (arthroscope). This allows the surgeon to look inside the shoulder, identify problems and, in some cases, make repairs to damaged tissue.

Shoulder replacement

An incision (cut) is made in the shoulder to allow the surgeon access to the shoulder joint. The diseased and damaged parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with smooth, artificial metal ‘ball’ and plastic ‘socket’ parts.

An incision (cut) is made in the shoulder to allow the surgeon access to the shoulder joint. The diseased and damaged parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with smooth, artificial metal ‘ball’ and plastic ‘socket’ parts.

Shoulder surgery

Shoulder surgery is an operation that helps fix problems in your shoulder, like torn muscles or tendons or wear and tear from arthritis. Surgery might be: Arthroscopic: less invasive surgery. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a tiny camera to see inside the shoulder. They can then fix or take out the damaged parts. Open: for more complicated problems, the surgeon makes a larger cut to get a better look and fix the damaged parts directly. Joint Replacement: when the shoulder is badly damaged, the surgeon might remove the damaged areas and replace them with parts made of special materials.

Shoulder surgery is an operation that helps fix problems in your shoulder, like torn muscles or tendons or wear and tear from arthritis. Surgery might be:

  • Arthroscopic: less invasive surgery. The surgeon makes small cuts and uses a tiny camera to see inside the shoulder. They can then fix or take out the damaged parts.
  • Open: for more complicated problems, the surgeon makes a larger cut to get a better look and fix the damaged parts directly.
  • Joint Replacement: when the shoulder is badly damaged, the surgeon might remove the damaged areas and replace them with parts made of special materials.
Spinal fusion

An incision (cut) is made over the relevant part of the spine. Two or more vertebrae (the small bones that make up the spinal column) are fused together with bone grafts and/or metal rods to form a single bone.

An incision (cut) is made over the relevant part of the spine. Two or more vertebrae (the small bones that make up the spinal column) are fused together with bone grafts and/or metal rods to form a single bone.

Tendon repair

An incision (cut) is made over the damaged tendon. The damaged ends of the tendon are sewn together and, if necessary, reattached to surrounding tissue.

An incision (cut) is made over the damaged tendon. The damaged ends of the tendon are sewn together and, if necessary, reattached to surrounding tissue.

Total knee replacement

This is a surgical procedure performed on a knee joint that has become painful and/or impaired because of disease, injury or wear and tear. In total knee replacement, artificial materials (metal and plastic) are used to replace the following damaged surfaces within the knee joint: the end of the thigh bone (femur) the end of the shin bone (tibia) the back of the kneecap (patella) This operation is a major procedure which requires you to be in hospital for several days and will be followed by a significant period of rehabilitation. Occasionally blood transfusions are required; if you have some concerns raise this with your surgeon during consultation. For more information about total knee replacement please click here.

This is a surgical procedure performed on a knee joint that has become painful and/or impaired because of disease, injury or wear and tear.

In total knee replacement, artificial materials (metal and plastic) are used to replace the following damaged surfaces within the knee joint:

  • the end of the thigh bone (femur)
  • the end of the shin bone (tibia)
  • the back of the kneecap (patella)

This operation is a major procedure which requires you to be in hospital for several days and will be followed by a significant period of rehabilitation.

Occasionally blood transfusions are required; if you have some concerns raise this with your surgeon during consultation.

For more information about total knee replacement please click here.

Soft tissue (muscles, tendons and ligaments)

In many cases tendons will be lengthened to improve the muscle balance around a joint or tendons will be transferred to give overall better joint function. This occurs in children with neuromuscular conditions but also applies to a number of other conditions. Most of these procedures involve some sort of splintage after the surgery followed by a period of rehabilitation, normally supervised by a physiotherapist.

In many cases tendons will be lengthened to improve the muscle balance around a joint or tendons will be transferred to give overall better joint function. This occurs in children with neuromuscular conditions but also applies to a number of other conditions.

Most of these procedures involve some sort of splintage after the surgery followed by a period of rehabilitation, normally supervised by a physiotherapist.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are between 8.00am and 8.00pm daily.

Refreshments

For those staying overnight we offer a choice of meals freshly prepared by our resident chef.

Parking

Parking is available for visitors in the grounds of the hospital. Please note this is limited to 90 minutes. If you are staying longer please speak to one of our reception team and they will extend this time limit for you.

Pharmacy

Find the nearest pharmacy here.

Contact Details

Contact us online here

666 High Street
Boulcott
Lower Hutt
Wellington 5010

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Street Address

666 High Street
Boulcott
Lower Hutt
Wellington 5010

Postal Address

PO Box 31 459
Lower Hutt 5040
Wellington
New Zealand

This page was last updated at 8:18AM on September 26, 2025. This information is reviewed and edited by Boulcott Hospital - Orthopaedic Surgery.