Dr Thomas Hilton

Dr Thomas Hilton Committed to patient well-being every step of the way. What work do I do? What training have I had & where do I practice?

Oncology and Joint Reconstruction Surgeon dedicated to providing compassionate care and innovative solutions for complex bone and joint problems, including infections, tumours, and joint replacements. I am an Orthopaedic Surgeon and I work mainly with patients who have bone & soft tissue tumours and patients who need joint replacements or the revision of joint replacements. My sarcoma work includes:

• Primary bone & soft tissue sarcomas that include osteosarcomas and liposarcomas
The management of sarcoma patients is difficult, and this diagnosis is rare and therefore not as well-known as other cancers like breast and prostate cancer. Late diagnosis is often the case as lumps are assumed benign and bone pain attributed to sporting injuries. My aim is to improve education around sarcoma diagnosis and management to improve patient outcomes, avoid treatment delays and incorrect initial treatment.
• Metastatic bone disease to the limbs, hips and pelvis
Treatment of metastatic disease has improved significantly and with the correct treatment patients with metastases can lead long, pain free and functional lives. My joint replacement work includes:

• Primary joint replacement for conditions such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
• Revision joint replacement for loosening or infection. I was involved in the setup a specialist Bone & Joint Infection Unit at Vincent Pallotti Hospital to better manage patients with these conditions in terms of their surgery and antibiotic stewardship. We have am excellent multidisciplinary team who is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and dedicated. I trained at UCT for my undergraduate and specialist training as well as a fellowship under Dr Keith Hosking. I then went onto a second fellowship in London at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. I have a state practice at Groote Schuur and Red Cross Hospitals running the Orthopaedic Oncology unit on a sessional basis and a private practice at Life Vincent Pallotti and Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospitals. My practice philosophy is to run a caring and ethical practice with good communication and a team approach. The road for these patients is often long and arduous. We would like to make it as easy as possible.

We’re wrapping up the year and taking a short festive break!Dr Hilton and the team will be away from 15 December to 12 J...
13/12/2025

We’re wrapping up the year and taking a short festive break!

Dr Hilton and the team will be away from 15 December to 12 January, but don't worry - we’re still available for any orthopaedic emergencies.

We’ll also continue sharing helpful tips and information throughout the holidays.

Happy Holidays!🎄

A hip or knee replacement can bring life-changing comfort and mobility, but your recovery depends just as much on what h...
10/12/2025

A hip or knee replacement can bring life-changing comfort and mobility, but your recovery depends just as much on what happens after surgery.

Gentle movement, protecting the joint, staying on top of pain, and attending your follow-ups all play a big role in your long-term outcome.

Your physiotherapist will guide you, but progress comes from consistency. Moving the joint regularly and doing your exercises several times a day helps you heal stronger and safer.

Don’t forget about ice - it’s an effective way to reduce inflammation after a joint replacement. Whether you use a simple bag of frozen peas or an advanced cold-compression device, speak to your surgeon about what might work best for you.💪🏽

Many people are surprised to learn that there’s no strict limit to how many hip replacements you can have in a lifetime....
06/12/2025

Many people are surprised to learn that there’s no strict limit to how many hip replacements you can have in a lifetime. What matters more is how long each implant lasts and how much stress it goes through over the years.

Modern hip replacements can last 15–20 years or more, but younger and more active patients may need a second (or sometimes even a third) surgery later in life. Each revision does become more complex, so protecting the implant and following good joint-care habits really matters.

If you’re wondering what this could mean for your long-term mobility, our team is here to guide you through your options.💙

Recovering from a joint replacement takes a lot of patience - and what you don’t do is just as important as what you do....
28/11/2025

Recovering from a joint replacement takes a lot of patience - and what you don’t do is just as important as what you do.

After surgery, it’s incredibly important to protect your new joint while it heals. Regular movement, physiotherapy, and following your care plan set up by your medical team will help support your recovery journey.

📞 If you’re need in of expert joint care, don’t hesitate to contact us by clicking on the link in our bio

17/11/2025

Preparing for orthopaedic surgery is also about setting your body up for a safe, smooth recovery.

