A/Prof Andrew Higgs(MBBS MSc MHLM DipModLang PGCert AFRACMA FRACS FAOrthA GAICD)Orthopaedic Surgeon

A/Prof Andrew Higgs is a highly experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in Foot and Ankle surgery. With 25 years of medical practice, including 20 years dedicated exclusively to orthopaedic conditions, Andrew brings a wealth of expertise to his patients.

Andrew completed his surgical training at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and further refined his expertise in Foot and Ankle surgery by working with some of the most esteemed Foot and Ankle Surgeons in France, Austria, and the United Kingdom.

When making treatment recommendations, Andrew considers each individual's unique circumstances, promoting active participation and shared decision-making. Surgery may not always be necessary, and a multidisciplinary approach involving podiatry or physiotherapy is often recommended.

When not in surgery or consulting, Andrew dedicates his time to teaching medical students, junior doctors, and specialist orthopaedic trainees. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame, Australia.

Andrew also serves as a surgeon in the Australian Defence Force, where he has provided medical assistance in various environments. His service includes overseas deployments and support for domestic operations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Bushfire emergencies.

Andrew is approachable, personable, and professional, ensuring that patients always receive his dedicated attention and care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, University of Sydney, Australia
• Master of Science (Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Technology), University of Dundee, Scotland
• Master of Health Leadership and Management, University of New South Wales, Australia
• Post Graduate Certificate (Clinical Audit & Research), University of Dundee, Scotland
• Diploma of Modern Languages (German), University of New England, Australia
• Associate Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators (AFRACMA)
• Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
• Fellow of the Australian Orthopaedic Association (FAOrthA)

Other Qualifications

• Australian Institute of Company Directors Course, Graduate
• Foundations of Directorship, Australian Institute of Company Directors
• NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority Assessor of Permanent Impairment
• Leadership for Clinicians, Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators
• Leadership Principles, Harvard Business School Online
• Definitive Trauma Care, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• Baltimore Limb Deformity Course, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopaedics
• Current Concepts in External Fixation for Trauma, Royal College of Surgeons, England
• Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST), Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• EMST Instructor Course, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• Management of Severe Burns, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• Major Incident Medical Management and Support Course
• FAST Course, Australian Defence Force
• Amputations Course, Royal College of Surgeons England
• AO Pelvic and Hip Trauma Course, University of Graz, Austria

Professional Memberships

• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
• Australian Orthopaedic Association
• Australian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
• Australian Medical Association
• Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators (AFRACMA)
• Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)

Academic Appointments

• Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Notre Dame (UNDA)
• Conjoint Senior Lecturer, University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Specialist Overseas Fellowships

Orthopaedic Fellow (Foot and Ankle Surgery)

Avon Orthopaedic Centre
Southmead Hospital
Bristol
United Kingdom

Orthopaedic Fellow (Foot and Ankle Surgery)

Landesklinikum Wr. Neustadt
Wiener Neustadt Hospital
Orthopaedic Department
Austria

Orthopaedic Fellow (Foot and Ankle/Joint Arthroplasty)

St Vincent’s Hospital
Darlinghurst NSW
Sydney
Australia

Masters Research Project

• Percutaneous Vs. Open Achilles Tendon Repair; A Biomechanical Study. Master of Science Project, University of Dundee, Scotland 2014.

Awards

• NSW Premier's Bushfire Emergency Citation
• Travelling Fellowship Award, St Vincent's Clinic Foundation
• Kavan Orthopaedic Bequest Research Grant
• John Overton Award
• John White Medal
• Operational Service Medal – Greater Middle East Region
• U.S. Army Commendation Medal
• ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) NATO Medal
• ISAF NATO Medal Multi-Tour Indicator – '2'
• Australian Defence Medal
• Commemorative Medal (Netherlands) (Peace Operations)
• Australian Active Service Medal with ICAT clasp
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Operational Service Badge
• Returned from Active Service Badge

