Precision Care.Restored Motion.
Dr Chris Wainwright FAOrthA — over 20 years of orthopaedic expertise across three countries. Metropolitan-level surgical care in Mackay, Queensland.
Metropolitan expertise,
regional commitment.
Chris Wainwright is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with over two decades of experience spanning England, New Zealand, and Australia. Having passed the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons examination in 2012, Chris brings metropolitan-level surgical care to Mackay and the surrounding regions.
His particular areas of interest include joint replacement of the shoulder, hip and knee — including complex revision surgery — as well as hand and wrist, trauma, and open shoulder surgery. Chris also maintains a special interest in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
A Captain in the Australian Defence Force Army Reserves, Chris embodies a deep commitment to civic duty and public service alongside his thriving private practice.
Two decades of craft.
One unwavering standard.
Dr Christopher Wainwright FAOrthA is a consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon whose career spans three countries, three decades, and thousands of procedures. Trained in England and New Zealand before establishing his practice in Queensland, he brings an international perspective to every consultation — underpinned by a deep commitment to the communities of Mackay and the Whitsunday region.
His philosophy is simple: patients deserve honest, evidence-based advice from a surgeon who stays at the leading edge of the field — without losing sight of the human being sitting across the desk.
Rooted in Queensland
Chris Wainwright chose to build his practice in Mackay and the Whitsundays — not by default, but by design. He recognised that people in regional Queensland deserve the same calibre of orthopaedic care available in major capital cities, without the burden of travelling hundreds of kilometres for surgery.
Technology-Forward Practice
Chris is an early adopter of evidence-based surgical innovation. From computer-assisted joint replacement to the latest implant systems from global leaders such as Stryker and DePuy Synthes, his operating theatre reflects the best that modern orthopaedics has to offer — rigorously evaluated and applied only where clinical evidence supports it.
Fellowship-Trained Precision
Following his FAOrthA qualification in 2012, Chris undertook advanced fellowship training in joint replacement and upper limb surgery. This post-fellowship period — rare among regional surgeons — refined the technical precision that defines his operative approach and outcomes.
Conservative First, Surgical When Needed
Surgery is never the first resort. Chris believes in thorough, unhurried consultations that explore every non-operative option before recommending a procedure. When surgery is the right answer, you can be confident the decision is grounded in evidence and driven by your best interests.
Educator & Mentor
As a member of the RACS Teaching Faculty, Chris dedicates time to training the next generation of Australian surgeons. His involvement in TIPS and CCRISP programmes reflects a conviction that excellence in surgery must be taught — not just practised.
Duty Beyond the Clinic
A Captain in the Army Reserves (2 Health Battalion, Brisbane), Chris extends his commitment to service well beyond his consulting rooms. This military discipline — precision, accountability, calm under pressure — informs every aspect of his surgical culture.
"My goal is to offer every patient in regional Queensland the same informed, technologically advanced, and compassionate care I would want for my own family."— Dr Christopher Wainwright, FAOrthA
The Procedure Atlas
Find your specific area of concern. Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique anatomy and lifestyle.
Hip
Total & Revision Replacement, Ceramic ResurfacingKnee
Replacement & Ligament RepairShoulder
Replacement, Open & Keyhole SurgeryHand & Wrist
Surgery & Ligament ReconstructionTrauma
Acute Fracture CareInflammatory
Arthritis & Gout
Advancing care with
proven innovation.
We invest in technologies only when evidence supports their efficacy. Every tool and technique we use is chosen with one goal in mind — the best possible outcome for each patient.
Evidence-Based
Every technique and technology we adopt is backed by robust clinical evidence, not marketing hype.
Patient Safety First
Treatment decisions are always guided by what is safest and most effective for each individual patient.
Personalised Care
No two patients are the same. Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.
Minimally Invasive
Where appropriate, minimally invasive approaches reduce recovery time and post-operative discomfort.
Comprehensive Recording
We record all our interactions with patients including teleconferences, face-to-face consultations, ward rounds and even operations. We do this because we have nothing to hide about any of our interactions, as well as helping to improve our documentation for you, the patient. We can provide you with a copy of any of these recordings at your request — we just ask that you don’t post them to social media. We do use AI to help process these recordings. This is done within Australia (nothing goes “off-shore”) and we ensure we comply with the Australian Government’s Voluntary AI Safety Standard, as well as ISO 27001:2022 and the Australian Privacy Principles. This process we use translates audio to text, and then helps us to rapidly create tailored documents for patients, colleagues and insurers. All these documents are edited and proof read for accuracy by Dr Wainwright and his team before being released. To emphasise, this is a tool, not the decision. If you have any concerns around why we do this, please ask our friendly staff for a more personal explanation.
Trusted credentials,
global perspective.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
International affiliate member, maintaining connection with global orthopaedic advances and research.
RACS Teaching Faculty
Training in Professional Skills (TIPS) and CCRISP teaching faculty — dedicating weekends to training the next generation of surgeons.
Australian Defence Force
Captain in the Army Reserves (2 Health Battalion, Brisbane) — continuing a commitment to civic duty and public service.
Australian Orthopaedic Association
Active member supporting patient education, professional development, and orthopaedic research across Australia.
Collegial Practice
No surgeon works in isolation. Chris routinely consults with colleagues on complex cases, ensuring balanced opinions and best possible decision-making.
Begin your journey
to recovery.
Contact us to arrange a consultation. We endeavour to respond to all communications as quickly as possible.
230 Shute Harbour Rd, Cannonvale QLD 4802