Speaking at the Italian Medical Society of Victoria: Ankle Injuries & WorkCover
It was a privilege to be invited as a guest speaker at the Italian Medical Society of Victoria recently, where I had the opportunity to present alongside two outstanding colleagues on a range of topics directly relevant to sporting injuries, foot and ankle surgery, and the management of workplace-related injuries in Melbourne and across Victoria.
What We Covered on the Night
My presentation focused on three areas that I see regularly in clinical practice at the Melbourne Orthopaedic Group:
Sporting Injuries of the Foot & Ankle From acute ankle sprains sustained on the football pitch to complex tendon injuries in recreational and elite athletes, sporting foot and ankle injuries are among the most common presentations I manage. Early and accurate diagnosis — including the use of weight-bearing CT and MRI — is critical to ensuring the right treatment pathway and minimising time away from sport.
Ankle Ligament Reconstructions Chronic lateral ankle instability is a condition that frequently goes under-treated. I discussed modern surgical approaches to ankle ligament reconstruction — including the modified Broström-Gould procedure, deltoid ligament reconstructions and multi-ligamentous injuries — and when surgical intervention offers the best long-term outcomes compared with ongoing physiotherapy and bracing.
Syndesmosis Injuries (High Ankle Sprains) Syndesmosis injuries are commonly missed or underestimated in both the emergency setting and general practice. I covered the diagnosis, classification, and surgical management of syndesmotic injuries, including techniques such as the AITFL internal brace and syndesmotic tightrope, which allow for earlier mobilisation and a faster return to function.
Managing WorkCover Injuries A portion of my practice involves patients with workplace injuries managed under the Victorian WorkCover scheme. I spoke about best practices in the surgical and non-surgical management of these injuries, including documentation, communication with insurers, and facilitating appropriate and timely return to work — a key goal for both patients and employers.
Presenting Alongside Expert Sports Physicians
I was fortunate to share the stage with two of my colleagues highly regarded sports physicians: Dr David Bolzonello and Dr Michael Giummarra. Both are experienced practitioners in sports and musculoskeletal medicine, and both serve as medical advisers for the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and WorkCover — roles that give them unique insight into the medico-legal and rehabilitative dimensions of injury management.
Their presentations complemented my own, and together the evening offered a comprehensive, multidisciplinary perspective on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of sporting and occupational injuries. The Italian Medical Society of Victoria brings together practitioners from across the medical community, and evenings like this are an excellent opportunity to share clinical knowledge and foster collaboration.
Foot & Ankle Surgery in Melbourne
If you or a patient has sustained a sporting foot or ankle injury, is experiencing chronic ankle instability, or requires assessment of a workplace injury, Do not hesitate to refer for consultation at Melbourne Orthopaedic Group in Windsor. We accept referrals under WorkCover and TAC, and I work closely with sports physicians, physiotherapists, and general practitioners to ensure coordinated, patient-centred care.
To make a referral or enquiry, please contact my rooms on (03) 9124 7960 or email talia.admin@mog.com.au.