I qualified as a doctor from Cambridge University and subsequently completed my Orthopaedic Training at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore.
I had a specialist training in hand surgery in Strasbourg, France.
My main field of activity is in hand surgery. I have a special interest in joint replacement in the hand, severe and recurrent Dupuytren’s disease, and wrist disorders.
Until now we have had little to offer to patients with arthritis of the hand and fingers, but a new generation of finger joint replacements is now available which should solve many of the problems encountered hitherto. The type with which I favour has been developed by surgeons at the Mayo Clinic and is made of a material called pyrocarbon which was until recently, only used in artificial heart valves. Several joints can be treated at the same operation if need be.
Dupuytren’s disease can present with severe finger deformities which present formidable challenges both in terms of skin cover, but also re-balancing of the tendons around the finger and correction of the joint contractures which accompany the condition. In the case of recurrent disease the picture is even more complex. I have experience in both primary and recurrent disease, including the use of external skeletal fixation to correct joint contracture.
Pyrocarbon finger joint replacement
External fixation use in Dupuytren’s disease
Wrist surgery is a relatively new field that has expanded greatly with the advent of new imaging techniques such as MRI scanning and arthroscopy. I have a particular interest in arthritis of the wrist which may be amenable to techniques other than joint replacement. I also undertake reconstruction of the wrist after trauma, scaphoid surgery and surgery for recurrent ganglion.
Treatment of patients with hand problems requires the co-operation of a team of specialists including anaesthetist, hand therapists and pain specialists in order to achieve the best results. At St Anthonys we have such a team and are ready to assess and manage most adult hand problems.
Unfortunately, we regret that we are not at present able to offer a comprehensive programme for children.
I will not normally see patients without a letter of referral from the family doctor or the referring specialist.
