Top Orthopaedic Specialists in Birmingham

Orthopaedics covers a wide range of conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and parts of the spine. A consultant who regularly treats knee arthritis may not be the appropriate choice for a complex wrist injury, spinal deformity or childhood foot condition.

The most useful first step is therefore to identify the relevant subspecialty rather than searching for one general “best” surgeon. Birmingham has consultants concentrating on particular joints and conditions, alongside the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, one of the country’s largest specialist musculoskeletal hospitals.

This guide retains Professor Divya Prakash for knee and hip conditions, Mr Marcus Green for knee and shoulder surgery, and Mr Hari Prem for foot, ankle and limb reconstruction. Mr Jwalant Mehta has been added for spinal conditions, while Mr Feiran Wu adds dedicated hand, wrist and elbow coverage.

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital is retained as a separate institutional entry. It is not an individual consultant and should not be compared directly with private specialists, but its multidisciplinary NHS services, musculoskeletal oncology provision, children’s care and rehabilitation facilities make it too important to omit.

No surgeon can guarantee pain relief, mobility or a particular recovery period. Treatment decisions depend on the diagnosis, imaging, overall health, expectations and whether appropriate non-surgical options have already been considered.

Important medical note

Persistent pain, stiffness or reduced movement may be caused by conditions ranging from an uncomplicated soft-tissue injury to inflammatory disease, infection, fracture or nerve compression.

Seek urgent medical help where symptoms include:

• A visibly deformed limb following injury
• Inability to bear weight after significant trauma
• A cold, pale or numb hand or foot
• Sudden weakness or loss of coordination
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness around the inner thighs or genital area
• Severe back pain with new neurological symptoms
• Fever with a hot, swollen joint
• Severe pain following recent surgery
• Chest pain or breathlessness after an operation
• A calf that becomes painful and swollen

Private specialist directories are not a substitute for emergency or urgent NHS care.

How we selected these Birmingham orthopaedic services

We considered:

• Current practising locations
• General Medical Council registration information where published
• NHS consultant appointments
• Clearly defined orthopaedic subspecialties
• Relevant fellowship training
• Professional memberships
• Availability of non-surgical and surgical care
• Access to imaging, physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Age groups treated
• Clarity of private consultation information
• Whether each addition broadened the guide meaningfully

Published testimonials, online ratings and clinic-promoted success claims were not used as selection evidence. A favourable result in one case does not predict another patient’s outcome.

Quick comparison

Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Website

Telephone: 0121 685 4000

Service type: Specialist NHS orthopaedic hospital, with private treatment available through the Woodlands Suite

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital is a dedicated NHS musculoskeletal hospital providing surgical and non-surgical care across most major orthopaedic subspecialties.

Its services include knees, hips, hands and forearms, shoulders and elbows, foot and ankle, spinal conditions, children and young people, musculoskeletal oncology, pain management, orthotics, imaging and physiotherapy. Supporting departments include anaesthetics, pharmacy, pathology, nutrition and pre-operative assessment.

This breadth distinguishes the hospital from an individual surgeon’s private practice. Complex cases may require input from several clinicians, including surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, specialist nurses and orthotists.

The hospital is particularly important for bone and soft-tissue tumours. A suspected musculoskeletal tumour should be managed through an appropriate multidisciplinary pathway rather than an ordinary elective joint clinic.

Children and young people are seen through dedicated outpatient services, with collaboration between the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital where required.

Diagnostic facilities include X-ray, MRI, CT and ultrasound services. Imaging should be selected according to the clinical question; an MRI is not automatically necessary for every joint complaint, and imaging findings need to be interpreted alongside symptoms and examination.

Physiotherapy is delivered through dedicated services, including facilities at ROH College Green. Hydrotherapy and orthotics are also available for selected patients.

NHS referrals ordinarily follow the appropriate primary-care or specialist pathway. Patients may have a legal right to choose an NHS provider for certain first outpatient appointments, subject to clinical suitability and commissioning rules. The hospital also offers private care through the Woodlands Suite.

An outpatient appointment may be conducted by the named consultant or another qualified member of the consultant’s team. This is a normal feature of NHS specialist services and should be understood when comparing hospital care with a private appointment booked specifically with one consultant.

