Dr Charles Gallagher

Shoulder, Elbow & Hand Surgeon

Charles Gallagher is a Melbourne-born and educated orthopaedic surgeon with international fellowship training in advanced surgery of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. With comprehensive surgical experience and a patient-centred approach, he works to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve upper limb function.

Charles graduated with Honours in Medicine from the University of Notre Dame, Western Australia, before returning to Victoria to complete specialist orthopaedic training through the Australian Orthopaedic Association, subsequently becoming a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

To further refine his skills, he spent two and a half years undertaking subspecialist training in hand, elbow, and shoulder surgery. He began with six months at the Victorian Hand Surgery Associates before travelling overseas for two prestigious international fellowships. The first was a year at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he focused on upper limb trauma, joint replacement, and arthroscopic surgery. He then completed a further year at the Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre in London, Ontario, Canada, gaining additional subspecialty training in hand and upper limb surgery.

His surgical interests include minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, trauma management, and joint replacement surgery. His current research focuses on innovations in shoulder arthroplasty, advanced fracture fixation, and the treatment of complex hand and wrist conditions.

He holds public appointments at Dandenong and Box Hill Hospitals, where he plays an active role in surgical education and research, mentoring the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons.

Recognised for his clear communication, empathetic manner, and evidence-based care, Charles is committed to helping patients return to the activities that matter most — from elite sport and demanding work roles to everyday routines.

Specialty Interests

• Arthroscopic and sports surgery of the upper limb
• Joint replacement and reconstructive surgery
• Fracture management and soft tissue injury repair
• Nerve and tendon surgery

Key Procedures Performed

Hand & Wrist:

• Fracture fixation
• Carpal tunnel release
• Wrist arthroscopy
• Joint replacement & fusion surgery for arthritis
• Tendon and nerve repair
• Trigger Finger Surgery
• Dupuytren’s surgery

Elbow:

• Arthroscopy
• Joint replacement
• Nerve decompression Distal bicep tendon repair & reconstruction, epicondylitis surgery (Tennis and Golfer’s elbow)

Shoulder:

• Rotator cuff repair
• Instability surgery (arthroscopic & Latarjet)
• Shoulder replacement (anatomic & reverse)
• AC joint reconstruction