1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Hallux Valgus (Bunions)

orthopedic versus podiatric surgeons for bunion and hammer toe surgery?

Posted , 7 users are following.

john69167
john69167

I have severe bunions and hammer toes and am looking at getting a self funded operation done. Are orthopedic surgeons more expensive than podiatric ones? Are they better? Any views appreciated

0 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • robie82
    robie82 john69167

    Posted

    Hello,

    in my opinion, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon focussed on foot and ankle surgery is more reliable than a DPM. Foot surgeries are not minor surgeries, so they should be performed by Orthopaedic Surgery Consultants (MD) who routinely perform major bone and joint surgeries.

  • steve_30812
    steve_30812 john69167

    Posted

    John I did a thread on this subject some weeks back, I'm sure if you go back through the threads you will find it. There is different opinions from users of this site. I have tried to outline the training and merits of each type of surgeon. For me it would have to be a Foot and Ankle Orthpeadic every time.

    You need to remember a Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon is a medical doctor governed by the GMC. The same cannot be said of a podiatric surgeon.

  • sandra11356
    sandra11356 john69167

    Posted

    Hi John

    we all have different opinions of course but I can only speak for my experience and I used a Podiatric Surgeon (MK Feet) based in Milton Keynes. I have been told there are only 60 PS in the country but they do specialise in feet, an Orthopedic Surgeon deals with all bones. I am due to have the second foot operated on in September this year. 

    • john69167
      john69167 sandra11356

      Posted

      Did you pay for your treatment Sandra? And did you have a bunion and hammer toe?
  • barbara00055
    barbara00055 john69167

    Posted

    I felt more confident with my orthopaedic surgeon, but it does depend on the experience of both.  Make sure they are slower limb surgeon and check their credentials online.  As for costs, I have found (for other medical problems) the different private hospitals charge dopifferent rates, so the cost can vary with an orthpaadic surgeon or podiatrist.  The private hospital charges you and the surgeon gets his fee.  The rest goes to surgeons assistant, the anesthetists, theatre costs and general running of the hospital.hooe this helps.  What county are you in, on NHS I had only 6 weeks to wait after initial consultation, because I chose to go to another county, which is close to me. If I'd used my local hospital I would still be waiting by six months or more.
  • susan572
    susan572 john69167

    Posted

    John, I had my surgery for bunion and hammertoe done by an orthopeadic surgeon in a private hospital on the NHS.  The surgeon I had specialises in foot and ankle surgery so I would think he was better qualified than a podiatric surgeon.
    • john69167
      john69167 susan572

      Posted

      How much did it cost please?. I see you had it in a private hospital on the NHS. How long did you wait for this?
    • susan572
      susan572 john69167

      Posted

      It did not cost me anything.  I waited about 5 weeks for a consultation but that was because Christmas and New Year were between my referral to the consultation. It was 10 weeks from consultation to surgery.  The delay was caused by my going on holiday in March.  After this kind of foot surgery it is advisable that you don't fly for 8 weeks because of the risk of DVT. If it had not been for Christmas and New Year holidays and my holiday it would have all been done approx 6/8 weeks from referral by the GP.
    • barbara00055
      barbara00055 susan572

      Posted

      Wow, what part of the  country do you live in.  The NHS waiting lists are really bad here.  I guess you were given NHS choice and one of the hospitals was private, the NHS are getting through their waiting lists this way in some counties. 

      As for flying, when I asked my surgeon when I could fly (need a holiday) he said officially 6 months from op!  Advice from surgeons are so different, I've found this in other things.

      John I have been enquiring about my husband having private treatment to release ulnar nerve in his elbow.  One hospital said 

      Surgeon fee: £1000

      Hospital fee: £1995

      Anaesthetist fee: £150

      Then there is the initial consultation £240, and after consultations. £180 +

      Another hospital quoted £4500 approx without a breakdown of costs so don't know if that included initial consultation.

      I had cataracts removed earlier this year and it was private as I couldn't wait for NHS.  it cost £2300 + £230 initial consultation, for each eye!  Took a lot of my savings but worth it for your eyes.

    • susan572
      susan572 barbara00055

      Posted

      Hi Barbara, I am in Lancashire.  It was through NHS book and choose.  I have seen this surgeon before and usually only have to wait 3 weeks for an appointment with him at the private hospital.  
    • barbara00055
      barbara00055 susan572

      Posted

      So lucky, my husband has been waiting NHS in Essex for 6 months, two weeks ago he went I for surgery and at end of day sent him home because there wasn't enough time to operate!  He has just heard today that he has another appointment on 22nd May.

      in January I was offered book and choose for my bunion op and one of the choices was in Kent, still NHS but was much quicker than local.  Initial consultation I two weeks and op six weeks after that!  

      How can hospitals be so different!

    • susan572
      susan572 barbara00055

      Posted

      Hi Barbara, I had surgery on my wrist last year in an Nhs hospital.  I was referred by my GP in October 2013 and finally saw the consultant in March 2014 and had surgery mid August. 10 months from referral to surgery.  I suppose I have been very lucky with my foot surgery. Last year I had surgery with the same foot surgeon for a morton's neuroma and that was dealt with very quickly too.  So sorry to hear your husband has had to wait so long, I hope he gets sorted soon.  It is no joke when you are in pain.
  • steve_30812
    steve_30812 john69167

    Posted

    John as other comments on this thread have suggested Choose and Book is a good option if your GP is referring you to a foot specialist Podiatric or Orthopaedic ask to use the Choose and Book you can then hopefully have some say as to who and where you have your operation. If you check the Choose and Book website it states its your right not a privilege and also has many useful tips.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.