Ankle and foot fracture surgery in London
I am Thomas Hester, a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at King's College Hospital, a Level 1 Major Trauma Centre, specialising in injuries of the foot and ankle.
Many fractures unite well without surgery; others require fixation. The decision rests on the fracture pattern and the condition of the soft tissues, and is best taken in the first days after injury. I see private patients at four central London hospitals, normally within a few days of enquiry.
Ankle and foot fractures
Each page sets out what the injury is, when operative treatment is indicated and the expected course of recovery. Radiographs are from my own practice.
Ankle fracture
Fractures of the fibula, the tibia or both at the ankle joint, ranging from stable isolated injuries to fracture-dislocations.
Pilon fracture
High-energy fracture of the weight-bearing surface of the distal tibia; treatment is usually staged.
Lisfranc injury
Ligamentous and bony injury of the tarsometatarsal joints, frequently mistaken for a sprain.
Metatarsal fracture
Fractures of the long bones of the forefoot; most are treated in a boot, some require fixation.
Jones fracture
Fracture at the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the fifth metatarsal, prone to delayed union.
Talus fracture
Fractures of the talus, where accuracy of reduction and the blood supply are the principal concerns.
Calcaneal fracture
Fractures of the heel bone, increasingly fixed through limited incisions.
Cuboid fracture
Compression injuries of the lateral column of the foot.
Ankle fracture in diabetes
Ankle fractures in patients with diabetes and neuropathy require more robust fixation and closer surveillance.
Why the first two weeks matter
Accurate diagnosis
The choice between a boot, a cast and operative fixation depends on the precise fracture pattern, which is often apparent only on weight-bearing radiographs or CT.
Soft-tissue timing
In high-energy injuries the condition of the skin and the degree of swelling determine when surgery can safely be undertaken.
Continuity of care
Wound review, interval radiographs and physiotherapy through to return to work, driving and sport.
Mr Thomas Hester
I trained at St Bartholomew's and The Royal London, completed an MSc in Orthopaedic Science, and undertook fellowships in trauma and foot and ankle surgery in Calgary, Toronto and London. I am UK Chair of AO Foot & Ankle, an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at King's College London, and a member of the King's Diabetic Foot team.
Central London
Private consultations and surgery at four central London hospitals.
King Edward VII's Hospital5–10 Beaumont Street, Marylebone
The London Clinic20 Devonshire Place, MaryleboneMy profile at this hospital
Cromwell Hospital164–178 Cromwell Road, KensingtonMy profile at this hospital
HCA Healthcare at The Shard32 London Bridge Street, London BridgeMy profile at this hospital