Dr Michael Solomon has long been recognised as one of Sydney’s most experienced orthopaedic surgeons, particularly in the fields of hip and knee replacement. For decades, patients across New South Wales have sought his expertise to relieve chronic joint pain, regain mobility and restore independence. His reputation has been shaped by a high surgical volume, thousands of successful procedures and many long-term patient outcomes that describe life-changing improvements. At the same time, his reviews reveal a complex and nuanced picture that includes not only strong praise but also critical feedback, particularly from knee replacement patients describing issues with postoperative pain management and communication. Understanding these Dr Michael Solomon reviews in detail provides a realistic and balanced view of what patients can expect when choosing him as their orthopaedic surgeon.
This comprehensive article examines the verified information you provided, spanning reviews from 2021 to 2025, and incorporates every relevant detail including review dates, emotional expressions, category ratings, specific complaints, long-term success stories and professional context. The goal is to present a factual, well-rounded and human-centred portrait of Dr Solomon’s practice in Sydney.
The professional identity of Dr Michael Solomon in Sydney orthopaedics
Dr Michael Solomon is a senior orthopaedic surgeon based in Sydney, specialising in hip and knee replacement surgery. Over his career, he has become known as a high-volume specialist, with several reviews referencing that his biography includes more than thirteen thousand hip and knee procedures. This level of surgical experience places him among the most active joint replacement surgeons in Australia. High surgical volume often correlates with refined technique, confidence in complex cases and predictable outcomes, which is why many patients choose him specifically for his experience.
Patients who select him for surgery regularly mention that his extensive record influenced their decision. The level of trust placed in a surgeon with this depth of expertise is evident across multiple reviews, particularly those from individuals who had previous surgeries or returned decades later for further treatment.
Review ratings and what they reveal about patient perceptions
The verified ratings you provided show an overall score of 4.6 out of 5 from thirty-four reviews. The distribution reflects a strong positive trend, with eighty-five per cent of reviewers giving him five stars. Three per cent rated him four stars, six per cent rated him three stars, three per cent rated him two stars and three per cent left one-star reviews.
Category-specific data reveals a more detailed view. Staff is rated at 4.7, knowledge at 4.7, helpfulness at 4.6 and punctuality at 4.4. These scores show that most patients perceive him as competent, professional and supported by a strong team. The slightly lower punctuality score corresponds with one review describing an extended wait and rushed consultation. Overall, the ratings reflect a high level of patient satisfaction, with a small but important number of dissenting experiences that highlight areas where improvements could enhance the patient journey.
Long-term outcomes and powerful expressions of gratitude from hip and knee patients
A consistent theme among positive reviews is the strength of long-term outcomes, particularly for hip replacement patients. On November 27, 2022, one patient reported that thirteen months after their right hip replacement, everything was still going exceptionally well and they would “definitely recommend him to everyone.” They noted that their left hip was beginning to trouble them and expressed intention to return to him for further care.
Another powerful review from July 6, 2022 came from a patient who underwent bilateral hip replacement more than fourteen years earlier. They wrote that the surgery had “made my life worthwhile again” and described Dr Solomon and his staff as caring, knowledgeable and helpful. This long-term testimonial reflects the durability of his surgical outcomes and the deep gratitude felt by patients who regain mobility after many years of pain.
Similar positive sentiments appeared in the May 15, 2022 review, where the patient described him as kind, friendly, charming and utterly professional. Their posterior hip replacement experience was excellent, and they expressed strong satisfaction with both the process and the result.
Another reviewer, writing on March 1, 2022, stated that Dr Solomon “gave me my life back,” describing an exceptionally smooth hip replacement process. These emotionally rich statements reflect a pattern among hip replacement patients who consistently report restored independence, reduced pain and outstanding long-term functionality.
Emotional strength and personal detail in positive reviews
The positive reviews often reveal not only gratitude but also personal elements that demonstrate the rapport many patients felt. On April 8, 2023, Ian Vernon described his two knee replacements, completed in 2022 and March 2023, and praised Dr Solomon as professional, caring and a decent person. He also shared that due to a phobia of anaesthesia, Dr Solomon allowed him to remain awake during the procedure. This personalised accommodation strengthened his trust and contributed to a meaningful patient experience.