The original entry described the hospital as open 24 hours. Inpatient services naturally operate continuously, but ordinary outpatient, imaging and administrative departments have their own schedules. The hospital should not be treated as a walk-in emergency department for general injuries.

Pros

• One of the UK’s largest dedicated orthopaedic hospitals
• Broad surgical and non-surgical service range
• Specialist musculoskeletal oncology provision
• Children’s and young people’s services
• Integrated imaging, physiotherapy, orthotics and rehabilitation
• NHS and selected private pathways

Best for: Complex orthopaedic conditions, multidisciplinary treatment, musculoskeletal tumours, children’s services and patients wanting specialist NHS care.

What to confirm: Ask which service the referral has entered, who is expected to conduct the appointment and whether imaging or previous medical records must be supplied in advance.

Professor Divya Prakash — Knee and Hip

Website

New booking enquiries: 0121 816 0363

Other enquiries: 07779 928532

Email: divya.prakash-enquiries@medbelle.com

Practice: UK Knee and Sports Injury Clinic

Professor Divya Prakash is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon whose practice concentrates predominantly on knee and hip conditions, including sports injuries and arthritis.

He entered consultant practice in trauma and orthopaedics in 2002 and later joined Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals. His published private practice covers Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Edgbaston, Solihull and the wider West Midlands.

His knee work includes arthroscopy, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, partial and total knee replacement, patellofemoral replacement, cartilage procedures and selected robotic-assisted surgery. His hip practice includes assessment and surgery for arthritis and related conditions.

The practice has a particular interest in younger and active adults, although suitability depends on the individual condition rather than age alone. Someone with a sports injury may require physiotherapy, activity modification or rehabilitation instead of surgery.

The clinic publishes information about injection treatment and joint-preservation approaches. Patients should ask which injection is being proposed, whether it is licensed for the intended use, what evidence supports it and whether it is intended to provide temporary symptom relief or alter the underlying condition.

Terms such as regenerative treatment and stem-cell therapy require caution. Orthobiological products differ considerably, and evidence varies according to preparation and condition. A treatment should not be described as rebuilding an arthritic joint unless robust evidence supports that claim.

Robotic-assisted knee replacement refers to technology used to help plan or guide aspects of implant positioning. The surgeon remains responsible for the operation. Robotic technology does not guarantee a better result for every patient.

Professor Prakash’s website contains detailed procedure pages, but some statements use confident recovery estimates. Mobility, physiotherapy duration and return to activity vary substantially between patients and should be discussed as ranges rather than promises.

Pros

• Defined knee and hip subspecialty
• Experience in sports injury and joint replacement
• Offers surgical and non-surgical assessment
• Covers arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction and cartilage procedures
• Multiple Birmingham-area clinic options
• Detailed procedure information

Best for: Knee arthritis, sports-related knee injuries, ligament problems, cartilage damage and selected hip conditions.

What to confirm: Verify the practising hospital, proposed treatment evidence, surgeon’s role, expected rehabilitation and whether a non-surgical pathway remains reasonable.

Mr Marcus Green — Knee and Shoulder

Consultant information

Principal private hospital: The Priory Hospital, Priory Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7UG

Telephone: Confirm through The Priory Hospital’s current consultant-booking service

Mr Marcus Green is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in knee and shoulder conditions. His practice includes joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery.

Knee care may involve assessment of arthritis, meniscal problems, ligament injury and other causes of pain or instability. Treatment should ordinarily begin with a diagnosis and discussion of appropriate non-operative measures where these remain reasonable.

For knee arthritis, options may include exercise, physiotherapy, weight management where relevant, pain medication, walking aids and selected injections. Surgery is generally considered where symptoms remain substantial and the likely benefit outweighs the risks.

Mr Green performs knee replacement and has contributed to Circle Health Group’s published patient information on indications, preparation, risk and recovery. His comments emphasise pre-operative fitness, realistic goals and diligent rehabilitation.

His shoulder practice covers conditions suitable for arthroscopic or other orthopaedic management. Shoulder pain can arise from rotator-cuff disorders, arthritis, instability, frozen shoulder, referred neck pain and several other causes, making examination important before treatment is planned.

The supplied guide described “meticulous surgical technique”, rapid recovery and exemplary outcomes. Those statements were based on reputation and reviews rather than comparable published outcome data and have therefore been removed.

