Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell - Upper Limb Surgeon

06/03/2026

Not every shoulder replacement follows the standard playbook.

This patient came to see me 8 months after a shoulder replacement done interstate, with a failed glenoid (socket) component and significant bone loss. Situations like this are rarely a simple revision.

First step was removing all implants and treating the shoulder as a potential infection to give things the best chance of settling down. Once everything was cleared, we moved to the reconstruction phase.

For the rebuild we used a 3D-printed patient-specific glenoid implant, designed to match the individual bone defect and give fixation where standard implants simply wouldn’t work. Technology like this is opening the door to solving problems that used to be extremely difficult. 5 screws were completely pre planned in their direction and length to the millimetre… very cool tech!

One of the best parts of working in a teaching hospital environment is doing cases like this with the next generation of upper limb surgeons in the room. Always great having enthusiastic trainees around the table.

And a shout out to Alice, a 4th year Adelaide University medical student, who scrubbed in as an extra pair of hands for the case. Love seeing engaged students getting involved early — it’s how the next batch of upper limb superstars gets started.

Complex problems matched with clever solutions and a great team.

This was the final act of a 7 month ordeal for this patient, we are wishing them all the best for their recovery 💪🏼💪🏼

12/02/2026

Today we’re celebrating Teresa’s birthday🥳 Clinical Nurse Lead for Adelaide Shoulder & Upper Limb at Eastwood Private — the OG Eastwood employee. First one through the doors. The one who helped set up theatres from scratch with countless hours.

Before the lists were full.
Before the trays were perfect.
Before the rest of us knew where anything was kept…

She was there making it all happen.

Now when you walk into theatre and see her sorting everything out, you just know it’s going to be a great day. Smooth list. Calm vibes. A few laughs. Maybe the odd Celine Dion power ballad..!

And in between cases?
We’re always up to date with the latest boy dramas.
We remain fully invested.
We are cautiously optimistic.
And we are manifesting the Italian dream will arrive any day now 🤣🤣

Absolute star. Backbone of the unit. Heart of our great culture and team environment.
We love you to bits. Eastwood wouldn’t be Eastwood without you 💙

11/02/2026

POV: You swapped the PowerPoint for a 10k. 🏃🏻‍♂️☀️

This morning’s “PD session” was an easy conversational run with Scott Smith – physiotherapist to elite athletes and one of Adelaide’s go-to guys for high-performance rehab.

Fresh off working with the Australian Paralympians at World Champs in Delhi… and instead of slides and laser pointers, we talked shop between breaths.

Injury patterns.
Return-to-play decisions.
What actually works in elite sport (and what just looks good on Instagram).

There’s something about running side-by-side that makes the conversation better. No formalities. No egos. Just shared curiosity and a bit of lactic acid.

Finished with coffee. Because that’s non-negotiable. ☕️

If you’re a physio (or sports med tragic) and keen to change it up without the PowerPoint, come for a Wednesday morning networking run, we roll out the front of Eastwood Private Hospital.

Comment or DM and come along.

04/02/2026

It’s no secret I am becoming a major fan of the base of thumb replacement. So it was wonderful to enjoy a great evening listening to Professor Randy Bindra unpack the evolution of base of thumb replacement — essentially the “mini hip replacement” of the hand.
The level of refinement in implant design and revision strategy is impressive. When you realise how much function sits in that tiny CMC joint, it makes sense why the innovation has accelerated.

We were working on Fusetec surgical specimens — synthetic cadavers that allow you to use real instruments and real implants in a controlled, practical setting. Hands-on, tactile, and surprisingly civilised when paired with good food and conversation.

Particularly interesting to see the newer trapezium replacement option emerging for complex revision thumb cases. For patients who’ve had previous procedures and limited remaining options, having another reconstructive pathway is genuinely encouraging.

The thumb may be small, but it dictates grip, pinch, independence — and often quality of life.

Good discussion. Good company. Better biomechanics. 🍷

Thanks to Dr Bindra, , and for a great evening. Food was outstanding!

29/01/2026

If you or someone you know just took a hard fall and experienced a wrist fracture, here is the immediate breakdown of what’s happening and what to do.