Publications

• HIGGS AR. A Retrospective, 12-month review of Australian Defence Force Members Presenting with Foot and Ankle Conditions and Healthcare Policy Implications, Journal of Military and Veteran’s Health. Vol 31, Number 4, page 36, 2023.
• Lawson A, HIGGS A et al: Plating vs Closed Reduction for Fractures in the Distal Radius in Older Patients: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Surg. Published online April 27, 2022.
• Lawson A, HIGGS A et al: The Combined Randomised and Observational Study of Surgery for Fractures in the Distal Radius in the Elderly (CROSSFIRE) Study Group. Surgical Plating vs Closed Reduction for Fractures in the Distal Radius in Older Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Surg. Published online January 13, 2021. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2020.5672.
• Lawson A, HIGGS A et al: A Combined Randomised and Observational Study of Surgery for Fractures of the Distal Radius in the Elderly (CROSSFIRE): A Statistical Analysis Plan. Trials, 21:651, 2020.
• Chalik N, Frydenberg E, Henry S, HIGGS A, Steel T: Schwannoma of the tibial nerve–An unusual case of foot pain. Interdisciplinary Neurosurgery 18, 2019.
• Kerr DL, Butler S, Thompson K, HIGGS A: Complete rupture of the flexor hallucis longus tendon in an isolated closed injury. A systematic literature and qualitative analysis. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 9(1), 2019.
• HIGGS AR, Maughon MJ, Ruland RT, Reade MC: Effect of Uniform Design on the Speed of Combat Tourniquet Application: A Simulation Study. 181 (8), pp 753-755, August 2016.
• HIGGS A: Field Tourniquets in Battlefield Extremity Trauma- The Difference Between Life and Death. ANZ J. Surg. 84(Suppl. 1) 112-113, May 2014.
• Pritchard A, HIGGS AR, Reade M: Where to Next in Combat Casualty Care Research? Annual Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine pages 747-764, 2014 Springer International Publishing (Book Chapter).
• HIGGS A: Percutaneous Vs. Open Achilles Tendon Repair; A Biomechanical Study. Master of Science Project, University of Dundee, Scotland 2014.
• Chambers AJ, Courtney B, HIGGS A and Reade M. Surgery for Blast Injuries: Experience of an Australian Surgical Team in Afghanistan. ANZ J of Surg Volume 81, Issue 3, March 2011, Pages: 110–112.
• Lintz F, HIGGS A, Millet M, Winson I: The Role of Plantaris in Achilles Tendinopathy: A Biomechanical Study. Foot and Ankle Surgery 2011 Vol. 17, Issue 4 :252-5.
• Winson I and HIGGS A: The Use of Proximal Tibial Bone Graft in Foot and Ankle Surgery. Foot and Ankle Clinics of North America 2010 Dec;15(4):553-8.
• Rooney J, Khoo O, HIGGS AR, Small TJ and Bell S. Surgical Site Marking Does Not Affect Sterility. ANZ Journal of Surgery, Volume 78, Issue 8, Date: August 2008, Pages: 688-689.
• Higgs RJED, Higgs WAJ, Dawes-higgs EK, HIGGS AR, Swain M: Proceedings of Bioceram 15–International Society for Ceramics in Medicine, Dec 2002.

