Meet the doctor: Associate Professor Raj Gunaratne

What is your area of practice?

I’m an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip, knee, shoulder, sports and trauma surgery. While surgery remains an important part of my practice, my primary focus is helping patients find the most effective treatment pathway for their individual circumstances.

Many patients are surprised to learn that surgery is not always the first answer. Whether managing arthritis, sports injuries, shoulder problems or fractures, I believe in taking the time to understand each patient’s goals and providing clear, evidence-based recommendations.

My practice treats everyone from elite athletes and active professionals to older patients seeking to maintain mobility and independence.

What makes your approach different?

Orthopaedic surgery has changed significantly over the last decade. Advances in imaging, navigation, robotics, 3D planning and rehabilitation have improved our ability to personalise treatment and optimise outcomes.

Alongside my clinical practice, I remain actively involved in research and teaching as an Associate Professor. My PhD focused on emerging technologies in robotic surgery, and I continue to have a strong interest in integrating innovation into patient care.

This means patients benefit from contemporary treatment strategies while still receiving practical, patient-centred care.

Technology should never replace clinical judgement, but when used appropriately it can improve accuracy, planning and decision-making.

Technology-assisted surgery enables personalised planning and precise execution.

What services do you offer?

I provide comprehensive management of shoulder, hip and knee conditions, including both non-operative and surgical treatment.

Services include sports injury management, ligament reconstruction, arthroscopic surgery, rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement, hip replacement, knee replacement and fracture surgery.

I have particular interests in technology-assisted joint replacement, complex shoulder reconstruction and joint preservation strategies that may help delay or avoid major surgery in selected patients.

Importantly, I work closely with referring practitioners to ensure patients understand all available treatment options before proceeding with surgery.

What can referring practitioners expect?

My goal is to make specialist care accessible, collaborative and efficient.

Referring practitioners can expect timely appointments, prompt correspondence and clear management plans. I value the trust placed in me by general practitioners and view patient care as a partnership between specialist, referrer and patient.

Whether treating a young athlete hoping to return to sport, a worker recovering from injury or an individual struggling with arthritis, the aim remains the same: to restore function, reduce pain and help patients return to the activities that matter most to them.

Modern orthopaedic care is not simply about performing surgery. It is about selecting the right treatment for the right patient at the right time and delivering that care with compassion, precision and evidence-based decision making.