I have been referred to see a knee specialist and, due to some private medical at work, can go private. This means I can basically choose who I see.
The issues is that there a loads of them, and all of them seem the same. Same specialities, same qualifications, same reviews. I've asked my GP who gave a couple of names, but described then as "general knee specialists" and I have no idea if that's good or bad.
Any ideas how to choose?
Or alternatively, anyone recommend a knee consultant in the Midlands who specialises in cartridge and return to sport?
Hi Dave Hann in Nottingham works with a lot of professional athletes and is a knee specialist. The other way is to use google scholar and see which consultants are publishing on your condition. They tend to be the best
Ben Bloch is another one
There is an orthopedic surgeon website somewhere with a joint registry showing the mix and number of operations each surgeon performs. So you might be able to weed out who regularly does your op.
This means I can basically choose who I see.
Double check that.
Depending on the coverage you have, you may be restricted to an approved list of providers/ consultants that your insurer has agreement with. You could have unlimited access, but it's better to check first
Depending on the coverage you have, you may be restricted to an approved list of providers/ consultants that your insurer has agreement with. You could have unlimited access, but it's better to check first
I have, there some restrictions, but it's pretty open.
The other way is to use google scholar and see which consultants are publishing on your condition. They tend to be the best
This is very far from a given in the NHS. Different in other systems where publishing is linked to tenure.
The difficulty with private medicine is that it will often come down to who is the best at selling themselves rather than anything else.
IIRC there's someone on here who's married to an E Mids orthopod, but they may not see this as 'medical consultant' means physician, when you're asking about a surgeon. Don't know if you can amend the title?
Most specialists/consultants have private and NHS roles - I'd look at what the consultants are in your local NHS hospital for knees, then search them privately. That way, if it goes 'seriously' wrong, you'll likely still see the same consultant under the NHS. They will usually say if they specialise in sports (on the 'private' hospital side).
If you want the best, and the 'insurance' will pay for it then you may have to travel. It's much of a muchness - if they can repair your knee, the rest is usually up to you for recovery as that's in the recovery and physiotherapy stage. You'd be better making sure the post surgery physio is available on the insurance.
Partner had a good few ligaments repaired by Tim Spalding. She had no complaints apart from his strict rehab'.
where in the Midlands ?
You need to see a soft tissue knee ortho specialist if it’s muscle/ligaments rather than fracture etc
You might want to look at Mr Pete Gallacher at Robert Jones Agnes Hunt. Not only a good surgeon but highly recommended rehab team too
Other than that look at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Brum, and look which of theirs do soft tissue
If you want the best, and the 'insurance' will pay for it then you may have to travel. It's much of a muchness
To a degree. As you say I would 100% avoid someone who only does private practice, not because of the link to NHS work.
I booked a consultation with three different ones. Cost about £200-350 each time, but allowed me to get to know them a bit. Only problem was they each had a slightly different plan! I finally went with my NHS consultant in his Private clinic, but was able to haggle him down based on my other quotes and saved more than the money I spent on the consultations…
During surgery he actually found a slightly different problem than expected so I ended having a 4th treatment plan, not one of the three that I was offered (it was a combo of two of them though so not a huge difference).
Follow up physio was also pretty good with a few sessions in a pool followed by a treatment plan provided over about 4 weeks of appts. I think this is a key element of the success/not so good outcome that a lot of people miss…
no name I’m afraid as I am on the south coast, but I did find a register with all three named etc
I can highly recommend Andrew Burnett at Oswestry Orthopaedic hospital (RJ&AH). He did a combined arthroscopy and ACL reconstruction (on the NHS) after I sought a second opinion from him. A previous NHS consultant at another hospital had told me I was "too old" for ACL reconstruction. He did a great job, allowing me to completely regain strength, stability and mobility. Albeit after a lot of rehab physio. Although he saw me as an NHS patient, he does do private work.
He's very much a knee specialist and is also a cyclist. Incidentally, the orthopedic hospital at Oswestry is absolutely superb if it's close enough for you to use. I've also had hand surgery there (Dupytrens contracture) and both experiences were excellent. They also have an excellent Veteran's orthopedic ward linked to Headley Court, for any old sweats who may be reading this.
I can highly recommend Andrew Burnett
Andy Barnett does soft tissue but his bread and butter is knee replacement
Pete on the other hand is soft tissue. I know he also dabbles with a lot of the NW football teams
I can highly recommend Andrew Burnett
Andy Barnett does soft tissue but his bread and butter is knee replacement
Pete on the other hand is soft tissue. I know he also dabbles with a lot of the NW football teams
Fair enough, it seems you have more inside knowledge than me. I'm just a punter and can only speak from personal experience. I've only ever had one ACL operation (thank ****)! But I was extremely pleased with his handling of my case and the outcome.
My mum and my aunt, both in the West Midlands, would highly recommend Mr Clare for knee replacements. This was for age related wear and tear rather than return to sport, although my aunt damaged her cartilage and knee cap years ago playing sport and mr Clare was able to make the whole thing much better
The orthopedic hospital at Oswestry is absolutely superb
My dad's been up there a few times this year. He can't speak highly enough of the place.