It also listed the hospital under its former BMI Healthcare branding. The Priory Hospital is now part of Circle Health Group, and bookings should be made through the current hospital or consultant pathway.

Private consultation prices and practising schedules can change. Patients should request the current fee, likely imaging costs and follow-up charges before attending.

Pros

• Combined knee and shoulder practice
• Experience in joint replacement and arthroscopic surgery
• Private practice at an established Birmingham hospital
• Publishes balanced information about alternatives and surgical risk
• Relevant to arthritis and selected sports-related conditions

Best for: Adults seeking private assessment for knee arthritis, knee surgery or shoulder conditions.

What to confirm: Ask for the current clinic schedule, GMC details, consultation fee, follow-up cost and whether the condition falls within his present shoulder or knee practice.

Mr Hari Prem — Foot, Ankle and Limb Reconstruction

Website

Private hospital: The Priory Hospital, Priory Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7UG

Current published initial consultation: From £280

GMC number: 4752686

Mr Hari Prem is a consultant orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon treating adults and children.

His NHS appointments include the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. His private practice is conducted through The Priory Hospital.

His clinical interests include ankle arthroscopy, ankle replacement, bunion surgery, toe surgery, sports injuries and complex foot deformity. He also has experience in paediatric orthopaedics and limb reconstruction.

The breadth across age groups is particularly relevant. A newborn with clubfoot, an adolescent with a sports-related deformity and an older adult with ankle arthritis require very different assessments and treatment pathways.

For clubfoot, the Ponseti method uses staged manipulation and casting, sometimes followed by a small procedure and prolonged bracing. It is a recognised specialist pathway rather than a general “non-invasive correction” that should be attempted outside an appropriate children’s orthopaedic service.

Adults with bunions or forefoot pain should not assume surgery is necessary simply because the foot looks different. Footwear modification, insoles, activity changes and symptom management may be appropriate where pain and function remain manageable.

Ankle replacement can help selected patients with severe arthritis, but it is not suitable for everyone. Alignment, bone quality, activity, age, weight, previous infection and surrounding-joint disease may influence whether replacement, fusion or continued non-operative treatment is considered.

The original guide referred to him as “Dr Hari Prem”. Surgeons in the UK commonly use the title Mr after obtaining relevant surgical qualifications, and his current professional profile identifies him as Mr Hari Prem.

Pros

• Dedicated foot and ankle surgeon
• Treats both adults and children
• NHS appointments at two specialist Birmingham hospitals
• Covers arthroscopy, replacement, deformity and limb reconstruction
• Current private consultation price and GMC number are published
• Relevant professional memberships are listed

Best for: Foot and ankle arthritis, deformity, sports injuries, bunions and paediatric orthopaedic conditions.

What to confirm: Ask whether the appointment is adult or paediatric, what non-operative options remain and whether treatment should take place through The Priory, ROH or Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Mr Jwalant Mehta — Spine

Website

Private hospital: Spire Parkway Hospital, 1 Damson Parkway, Solihull, B91 2PP

Current published initial consultation: From £350

Mr Jwalant Mehta is a consultant orthopaedic spinal surgeon whose NHS practice is based at the Birmingham Spinal Unit at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

His work covers spinal deformity in children and adults, degenerative cervical and lumbar conditions, spinal trauma, tumours and selected sports-related spinal problems.

The addition of a dedicated spinal specialist corrects an important gap in the original guide. Back pain is common, but only a minority of patients need an operation. Assessment should consider symptoms, neurological findings, medical history and whether imaging changes management.

Red-flag symptoms such as new bladder or bowel disturbance, saddle numbness, rapidly increasing weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss or pain associated with cancer require urgent medical assessment rather than a routine private consultation.

Mr Mehta’s practice includes spinal fusion and injections for selected back and facet-joint pain. An injection may have diagnostic or therapeutic value in carefully chosen cases, but benefits vary and may be temporary.

Spinal fusion is a substantial procedure intended for specific instability, deformity or degenerative conditions. It should not be presented as an ordinary treatment for non-specific back pain.

For scoliosis and complex deformity, treatment may involve surveillance, physiotherapy, bracing or surgery depending on age, progression, symptoms and the underlying cause. Patients should ask how their case will be reviewed within a multidisciplinary spinal service.

The private hospital publishes a starting consultation fee, but investigations and procedures are charged separately. An initial appointment may lead to X-rays, MRI, CT or specialist neurophysiological testing depending on the condition.

