By Mr Philip Dobson – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Newcastle Hospitals NHS and Nuffield Health

When you’re living with knee pain, hip pain, arthritis, or a sports injury, choosing the right specialist can feel overwhelming. Many patients search for “best knee surgeon in Newcastle”, “best hip surgeon North East” or “top orthopaedic surgeon near me”.

The reality is that the best surgeon is the one whose expertise, specialist training and day-to-day practice best match your condition, goals and expectations.

This guide explains how to choose the right knee or hip surgeon in Newcastle upon Tyne and the wider North East of England, and what to look for to feel confident in your decision.

1. Focus on Specialist Training and Fellowship Experience

It is important to consider the type of specialist training a surgeon has completed and the clinical environments they work in.

Fellowship Training

Most orthopaedic surgeons complete advanced fellowship training after completion of their standard orthopaedic training. These fellowships should be highly focused and may include:

  • Complex knee reconstruction and sports knee surgery such as ACL reconstruction, meniscus and ligament surgery
  • Complex hip and knee replacement
  • Robotic assisted joint replacement
  • Revision (redo) surgery
  • Knee preservation

Look for a surgeon who has taken the time to complete respected UK or international fellowships after completion of their standard orthopaedic training. These fellowships should be relevant to your condition and should have provided high-volume, specialist exposure to the procedures you may be considering.

2. Consider Their NHS Practice – It Gives Valuable Clues

Where a surgeon works within the NHS can provide real insight into the kind of cases they routinely manage.

For example, surgeons working in:

Large tertiary referral centres or major teaching hospitals such as Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

→ often manage complex arthritis, challenging cases, revision surgery and second opinions.

Major trauma centres such as Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

→ frequently treat complex fractures, ligament injuries and reconstructive joint problems.

Hospitals closely linked with universities, sports medicine units or elite sports environments such as Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

→ commonly see sports knee injuries such as ACL tears, meniscus injuries and cartilage damage.

Understanding this helps you judge whether their everyday work aligns with your particular problem — whether that is arthritis needing joint replacement, revision surgery, or a sports injury.

In Newcastle and the wider North East, many orthopaedic surgeons work in highly regarded NHS hospitals such as Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serving large populations with complex referral pathways, which is reassuring for patients.

3. Check Whether They Regularly Perform the Surgery You Need

A key factor when choosing the best hip surgeon in Newcastle or best knee surgeon in the North East is making sure the surgeon routinely performs the type of treatment you’re likely to need.

You can usually find this information on:

  • Their private practice website
  • Their NHS consultant profile
  • Their private hospital consultant page (e.g. Nuffield, Spire, Ramsay etc.)

Look for:

Most surgeons naturally shape their practice around particular areas — choosing someone whose routine work matches your condition is extremely helpful.

4. Look for Quality, Outcomes and Professional Standards

If you are searching for the best knee surgeon Newcastle or best hip surgeon North East, look for reassurance markers such as:

  • Reference to national audit or joint registry participation
  • A commitment to quality improvement and evidence-based practice
  • Clear, balanced explanations of risks and benefits
  • Realistic outcome information rather than exaggerated claims
  • Patient reviews and testimonials (helpful, but best interpreted sensibly)

Good surgeons are transparent, measured and focused on patient safety and realistic outcomes.

5. Communication and Trust Matter Just as Much as Technical Skill

Technical expertise is essential, but so is the relationship you have with your surgeon. During your consultation, consider:

  • Do they listen carefully and understand your priorities?
  • Do they explain your condition clearly?
  • Do they discuss both surgical and non-surgical options?
  • Do they set realistic expectations around outcomes and recovery?
  • Do you feel informed, reassured and not rushed?

The right surgeon is someone you feel comfortable with and confident in.

6. A Few Practical Checks

Before making your final decision, it’s sensible to check:

  • GMC specialist registration in Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Completion of high quality sub-speciality fellowship training after completion of standard orthopaedic training
  • An established NHS consultant post in a reputable hospital
  • Clear information about fees, insurance cover and self-pay packages
  • Access to good physiotherapy and rehabilitation support
  • Convenient clinic and hospital locations in Newcastle or the wider North East

Final Thought

There isn’t one single “best knee surgeon in Newcastle” or one “best hip surgeon in the North East”. Instead, the best surgeon is the one with the right specialist fellowship training, relevant NHS experience, a focused practice aligned to your condition, and a patient-centred approach that makes you feel confident and supported.

Taking the time to research your options can make a real difference to your treatment journey and long-term outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a private knee or hip surgeon in Newcastle?

Many patients are referred by their GP or physiotherapist, but most private hospitals also accept self-referrals.

Should I choose a surgeon who only treats hips or knees?

Not necessarily. Some surgeons treat both very effectively, while others focus more narrowly. What matters most is whether your condition aligns with their routine practice.

Do outcomes vary between surgeons?

Different surgeons may have different areas of focus and clinical interest. What matters is choosing someone whose expertise suits your needs, who practices safely and communicates clearly.

Is it reasonable to seek a second opinion?

Yes. Second opinions can be very helpful and good surgeons are entirely supportive of patients wanting to feel fully confident before making decisions.

Learn more about treatments offered

Mr Philip Dobson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon offers consultations and treatment at Nuffield Health Newcastle

Make an appointment