1. The Adrenaline Mask 🎭

Right after the impact, you might actually feel surprisingly "fine" for a few minutes. That’s your body’s natural painkillers kicking in. Don’t let it fool you into thinking you can "shake it off." If there’s immediate swelling or a change in shape, the adrenaline is just a temporary curtain.

2. The "Dinner Fork" Deformity 🍴

In many wrist fractures (like a Colles fracture), the wrist takes on a shape similar to an upside-down dinner fork. It’s startling to see, but it’s a classic sign. Pro tip: Do not try to "straighten" it yourself. You’re a human, not a DIY project.

3. The Throbbing & Tingling ⚡

As the initial shock wears off, the pain arrives—often accompanied by numbness or "pins and needles" in your fingers. This is usually just swelling putting pressure on your nerves, but it’s a sign that time is of the essence.

The human body is an incredible architect. While a fracture feels like a massive setback, your bones are already starting the repair process the second the break happens. With the right care, you’ll be back to typing, lifting, and high-fiving before you know it.

29/01/2026

One arm in a sling? Your diet doesn't have to suffer. 🦾

Healing is a full-time job for your body. If you want to get back to 100% faster, you’ve got to fuel the repair work.

The Sling-Life Grocery List:

✅ Greek Yogurt & Cottage Cheese (High protein, zero prep)

✅ Frozen Berries (Anti-oxidant powerhouses)

✅ Pre-cut Veggie Trays (No knife skills required)

✅ Rotisserie Chicken (The MVP of easy protein)

Minimize inflammation and maximize tissue repair; all with one hand tied behind your back (literally).

16/01/2026

TOP 3 KEYS TO SHOULDER REPLACEMENT RECOVERY 🦾

If you’ve had — or are thinking about — a reverse shoulder replacement, this part matters more than the surgery itself.

The operation is just the beginning. Your recovery is what determines whether you get a shoulder that simply “works”… or one that truly gives your life back.

Here are the three things that make all the difference:

1️⃣ Early protection is powerful — not passive
That sling time isn’t a setback — it’s your foundation.
For a few weeks, your job is simple: protect your new joint so bone can bond securely to the implant.
It might feel slow… but this quiet phase sets you up for years of strong, stable movement.

2️⃣ Rehab is your real superpower
This isn’t random exercise — it’s a carefully staged plan.
You’ll move from gentle motion → controlled strength → functional movement.
Step by step, your shoulder learns to work in a smarter, smoother way — so everyday tasks feel natural again.

3️⃣ Consistency beats intensity
Small, regular exercises > big, irregular efforts.
Most people notice a major turning point around 6 months, when their shoulder finally feels like “theirs” again.
Stick with it — the payoff is huge.

If you know someone facing shoulder surgery, save this, share it with them, and help them go into recovery with confidence.

A strong shoulder is built, not rushed.

14/01/2026

2026 is underway! Been a big first week with the team at Adelaide Shoulder Upper Limb Clinic!🙌🏼🙌🏼
New Year’s resolution was to improve my dancing 😂🕺🏻

Exciting year ahead at !

24/12/2025

24/11/2025

Early outcomes are in… and they’re looking seriously exciting.

I presented my experience with base of thumb joint replacement at South Australian Hand Surgery Society, and the data from around the world is speaking loud and clear — patients are returning to strength, stability and function faster than ever before.

I also shared a sneak peek into my ongoing work assessing extreme wrist and thumb positions after CMC replacement — including early downward dog, Pilates plank variations, loaded extension, and all the crazy movements patients constantly ask about.

It’s great to finally be able to show real videos and motion analysis instead of saying, “maybe don’t do that yet 😬😬”

Rehab is getting smarter. Surgery is getting better. And patients are getting back to the things they love earlier and safer.

Swipe to see more pictures and videos from today’s talk showcasing the biomechanics, the implants, and some intra operative Pilates positions.

21/11/2025

Wonderful to welcome interstate speakers Dr Brett McClelland and Dr Will Alexander to Mt Lofty.
The South Australian Hand Surgery Society meeting was a great success with 80 attendees enjoying a lovely day in the hills.
We heard great talks including an update on the promising research for radiation therapy to treat Dupuytrens and highly selective nerve surgery for spasticity.
Only disappointing part was no one else in Black Tie 😂 As President and Vice President - Nick and I tried to lift the class of the meeting unsuccessfully 😂

Looking forward to the Lofty Hand Meeting next year.