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Orthopeadic Surgeon or Consultant Podiatrc Surgeon.

Posted , 6 users are following.

steve_30812
steve_30812

Not sure if this topic has been covered before. Though it's a serious decision that needs to be made before any invasive foot surgery. I have had experience of both and unfortunately for me was unaware of the difference. Orthopaedic Foot and ankle Surgeon approximately 16 yrs medical training governed by the GMC 100% re validation. Poditaric Surgeon approximately 10yrs training 5 surgical non medical doctor governed by the HCPC no equivalent revalidation.

Personally I would opt for the Ortho every time.

I realise that both have surgical complications but personally I found the Ortho much more realistic about questions asked and expectations.

Podiatric Surgeon promised the earth was unrealistic.

1 like, 22 replies

22 Replies

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  • gilly64037
    gilly64037 steve_30812

    Posted

    Well - where do i go from here. I actually saw the orthopedic surgeon in 2006 and he had my foot on his kneee, xrays in front of us, and talked almost with glee what he would do.  It sounded horrendous and I said 'will it work?' and his reply was I do not give guarantees!  Whilst I accepted that I was so daunted by his graphic explanation I decided to think about it and then agreed to go on waiting list.  So Breast Cancer then got in the way and nearly three years of treatment and now in remission.  So.... thought OK let's deal with these feet now and went to my GP telling her that a Podiatric Surgeon, who does NH as well as private, is available to me.  She said she would do a 'paper referal' and hence from this private clinic has come my appointment.  NOW - the surgeon I saw in 2006 also operates, as they do, out of this private clinic.

    Lots to think about now - thank you again Steve for getting these little grey cells working.  So where do I go from here. 

    • steve_30812
      steve_30812 gilly64037

      Posted

      Hi Gilly,

      Dyes lots to think about and the decision will be yours. You should be entitled to have both surgeons give you an opinion.

      Make sure the orthopaedic is a Foot and Ankle specialist.

      I would visit the Scopds website and the BOFAS website and look into training and qualifications.

      This may help you decide which route to choose.

      Maybe if the moderator allows my links to be posted this may also help.

    • steve_30812
      steve_30812 gilly64037

      Posted

      Gilly,

      Another route is to contact a local pro sports team try to get hold of their physio department and see who the recommend for foot surgery.

    • gilly64037
      gilly64037 steve_30812

      Posted

      Will look at sites.  Not sure if my GP would be happy with me requesting another surgeon to see i.e. two appointmenst for them to pay for.
    • steve_30812
      steve_30812 gilly64037

      Posted

      Gilly,

      The choice of surgeon and surgery is yours. The choose and book system is a right not a privilege.

      As long as the surgeon you wish to see does NHS you are entitled. From Cornwall to Newcastle. In fact if you push and they work in a private Hospital that do NHS choose and book you can have it done there.

      Check the choose and book website.

    • gilly64037
      gilly64037 steve_30812

      Posted

      Yes - looked at site.  I am confused though - still need to go through GP if I am correct.  So I would be asking her if I can see two consultants.  She did refer me to private clinic, that I researched for this podiatric surgeon, so was helpful.  It would seem I have to see her anagin and ask to also be refered back to the original consultant also.  Thank you again and I know the choice is mine but 'hindsight is clear sight'.
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