Pros

• Dedicated spinal-deformity and reconstructive practice
• NHS consultant at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
• Treats children, adults and older people
• Covers degeneration, trauma, tumours and deformity
• Current private consultation starting price is published
• Relevant to both non-surgical and surgical spinal assessment

Best for: Scoliosis, spinal deformity, cervical or lumbar degeneration, spinal trauma and complex surgical opinions.

What to confirm: Ask whether imaging is needed before the appointment, whether the condition is suitable for private outpatient assessment and what non-surgical options should be attempted first.

Mr Feiran Wu — Hand, Wrist and Elbow

Website

Private hospitals: Spire Parkway Hospital and Spire Little Aston Hospital

GMC number: 6139303

Mr Feiran Wu is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hand, wrist and elbow conditions. He has served as a consultant in orthopaedics and trauma at University Hospitals Birmingham since 2019.

His practice covers both elective and trauma-related upper-limb problems. These may include fractures, ligament injuries, nerve compression, arthritis, tendon disorders and complex deformity.

Common hand complaints such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, thumb-base arthritis and ganglion cysts do not always require surgery. Splinting, activity modification, therapy, injections or observation may be appropriate depending on severity and diagnosis.

Mr Wu’s specialist interests include wrist arthroscopy and complex injuries. Arthroscopy uses small instruments to inspect or treat selected problems within the wrist joint, but it is not appropriate for every cause of wrist pain.

He also publishes experience with three-dimensional planning and customised implants for selected forearm deformities. This is highly specialised work and should not be interpreted as routine use of custom implants for ordinary fractures.

Hand surgery is closely connected with rehabilitation. Stiffness, swelling, scar sensitivity and reduced grip may persist after technically successful surgery, making access to hand therapy important.

Patients should ask whether therapy, splinting and post-operative exercises are included in the hospital pathway or charged separately. They should also disclose work requirements, musical instruments, sports and caring responsibilities because these can affect treatment planning.

Pros

• Dedicated hand, wrist and elbow practice
• NHS trauma and elective experience at University Hospitals Birmingham
• Covers common and complex upper-limb conditions
• Wrist arthroscopy and deformity-correction experience
• Published GMC number
• Private appointments through two West Midlands hospitals

Best for: Hand and wrist trauma, nerve compression, arthritis, tendon problems and complex upper-limb reconstruction.

What to confirm: Ask whether hand therapy is required, which hospital will provide surgery and how long work, driving and lifting restrictions may realistically last.

The author’s take

What stood out during the research was how misleading a single list of “orthopaedic specialists” can be without clear subspecialty labels.

Professor Prakash and Mr Green both treat knees, but their current practices are not identical. Professor Prakash’s service places greater emphasis on sports injuries, cartilage work and combined knee-and-hip surgery, while Mr Green covers knee and shoulder conditions.

Mr Prem is the clearest choice from this selection for foot and ankle problems, particularly where paediatric or reconstructive expertise matters. Mr Mehta and Mr Wu strengthen the guide by adding dedicated spine and hand coverage.

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital remains the most important institutional entry. It is where patients can access several specialist teams, imaging, rehabilitation and complex pathways within one NHS trust. It should not be described as though it were simply another private clinic.

My view is that patients should choose according to the affected anatomical area and likely complexity, then verify the named consultant’s present practice. A prestigious title or long procedure list is less important than whether the surgeon regularly manages the precise condition.

Private consultation costs

The unsupported statement that Birmingham consultations begin at £95 has been removed. Current published examples in this guide include:

• Mr Hari Prem: from £280
• Mr Jwalant Mehta: from £350

These are starting consultation prices only. The total pathway may include:

• Follow-up consultation
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• MRI or CT
• Injection
• Physiotherapy
• Orthotics
• Pre-operative assessment
• Anaesthetic fee
• Surgeon’s fee
• Hospital fee
• Implants
• Post-operative therapy

Ask for an estimate covering the full anticipated episode of care rather than only the first appointment.

Checking a consultant

Before booking, verify:

1. Full professional name
2. GMC number
3. Licence to practise
4. Specialist Register status
5. Current practising hospital
6. Relevant subspecialty
7. NHS consultant appointment where stated
8. Professional memberships
9. Indemnity arrangements
10. Who will perform the procedure

The title “Professor” may arise from an academic or honorary appointment and does not replace checking GMC status and current surgical practice.

