Upper-limb orthopaedic surgeon · Brisbane

Move Without Pain Again

Brisbane’s dedicated shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand surgeon. Internationally trained precision, genuine patient care, and a team built around getting you back to the life you love.

  • FRACS Qualified
  • Australian Orthopaedic Association
  • Shoulder & Elbow Society of Australia
  • Senior Lecturer, University of Queensland
Older woman cycling joyfully on a country road, illustrating active life after orthopaedic recovery
We hear this every day

Is upper-limb pain holding you back?

Struggling to lift your arm to wash your hair or reach a shelf.

Hand or wrist pain keeping you awake at night or dropping things.

Told to “wait and see” but the pain is getting worse.

A sporting or work injury preventing you from performing at your best.

You don’t have to live with it. Expert help is available.

Meet your surgeon

Meet Dr Joerg Rhau

Dr Joerg Rhau is an internationally trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder and upper limb surgery — solid education, extensive experience and a commitment to enhancing quality of life, exemplified by proven patient outcomes.

After comprehensive orthopaedic training in Germany and prestigious fellowships in Australia, Dr Rhau established his practice in Brisbane. As a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), he combines rigorous academic knowledge with meticulous surgical technique.

“I’m always extremely excited to see patients returning to a better quality of life following treatment of injury or degenerative condition. I feel privileged to be a part of the journey.”

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Portrait of Dr Joerg Rhau, Orthopaedic Surgeon
Why patients choose Dr Rhau

A practice built on precision and care

Singular Focus

Dedicated entirely to the upper limb, ensuring deep expertise in complex shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions.

International Precision

Trained in Germany with a focus on meticulous surgical technique and advanced, minimally invasive procedures.

Fellowship Qualified

Completed highly competitive fellowships in upper limb surgery, recognised by peak surgical bodies.

Coordinated Care

Working closely with hand therapists and physiotherapists to ensure your rehabilitation is seamless.

University Expertise

As a Senior Lecturer at UQ, Dr Rhau stays at the forefront of orthopaedic research and education.

Convenient Locations

Consulting across multiple accessible clinics in Brisbane, Redland, Logan, and Mackay.

Procedures & treatments

Expert treatment for your shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand

Shoulder treatment

Shoulder

  • Rotator Cuff Tear
  • Shoulder Instability & Dislocation
  • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
  • Subacromial Impingement Syndrome
  • Clavicle & Proximal Humerus Fractures
  • Arthroscopic (Keyhole) Shoulder Surgery
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Elbow treatment

Elbow

  • Tennis & Golfer's Elbow (Epicondylitis)
  • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Neuritis)
  • Biceps Tendon Tear
  • Elbow Instability & Arthritis
  • Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery
  • Total Elbow Replacement
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Wrist & Hand treatment

Wrist & Hand

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Trigger Finger & Trigger Thumb
  • Wrist Ganglion
  • Thumb & Finger Arthritis
  • Radius, Ulna & Hand Fractures
  • Xiaflex for Dupuytren's Contracture
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Sporting Injuries treatment

Sporting Injuries

  • Shoulder & Elbow Dislocation
  • ACJ & SCJ Dislocations
  • Rotator Cuff & Biceps Tendon Rupture
  • Greater Tuberosity Fracture
  • Tennis & Golfer's Elbow
  • Return-to-sport rehabilitation
Learn more
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What to expect

Your path to recovery

1

Request your appointment

Contact our clinic to schedule your initial consultation with Dr Rhau.

2

A thorough assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of your condition, including review of any imaging.

3

Your tailored treatment plan

A clear, personalised roadmap for your recovery, whether conservative or surgical.

Recognised by Australia’s leading surgical bodies

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)Australian Orthopaedic AssociationQueensland Shoulder SocietyQueensland Hand Surgery Society
Hand therapist guiding a patient through rehabilitation
Multidisciplinary team

Care that doesn’t stop at surgery

Successful recovery from upper-limb conditions requires a team approach. Dr Rhau works collaboratively with a network of dedicated hand therapists and physiotherapists to ensure your rehabilitation is comprehensive.

By coordinating your care from diagnosis through surgery and rehabilitation, we aim to optimise your outcomes and help you regain full function as safely and quickly as possible.

  • Direct communication with your GP and therapists
  • Same-team review for surgical and non-surgical pathways
  • Clear, written rehabilitation plans for every patient
Where to find us

Convenient locations across Queensland

Greenslopes Consulting Rooms

Ramsay Specialist Centre Level 3, 322/111 Newdegate St Greenslopes QLD 4120

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Cleveland Consulting Rooms

Cleveland House 22/120 Bloomfield St Cleveland QLD 4163

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Shailer Park Consulting Rooms

Inside Sonic Health 42 Bryants Rd Shailer Park QLD 4128

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Mackay Consulting

Specialist Day Hospital 85 Willetts Rd Mackay QLD 4740

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FAQ

Common questions

Do I need a referral to see Dr Rhau?
Yes, a valid referral from your General Practitioner or another specialist is required to claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation.
What conditions do you treat?
Dr Rhau specialises exclusively in conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand, including sporting injuries, arthritis, nerve compressions, and trauma.
Where does Dr Rhau operate?
Dr Rhau consults at Greenslopes (Ramsay Specialist Centre), Cleveland, Shailer Park, and Mackay Specialist Day Hospital.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your referral, Medicare card, private health insurance details, any relevant x-rays or scans (actual films or disc), and a list of your current medications.
Will I definitely need surgery?
Not necessarily. Dr Rhau explores conservative (non-surgical) treatment options first whenever appropriate, tailoring the approach to your specific condition and lifestyle goals.
Ready when you are

Take the first step towards pain-free movement

Our reception team is available Monday to Friday to help you book your consultation and answer any questions about your referral.