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Specialist Knee Surgeon - Professor Tim Spalding
Internationally Recognised Specialist Knee Surgeon
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Leading Expert in Complex Knee Reconstruction and Preservation
Professor Tim Spalding is one of the UK's most experienced and internationally recognised specialist knee surgeons, with more than 30 years of surgical experience and a particular reputation for managing the most complex and challenging knee conditions.
In addition to treating sporting knee injuries and osteoarthritis, he is frequently referred patients with complicated knee problems, failed previous surgery, and multiple co-existing injuries or structural abnormalities, including cases where conventional treatment options have been exhausted or where other surgeons may be reluctant to operate.
A defining feature of Professor Spalding's practice is his ability to assess and treat the knee as a complete mechanical and biological system. Many patients present with two or three interconnected problems involving ligaments, meniscus, cartilage, joint alignment, or patellar stability. Rather than necessarily treating each problem through separate operations, he has extensive experience in planning and performing complex combined procedures, addressing multiple conditions during a single operation wherever clinically appropriate. This approach aims to reduce the need for repeated surgery, minimise further disruption to the patient, and achieve a more comprehensive restoration of knee function.
His expertise spans complex primary and revision ACL reconstruction, multi-ligament reconstruction, meniscal transplantation, cartilage restoration, osteotomy, patellofemoral reconstruction, and advanced joint-preserving procedures. He is particularly committed to preserving the natural knee, using advanced reconstructive techniques and orthobiologics to restore function and delay or avoid joint replacement wherever possible.
Beyond his clinical practice, Mr Spalding is a leading global authority in orthopaedic research and education. He is actively involved with research and teaching both nationally and internationally. He is one of the lead developers of the National Ligament Registry dedicated to analysing and improving the outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction. His international professional standing includes serving as Past President of the International ACL Study Group and Chairman of the UK National Ligament Registry. He has held senior positions within ESSKA, the European knee surgery organisation.
He has authored more than 115 scientific publications and over 12 book chapters and serves as an associate editor of the journal Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy.
He remains actively involved in international research, surgical education, and the development of innovative knee surgery techniques.
Before establishing his civilian surgical career, Professor Spalding served for 15 years with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, treating complex and high-demand injuries in military personnel. His experience subsequently extended into elite professional sport, where he has served as specialist knee surgeon to Coventry City FC, West Bromwich Albion FC, and Birmingham City FC.
Previously based at the University Hospitals Coventry Warwickshire NHS Trust, Professor Spalding now practises at Nuffield Health Warwickshire Hospital and also holds the position of Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic London, where he works two days per week.
His practice is distinguished by his ability to take on the most challenging knee conditions, combining advanced surgical expertise, complex problem-solving, and a commitment to preserving and restoring the natural knee.