Non-surgical treatment

Depending on the condition, initial management may include:

• Physiotherapy
• Strengthening
• Activity modification
• Weight management
• Pain relief
• Bracing or splinting
• Footwear changes
• Orthotics
• Occupational or hand therapy
• Selected injections
• Monitoring

Non-surgical care should not be dismissed as doing nothing. For several musculoskeletal conditions, exercise and rehabilitation are central treatments.

Equally, repeated conservative treatment should not be used to postpone necessary specialist assessment where symptoms are progressive or neurological function is threatened.

Injections and regenerative claims

Possible orthopaedic injections include:

• Corticosteroid
• Local anaesthetic
• Hyaluronic acid
• Platelet-rich plasma
• Other orthobiological preparations

Evidence, licensing and expected duration vary by condition and product. Ask:

• What is being injected?
• Is the use licensed?
• What evidence supports it?
• What are the risks?
• Is it diagnostic or therapeutic?
• How long might benefit last?
• What happens if it fails?
• Would it delay surgery?
• Is it covered by insurance?

Be cautious about claims that an injection regenerates cartilage or permanently reverses arthritis.

Preparing for an appointment

Bring:

• Referral letter
• Medication list
• Previous clinic letters
• Imaging reports and images
• Details of earlier treatment
• Physiotherapy history
• Relevant blood-test results
• Symptom timeline
• Questions
• Insurance authorisation where applicable

Wear clothing that allows the affected area to be examined. For knee, hip, foot or ankle appointments, shorts can be useful. For shoulder or hand consultations, clothing should allow examination of the full arm and neck.

Questions to ask

1. What is the diagnosis?
2. Are other diagnoses possible?
3. Is more imaging necessary?
4. What happens without surgery?
5. What non-surgical options remain?
6. What are the benefits and risks?
7. Who will perform the operation?
8. How often do you perform it?
9. What recovery range is realistic?
10. What physiotherapy is required?
11. When can I drive and work?
12. What symptoms require urgent help?
13. What is the complete cost?
14. Is a second opinion reasonable?
15. How will follow-up be arranged?

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral?

Self-funding patients can often book directly, but some consultants request a referral. Private insurers commonly require GP referral and prior authorisation.

Will an orthopaedic consultant always recommend surgery?

No. Many conditions are managed with rehabilitation, medication, injections, splints or monitoring.

Should I have an MRI before the appointment?

Not necessarily. The specialist may prefer to examine you first and select the correct imaging. An inappropriate scan can add cost without changing treatment.

What is the difference between an orthopaedic surgeon and a rheumatologist?

Orthopaedic surgeons deal primarily with structural musculoskeletal conditions and surgery. Rheumatologists manage inflammatory, autoimmune and systemic musculoskeletal disease.

Can I choose the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital on the NHS?

Choice may be available for some first outpatient referrals, subject to NHS rules and clinical suitability. Discuss the referral with the GP or referring clinician.

Can I see the same consultant privately and on the NHS?

Some consultants work in both sectors. Access, waiting time, location and follow-up arrangements differ, and private payment does not ordinarily create priority within an NHS pathway.

Does keyhole surgery recover quickly?

Arthroscopy uses smaller incisions, but recovery depends on the procedure, tissue damage and rehabilitation. “Minimally invasive” does not mean risk-free or immediately functional.

How long does joint replacement last?

Longevity varies according to implant, joint, activity, alignment, health and other factors. Discuss registry evidence and revision risk with the surgeon.

Should I obtain a second opinion?

A second opinion can be reasonable before major elective surgery, particularly where options differ or the diagnosis remains uncertain.

Choosing with confidence

Begin with the affected area and the type of problem.

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital offers Birmingham’s broadest multidisciplinary orthopaedic pathway. Professor Prakash provides specialised knee and hip assessment, while Mr Green covers knee and shoulder conditions. Mr Prem is focused on foot, ankle and limb reconstruction. Mr Mehta provides spinal expertise, and Mr Wu covers hand, wrist and elbow conditions.

Verify current registration and practising arrangements, ask about non-surgical care and obtain a complete estimate before private treatment. The appropriate specialist should explain uncertainty, alternatives and risk clearly rather than promising an exceptional result.

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