Hand Surgeon in Perth
Care for the hand, thumb and fingers, from trigger finger and thumb arthritis to hand fractures, with Dr Tom Clifton, upper limb orthopaedic surgeon in Perth.
Dr Tom Clifton is an upper limb orthopaedic surgeon based in Perth who treats conditions of the hand, thumb and fingers. He sees patients with everyday problems such as trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome and thumb arthritis, as well as hand fractures and tendon injuries, and he offers both non-surgical care and surgery depending on what the problem needs.
Credentials and experience
Dr Clifton is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, with the qualifications BA, BMBS, FRACS, FAOrthA. He completed specialist orthopaedic training in Perth and fellowship training in upper limb surgery, including at the Sydney Shoulder Research Institute and Wrightington Hospital in England. As an upper limb surgeon he manages the full range of hand and wrist conditions.
- BA, BMBS, FRACS, FAOrthA
- Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Fellow, Australian Orthopaedic Association
- Upper limb fellowship training, UK and Australia
- Consulting in Perth, WA
Where Dr Clifton operates
Surgery is performed at the hospitals in Perth listed below.
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Where Dr Clifton consults
Dr Clifton sees patients at his consulting rooms at the Perth Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre on Havelock Street in West Perth. This is where your appointments take place, from your first consultation and examination through to follow-up after treatment.
The centre brings together a number of orthopaedic surgeons and sport and exercise medicine physicians in one location.
What Dr Clifton treats
Hand conditions and procedures Dr Clifton manages. Each links to a detailed page explaining the condition and what treatment involves.
Conditions treated
Common hand conditions
Trigger finger
Trigger finger is when a finger catches or locks as it bends, from swelling in the tendon and its sheath. It is one of the most common reasons people look for a hand surgeon in Perth.
- Catching, clicking or locking of a finger
- A tender lump at the base of the finger
- Stiffness, often worse in the morning
- Splinting and activity changes
- A guided injection in many cases
- Trigger finger release when it keeps returning
Thumb arthritis
Thumb and hand arthritis is wear of the joint surface that builds slowly, and thumb base arthritis is especially common.
- Aching and weakness at the base of the thumb
- Pain gripping and pinching
- Difficulty with jars, keys and pegs
- Splinting, activity changes and injections
- Joint replacement or fusion when the joint is worn and quality of life is affected
What to expect
Your first appointment is a consultation. There is no obligation to proceed to surgery, and many hand conditions are managed without it.
Consultation
Dr Clifton reviews your history and symptoms, examines your hand, and looks at any imaging you have.
Your options
He explains the diagnosis and the choices, from physiotherapy and injections to surgery, and you decide together.
Treatment
If surgery is agreed, the team guides you through booking, costs and preparation beforehand.
Please bring your referral letter, any scans or reports, a list of your medications, and your Medicare and private health fund details. A GP referral is generally needed for a specialist appointment and is required for a Medicare rebate.
Arrange a consultation
To discuss a hand, thumb or finger problem with Dr Clifton, book online or call the practice. GPs and physiotherapists are welcome to refer.
Location and contact
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see Dr Clifton?
A referral from your GP is generally needed for a specialist appointment and is required for a Medicare rebate. If you are unsure, call the practice on 08 9212 4200 and the team will help.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Your referral letter, any scans or reports you already have, a list of your medications, and your Medicare and private health fund details.
Will I definitely need surgery?
No. Many hand conditions improve with splinting, hand therapy or an injection. Surgery is discussed only when non-surgical measures have not worked or when the problem clearly needs it, and the decision is always made with you.
How much will it cost?
Costs depend on the treatment and your cover. The practice can give you an estimate before anything goes ahead, including any out-of-pocket amount.