Presentations

• HIGGS AR. A Retrospective, 12-month review of Australian Defence Force Members Presenting with Foot and Ankle Conditions and Healthcare Policy Implications, Australian Military Medical Association Conference, Perth Oct 2023.
• Mills N, HIGGS A: Talectomy for Treatment for Severe Hindfoot Charcot Arthropathy, a Qualitative Analysis and Literature Review. South Australia and Northern Territory Orthopaedic Branch Meeting, Annual Scientific Meeting 2021.
• Twibill KM, Gillies M, HIGGS A: The Effectiveness of Controlled Ankle Motion Boots at Limiting Talocrural Motion: A Pilot Study, AOA, ASM, Perth, 2018.
• Thompson K, Gillies M, HIGGS A: The Effectiveness of Post-Operative Shoes at Restricting First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Motion: A Biomechanical Pilot Study, AOA, ASM, Perth, 2018.
• Kerr D, HIGGS A: Complete Rupture of the Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon in an Isolated Closed Injury. A Systematic Literature Review and Case Report, Australian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Conference, QLD, 2018.
• HIGGS AR: Bilateral Severe Charcot Deformities- Case Presentation, Australian Limb Lengthening and Reconstructive Society, ASM, Sydney June 2018.
• HIGGS AR: ‘Return to Australia’ – definitive management of complex limb trauma. Andrew Higgs. RACS Annual Scientific Congress, Adelaide, May 2017.
• HIGGS AR: Mass Casualty Events: Limb Salvage Vs Amputation, RACS Annual Scientific Congress, Brisbane, May 2016.
• HIGGS AR: Calcaneal Fractures MIS techniques (presentation and session chairman) APOA Congress, Melbourne Convention Centre, Melbourne 2016.
• Kazemzadeh S, HIGGS AR, Gilles M, Courtenay B: Surgical management of distal radius fractures: Locked Volar Plating Vs Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning, E Poster, AOA, Annual Scientific Meeting 2015.
• HIGGS AR. Limb Injury: How to best manage major limb injuries. Trauma 2015, Australian Trauma Society, Gold Coast 2015.
• HIGGS AR. Lisfranc Injuries. Instructional Course Lecture. AOA, Annual Scientific Meeting, Melbourne 2014.
• HIGGS AR. Field Tourniquets in Battlefield Extremity Trauma- The Difference Between Life and Death. Combined RACS and ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting, Singapore May 2014.
• HIGGS AR, Krishnan M: Achilles Tendon Repair: A Biomechanical Study. AOA Annual Scientific Meeting. October 2012.
• KRISHNAN M, HIGGS AR: Syndesmosis Injury: AOA annual conference. October 2012.
• Dhillon P, HIGGS AR, Winson I: The Anterior Drawer Test and Ankle Instability. Presented at both EFAS and AOFAS 2010.
• HIGGS A. Surgical Support of Operation Slipper in Afghanistan. Tri Service Clinical Evening at St Vincent’s Clinic. August 2010.
• F.Lintz, A.HIGGS, M.Millet, M.Adams, I.G.Winson. The Role of Plantaris Longus in Achilles Tendinopathy: A Biomechanical Study. EFAS, Geneva, Switzerland 2010.
• HIGGS A.R and Woodgate I.G. A Radiological Comparison of Cement Mantle Thickness around Total Knee Arthroplasty with or without the Use of Pressurized Carbon Dioxide Lavage. AOA Annual Scientific Meeting, Hobart Oct 2008.
• HIGGS AR, Saravanja D, Hatfield A, Kuo L, Solomon M. A New Surgical Technique for a Severe Slipped Femoral Capital Epiphysis. Australian Orthopaedic Registrars’ Association 2006 National Conference.
• HIGGS AR and Rooney J. Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome and Leg Pain in Runners. Instructional Course Lecture. Combined Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Associations, Scientific Meeting Canberra, Australia 2006.
• HIGGS AR Sorial R. Intramedullary Fixation in Osteoporotic Hip Fractures. Australian Orthopaedic Registrars’ Association 2006 National Conference.
• HIGGS AR, Koo O, Small T, Rooney J. ‘The Team Time Out’ A Question of Sterility. Australian Orthopaedic Registrars’ Association 2006 National Conference.
• Khoo O, HIGGS AR, Small T, Rooney J. Surgical Site Marking. Combined Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Associations, Scientific Meeting Canberra, Australia 2006.
• Papantoniou PJ, HIGGS AR, Tunggal JAW, Papantoniou LG, Mitchell KJY, Papantoniou JP, Higgs RJED. A Clinical and Haematological comparison of Two Autologous Blood Reinfusion Systems in Total Knee Replacements. Australian Orthopaedic Registrars’ Association 2004 National Conference.
• HIGGS AR and Higgs R. Carpal Coalition. NSW Hand Association Annual Conference. Canberra 2004.
• Papantoniou PJ, HIGGS AR, Tungall JAW, Papantoniou LG, Papantoniou JP, Mitchell KJ, Higgs RJED. Angular Correction of Pre-operative Templating to Account for the Anatomical Axis of the Femur and Tibia – New Templates and a Mathematical Proof. Australian Orthopaedic Registrars’ Association 2004 National Conference.
• HIGGS AR, Higgs J, Higgs R. When Mesenchyme Fails to Cavitate. Australian Orthopaedic Registrars’ Association 2004 National Conference.
• HIGGS AR, Damiani M, Dao Q, Sorial R: Gamma Nail Vs DHS. A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial. NSW State Branch of the AOA June 2003.
• HIGGS AR: Bone Tumours. Review of Current Surgical Management and Case Presentation. Australian Orthopaedic Nurses Association, Sydney, 4th Dec 2002.
• Higgs RJED, HIGGS AR: A Simple Clinical Test to Distinguish Static, Dynamic and Pseudowinging of the Scapula. Combined New Zealand and Australian Orthopaedic Association, Scientific Meeting, Queenstown, New Zealand, October 2001.