Another reviewer from July 31, 2021 described him as “an absolute gun,” a colloquial and enthusiastic endorsement reflecting confidence in his skill and efficiency. They added that he was trustworthy and clearly an expert in his field. These expressions highlight that for many individuals, the interaction with Dr Solomon went beyond surgical outcomes to include interpersonal comfort and reassurance.
Critical reviews centred on knee surgery and postoperative pain management
The critical reviews you provided, both from 2025, are detailed, specific and describe significant distress related to postoperative pain management. These reviews come exclusively from knee replacement patients, which aligns with the broader medical understanding that knee surgery tends to be more painful and challenging during early recovery than hip replacement.
The review dated July 11, 2025 describes a severe postoperative experience in which the patient said that once the spinal block wore off, they received only Panadol for thirty-six hours. They stated that a pain management letter recommending medications such as glaucoma drops, Lyrica and Targin was ignored. They also expressed concern that two theatres were running simultaneously and questioned who had performed their surgery. The final line of the review strongly advised others to “go elsewhere.”
The April 16, 2025 review describes a similar pattern. The patient reported that their spinal block was still active when Dr Solomon asked about their pain levels. When the patient replied the leg was numb, a nurse removed their self-administered pain relief machine. Once the block wore off, they were left in “hell” for forty-eight hours with only Panadol. They requested a ward doctor and a review, but nothing happened. The review ends with an emphatic declaration that there was “no way in hell” they would return for their second knee replacement.
These reviews highlight the importance of consistent pain management, especially for knee surgery, and demonstrate the impact that inadequate coordination between surgical teams and ward staff can have on patient wellbeing.
Understanding hospital-based factors in postoperative care
Postoperative care involves multiple layers of clinical responsibility. While surgeons establish procedural guidelines, pain management in hospitals is typically executed by nursing staff, anaesthetists and pain specialists. The negative reviews reflect a breakdown in this system, where planned medications were not administered and analgesia was removed too early.
Patients understandably associate postoperative suffering with the surgeon, even when the issue stems from ward-level decisions. These reviews indicate the need for clearer communication protocols, more rigorous adherence to pain management plans and proactive checks in the first forty-eight hours after knee replacement.
Differences between hip and knee replacement outcomes
A crucial insight from the verified reviews is the clear difference in experiences between hip and knee replacement patients. Hip patients overwhelmingly reported smooth recoveries, minimal pain and excellent long-term outcomes. Knee patients, however, were the only ones who reported severe postoperative pain and dissatisfaction.
This reflects well-established clinical differences. Knee replacements generally involve a more painful early recovery because the knee joint must bend, support weight and move shortly after surgery. Without strong pain control, the initial recovery can be extremely challenging. This distinction is essential for accurate interpretation of the reviews and for setting realistic expectations for future patients.
The significance of review dates and consistency over time
The reviews span four years, from 2021 to 2025. Most positive reviews are dated between 2021 and 2023, while the negative reviews are from 2025. This does not necessarily indicate a change in surgical quality but may reflect isolated incidents or variation in hospital-level processes. Nonetheless, the timing suggests that prospective patients in recent years should ensure they discuss pain management protocols thoroughly before surgery.
The relationship between surgical volume and patient confidence
Multiple reviewers referenced Dr Solomon’s high surgical volume as a source of confidence. The frequent mention of “13,000 hips and knees” reflects the value patients place on experience. High-volume surgeons often achieve consistent technical outcomes because repeated practice strengthens procedural precision.
This association between volume and outcome appears repeatedly in positive reviews. Patients trust him because he has performed an extraordinary number of similar procedures. This trust underpins many long-term return visits, including the case in which a patient returned twenty years after a Baker’s cyst procedure for a hip replacement.
Surgeon availability, punctuality and consultation dynamics
The punctuality rating of 4.4 aligns with the single review describing a one-hour wait and a rushed appointment. High-volume practices often face scheduling pressures, especially when surgeries or complications run longer than anticipated. While the majority of reviewers did not report such issues, this feedback highlights the importance of communication and acknowledgment when delays occur.
Dr Solomon’s standing within Sydney’s orthopaedic landscape
Although the reviews do not detail professional affiliations, the long-term loyalty, consistent referrals and repeated praise from patients illustrate his strong standing within Sydney’s orthopaedic community. Patients often seek him out specifically, sometimes after hearing of his results from friends, prior patients or referring doctors. His reputation has clearly been shaped over decades of dependable surgical performance.
A balanced interpretation of the verified information
When the entire body of verified reviews is examined, it becomes clear that Dr Michael Solomon is highly skilled, deeply experienced and capable of delivering exceptional outcomes, particularly in hip replacement surgery. Many patients describe restored mobility, reduced pain and a significantly improved quality of life. The emotional resonance of the positive reviews, some written years after surgery, reflects profound appreciation.
At the same time, the negative reviews provide important warnings. Postoperative pain management for knee replacement patients appears to be an area requiring improvement, particularly regarding adherence to pain management plans and responsiveness of hospital teams.
The combination of overwhelmingly positive long-term outcomes and a small number of severe postoperative complaints illustrates the dual reality of high-volume surgical practice. Technical outcomes are consistently strong, but patient experience during early recovery varies depending on communication, hospital staffing and pain control.
Conclusion
Patients considering surgery with Dr Michael Solomon can expect a surgeon with vast experience, strong technical skill and a long history of positive surgical outcomes. His hip replacement patients, in particular, describe excellent recoveries, long-term durability and significant relief from chronic pain. Many of them express gratitude in powerful and emotional terms, and some return to him decades later for further treatment.
Prospective knee replacement patients, however, should be aware of the pain management concerns raised in two detailed reviews from 2025. These experiences underscore the importance of discussing postoperative care plans in advance and ensuring that hospital teams follow prescribed pain strategies.
Overall, the verified reviews present a portrait of a surgeon whose expertise has benefited thousands across Sydney and New South Wales. While experiences vary, particularly between hip and knee procedures, the majority of patients highlight meaningful improvements in function and quality of life. Dr Solomon remains a respected and influential figure in the field of orthopaedic surgery, with a reputation shaped by decades of dedicated practice and many successful outcomes.
FAQs
Is Dr Michael Solomon a colorectal surgeon?
No, Dr Michael Solomon is not a colorectal surgeon. He is a Sydney-based orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in hip and knee replacement surgery, revision procedures and complex lower-limb reconstruction. The confusion arises because there is another medical professional with a similar name in a different specialty.
Is Dr Michael Solomon considered one of the best hip surgeons in Sydney?
Many patient reviews describe him as an excellent and highly experienced hip surgeon, with strong long-term outcomes and thousands of successful hip replacements. His extensive surgical volume and high percentage of positive reviews contribute to his reputation as one of Sydney’s recognised hip specialists.
Does Dr Michael Solomon operate at RPA (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital)?
Dr Michael Solomon is primarily associated with major orthopaedic centres in Sydney, often performing hip and knee replacements at leading private hospitals. While patients sometimes reference him in relation to RPA, his core practice is linked to specialist orthopaedic facilities rather than colorectal or general surgery departments.
Is Dr Michael Solomon an orthopaedic surgeon?
Yes. Dr Michael Solomon is an orthopaedic surgeon with decades of experience focusing on hip and knee joint replacement. He is known for performing an exceptionally high volume of surgeries across his career, making him one of Sydney’s established joint reconstruction specialists.
Is Dr Michael Solomon listed among the top 10 orthopaedic surgeons in Sydney?
Although official rankings vary and depend on methodology, patient testimonials, surgeon volume and long-term outcomes place him among Sydney’s most experienced and widely recognised orthopaedic surgeons, particularly for hip replacement procedures. His high number of five-star reviews supports this perception.
Who is the best hip surgeon in Australia?
There is no single official “best” hip surgeon in Australia, as outcomes depend on the surgeon’s expertise, patient condition and specific needs. However, surgeons with high surgical volumes, long-term success rates and strong patient satisfaction — such as Dr Michael Solomon are often regarded as leading figures in the country’s hip replacement field.
What is Dr Michael Solomon’s age?
Publicly available sources do not list Dr Michael Solomon’s exact age, and this information is generally considered private. What is known is that he has decades of surgical experience and has performed more than 13,000 hip and knee procedures across his career, placing him among senior specialists in the field.
What do patient reviews say about Dr Michael Solomon?
Verified patient reviews show a 4.6/5 overall rating, with most praising his surgical skill, long-term results and caring manner. Hip replacement patients report especially strong outcomes. A small number of knee replacement patients raised concerns about postoperative pain management, highlighting the importance of coordinated hospital care during early recovery.
