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Dr Alex Nicholls, Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon

About

Resources

Locations

News

Research

FAQs

Contact

(02) 8045 5640

Book an appointment

Dr Alex Nicholls, Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon

(02) 8045 5640

Book an appointment

Dr Alex Nicholls, Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon

About

Resources

Locations

News

Research

FAQs

Contact

Dr Alex Nicholls, Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon

Dr Alex Nicholls

Dr Alex Nicholls

Dr Alex Nicholls

Dr Alex Nicholls

Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon

Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon

Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon

Dr Alex Nicholls, orthopaedic knee surgeon

Dr Alex Nicholls is a dedicated specialist knee surgeon, treating all adult and paediatric knee conditions. He has particular interests in sports knee injuries, arthroscopic ligament reconstructions (ACL reconstruction), and management of arthritis in younger more active patients via joint preservation osteotomy surgery. He also performs partial and total knee replacement surgery utilising robotic and computer-assisted navigation techniques.

In addition to his Australian specialty training, he has also worked and trained in the USA and the United Kingdom where he undertook higher levels of operative training in Sports Knee Surgery, Arthroplasty and Paediatric Orthopaedics. Dr Nicholls trains local orthopaedic surgeons through his involvement in the Australian Orthopaedic Association specialist training program and international orthopaedic surgeons through his role as a fellowship supervisor at Sydney Orthopaedic Research Institute. 

He is an active member of the Australian Knee Society and the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS).

Current Practice

Current Practice

Consulting:

  • The Knee Institute at Landmark Orthopaedics

  • Peninsula Orthopaedics

Operating:

  • Northern Beaches Hospital

  • Children's Hospital at Westmead

  • North Shore Private Hospital

  • The Mater Hospital

Consulting:

  • The Knee Institute at Landmark Orthopaedics

  • Peninsula Orthopaedics

Operating:

  • Northern Beaches Hospital

  • Children's Hospital at Westmead

  • North Shore Private Hospital

  • The Mater Hospital

Care Philosophy

Care Philosophy

Dr Nicholls’ approach to care is grounded in careful assessment and clear decision-making. Each patient is evaluated individually, with consideration given to their symptoms, lifestyle, and activity goals.

Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Non-surgical options are explored where appropriate, and when surgery is recommended, it is based on a clear clinical indication rather than urgency alone.

A strong emphasis is placed on planning, communication, and structured recovery. The aim is to support patients through each stage of treatment with a clear understanding of what to expect and how to progress.

Dr Nicholls’ approach to care is grounded in careful assessment and clear decision-making. Each patient is evaluated individually, with consideration given to their symptoms, lifestyle, and activity goals.

Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Non-surgical options are explored where appropriate, and when surgery is recommended, it is based on a clear clinical indication rather than urgency alone.

A strong emphasis is placed on planning, communication, and structured recovery. The aim is to support patients through each stage of treatment with a clear understanding of what to expect and how to progress.

Research & Collaboration

Research & Collaboration

Dr Alex Nicholls maintains an active involvement in clinical research, education, and academic orthopaedics alongside his surgical practice. His work has focused particularly on paediatric and adolescent knee injuries, ACL reconstruction, sports knee surgery, and return-to-sport outcomes.

He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, presented research nationally and internationally, and continues to contribute to the evolving understanding of knee conditions and treatment approaches.

Dr Nicholls is the Head of Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and serves as a Director of the Sydney Orthopaedic Research Institute (SORI). He is also regularly involved in teaching, invited faculty roles, and registrar and fellow education within orthopaedic surgery.

His training includes fellowships in both paediatric orthopaedics and knee surgery at internationally recognised centres in Oxford, United Kingdom, following completion of a Master of Science in Orthopaedic Surgery at Oxford University.

Dr Nicholls continues to contribute to research and education with a focus on evidence-based practice and improving outcomes for both adult and paediatric patients.

Dr Alex Nicholls maintains an active involvement in clinical research, education, and academic orthopaedics alongside his surgical practice. His work has focused particularly on paediatric and adolescent knee injuries, ACL reconstruction, sports knee surgery, and return-to-sport outcomes.

He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, presented research nationally and internationally, and continues to contribute to the evolving understanding of knee conditions and treatment approaches.

Dr Nicholls is the Head of Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and serves as a Director of the Sydney Orthopaedic Research Institute (SORI). He is also regularly involved in teaching, invited faculty roles, and registrar and fellow education within orthopaedic surgery.

His training includes fellowships in both paediatric orthopaedics and knee surgery at internationally recognised centres in Oxford, United Kingdom, following completion of a Master of Science in Orthopaedic Surgery at Oxford University.

Dr Nicholls continues to contribute to research and education with a focus on evidence-based practice and improving outcomes for both adult and paediatric patients.

Education and Certifications

Education and Certifications

Current Appointments

Examiner to the Court of Orthopaedic Surgery, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (March 2026 – present)

 

Head of Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney (Feb 2022 – present)

 

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Visiting Medical Officer) at:

·       The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (Sept 2017 - present)

·       The Mater Hospital (October 2017 - present)

·       Northern Beaches Hospital (October 2018 - present)

Surgical Qualifications

Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), since January 2016.

Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association (FAOrthA), since January 2016.

Clinical Fellowships

Clinical Fellowship, Paediatric Orthopaedics, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UNITED KINGDOM.

Chief Supervisors: Mr Andy Wainwright & Mr Tim Theologis (Feb 2017 – August 2017)

 

Clinical Fellowship, Knee Surgery, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, UNITED KINGDOM.

Chief Supervisors: Mr Will Jackson, Prof Andrew Price & Prof David Murray (August 2016 – Feb 2017)

 

Clinical Fellowship, Hip/Knee Arthroscopy & Arthroplasty, Peninsula Orthopaedics Research Institute, Delmar Private & The Mater Hospital, Sydney AUSTRALIA.

Chief Supervisor: Dr David Dickison (Feb 2016 – July 2016)

Travelling Fellowships

International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) Global Travelling Fellowship – Sports Medicine Orthopaedics USA Tour (Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, New York, Boston), Fellowship Godfather: Dr John Bergfeld, June 2023.

 

Korean Arthroscopy Society (KAS) & Australian Knee Society Travelling Fellowship – Sports Knee Surgery, Visitations to 10 hospitals with surgical observations, South Korea (Seoul, Daejong & Busan) 14th-28th Sept 2025.

Education

Master of Science (Research) in Orthopaedic Surgery, Oxford University, UK (2008-09)


Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery, University of Queensland (2003-2006)


Bachelor of Medical Science with 1st Class Honours, University of Sydney (1999-2002)