Dr Kaihan Yao

Meet Dr Kaihan Yao
Orthopaedic Surgeon – Foot, Ankle & Knee Specialist

Dr Kaihan Yao is a highly trained Australian Orthopaedic Surgeon who specialises in foot and ankle surgery, as well as knee replacement surgery. He has a special interest in advanced treatments such as total ankle replacement, minimally invasive bunion and foot / ankle procedures, and robotic-assisted personalised knee replacement — all designed to help patients recover faster and move more confidently.

Dr Yao completed his medical degree with Honours at Monash University, followed by further studies in Surgical Anatomy and Clinical Epidemiology through the University of Melbourne and the University of Newcastle. He undertook Orthopaedic training across a range of hospitals in Victoria and was subsequently awarded Fellowship of both the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association.

To provide the best possible care, Dr Yao completed additional training at high-volume surgical centres, focusing on joint replacement and minimally invasive foot and ankle techniques. He is the first surgeon in Victoria to perform the ArthroBroström™ minimally invasive ankle ligament reconstruction, a keyhole surgery for chronic ankle sprains and instability.

Dr Yao is passionate about medical education and surgical standards. He serves as the Supervisor for Junior Doctor Training in Orthopaedic Surgery at Box Hill Hospital and is a Clinical Examiner for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ Clinical Examination. He also sits on the Medical Advisory Committee at Waverley Private Hospital, contributing to clinical governance and hospital standards.

His academic work includes multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals and co-authorship of a textbook chapter on Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome in Chapman’s Comprehensive Orthopaedic Surgery. He regularly presents at national and international conferences on advanced joint and ankle surgery.

Fluent in both English and Mandarin, Dr Yao is committed to delivering clear, compassionate, and individualised care.

Whether you’re dealing with long-standing foot pain, a recent injury, or joint degeneration, Dr Yao is here to help you return to the activities you love with confidence.