Here are 3 things your surgeon might ask you to do (that actually make a big difference):

1️⃣ Whole-body chlorhexidine wash
This kills bacteria on the skin to lower infection risk

2️⃣ Nasal decontamination
Clears bacteria from the nose that can enter the bloodstream during surgery

3️⃣ Stop smoking (even temporarily)
It helps oxygen flow, reduces infection risk, and improves healing. Just 1 cigarette causes reduced blood supply to the area for 12 hours!

They may sound unusual, but each one plays a big role in helping your body heal better and faster.

🦴 Dr. Hilton and our team guide every patient through these small but vital steps to ensure the safest possible outcome.

If knee pain has become a constant part of your life, it may be time to speak with a specialist.A total knee replacement...
05/11/2025

If knee pain has become a constant part of your life, it may be time to speak with a specialist.

A total knee replacement is a daunting procedure for any patient to take on, but it’s also about helping you move comfortably again, without pain limiting your day-to-day life.

Dr Hilton is an expert in total knee replacement surgery - always keeping each patient’s comfort, recovery, and long-term mobility at the centre of his care.

📲 Click the link in our bio to book a consultation

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, often with age. In the hip, this can mean that even a small fall (...
20/10/2025

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle, often with age. In the hip, this can mean that even a small fall (or sometimes just bending the bone in a funny angle) can lead to a fracture.

In patients with osteoporosis, new bone can’t keep up with the natural loss of old bone which slowly leads to more fragile bones. Hip fractures are one of the more serious complications, often requiring surgery and a hip replacement.

That’s why World Osteoporosis Day matters. By spreading awareness, we can encourage early detection, healthy lifestyle changes, and timely treatment.🦴

Synovial sarcoma is a rare cancer that develops in the soft tissues, often around joints, such as muscles or ligaments -...
13/10/2025

Synovial sarcoma is a rare cancer that develops in the soft tissues, often around joints, such as muscles or ligaments - commonly near the knee or ankle.

Because it’s so uncommon, it can sometimes be mistaken for more common conditions like a lipoma, bursitis or arthritis.

It's important to note that this happens by chance, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

If you notice a lump that keeps growing, feels firm, or causes pain, don't hesitate to click the link in our bio to get in contact with our team.🤝🏼

10/10/2025
Getting around shouldn’t be painful.If your hip pain is intefering with daily activites, these are some signs it may be ...
03/10/2025

Getting around shouldn’t be painful.

If your hip pain is intefering with daily activites, these are some signs it may be time to chat with your doctor about a replacement.

Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean surgery right away, but it does mean it’s worth seeing a specialist.

Click the link in our bio to connect with our expert team.📲

Rhabdomyosarcoma is rare, but it’s one of the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children.It often starts in muscles con...
29/09/2025

Rhabdomyosarcoma is rare, but it’s one of the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children.

It often starts in muscles connected to bones and can appear in different parts of the body - most frequently the head, neck, arms, or legs.

Parents should always keep an eye on symptoms that don’t go away, like:

→ A lump or swelling that keeps getting bigger
→ Ongoing pain in one area, especially at night

With early referral to a specialist and the right care team, children with rhabdomyosarcoma have access to treatments that can make a life-changing difference.

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare cancers that can begin in muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, or fibrous tissue. Because ...
19/09/2025

Soft tissue sarcomas are rare cancers that can begin in muscles, fat, nerves, blood vessels, or fibrous tissue. Because they can develop in many parts of the body, the symptoms often look different - these might include a lump, swelling, pain, or changes in movement.

We understand how overwhelming a diagnosis like this can feel. That’s why our team is committed to providing expert, compassionate care - helping patients access the right treatment and giving them the best possible chance of living well again.

To book a consultation, contact us on 072 953 1518 📞

Address

Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital, Pinelands
Cape Town
7405

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday 08:00 - 17:00

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dr Thomas Hilton posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Dr Thomas Hilton:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram