Dr Mark Nabarro, Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon, has built his career around the assessment and treatment of complex hand, wrist and upper limb conditions.

His interest in medicine began in high school after completing a first aid course. During his medical training, he was drawn to orthopaedics because of its hands-on nature and the opportunity to help people regain function. A hand fellowship in Indianapolis later cemented his interest in the specialty.

Today, Dr Nabarro’s practice encompasses hand, wrist and forearm conditions, including fractures, ligament injuries, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and nerve injuries. He also undertakes medico-legal assessments, bringing his clinical experience into matters involving workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents and public liability claims.

Looking Beyond the MRI

While MRI scans can provide valuable information, they should not be considered in isolation when assessing a person’s condition.

Abnormalities on imaging can be common, particularly as people get older. The challenge is determining whether those findings actually correspond with the person’s symptoms and clinical presentation.

For medico-legal assessments, this means taking the time to understand the examinee’s history, conduct a thorough examination and consider how investigation findings fit into the broader clinical picture.

Investigations should complement the clinical assessment, not replace it.

A Hands-On Approach to Assessment

A detailed physical examination is particularly important when assessing hand and upper limb injuries.

Dr Nabarro uses tools including a goniometer to measure range of movement and a two-point discriminator to measure two-point discrimination in the fingers.

These measurements provide measurable information about movement and sensation, helping build a clearer picture of the examinee’s clinical presentation.

His approach reflects a broader philosophy: a comprehensive medico-legal assessment requires more than reviewing a file. It requires speaking with the examinee, understanding their history and conducting an appropriate clinical examination.

Choosing the Right Specialist Matters

Hand and upper limb conditions can involve complex anatomy and overlapping areas of expertise.

While there can be some crossover between Orthopaedic Hand Surgeons and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the appropriate specialist should have relevant experience with the specific condition being assessed.

This is particularly important in medico-legal matters, where the relevant specialist expertise can help ensure the questions are considered from an appropriate clinical perspective.

What Makes a Good Letter of Instruction?

For referrers, Dr Nabarro’s advice is straightforward: provide the relevant clinical history, previous assessments and other opinions, and be specific about what you want the specialist to address.

Rather than broad instructions such as “please assess”, specific questions can help an expert focus their assessment and provide a more useful report.

Clear and targeted instructions can make a significant difference to the referral process and the quality of the resulting opinion.

From Complex Injuries to Restoring Function

Perhaps what comes through most clearly in Dr Nabarro’s approach is his enjoyment of the clinical side of hand surgery.

He describes trauma and fracture management as something of a puzzle—putting the pieces back together and helping a patient regain function.

That same clinical focus carries into his medico-legal work. His role is not simply to identify an injury, but to consider the clinical findings, functional impact and implications for the individual.

For lawyers, insurers and other professionals working with hand and upper limb matters, this combination of specialist expertise and thorough clinical assessment can provide valuable insight into complex cases.

Learn More About Dr Mark Nabarro

Dr Nabarro brings extensive experience in Orthopaedic Hand Surgery to his medico-legal practice, with particular expertise in hand, wrist and upper limb conditions.

His approach highlights the importance of looking beyond imaging, conducting a thorough clinical examination and ensuring that medico-legal questions are directed to the appropriate specialist.

Interested in learning more about Dr Nabarro or his areas of expertise?

Visit his Australian Specialist Hub profile to explore his experience and medico-legal assessment services.

View Dr Mark Nabarro’s Profile →

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