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.
That is interesting steve as most on here seem to favour the podiatrist option from what I have read. I have to say I was unaware of options and glad to get orthopaedic surgeon who is regarded well in manchester and seemed to know his stuff. I am wondering if a lesser procedure could or would have been less problematic for recovery but will never know as I doubt I will brave this again for the other foot! I am booked in for physio next week in the hope of getting more ongoing support and back to consultant on Wednesday for what I presume will be sign off.
Sue I'm no expert on the subject.
Though my understanding is that the Poditaric Surgeon was brought in about 25 yrs ago by the NHS to do lesser procedures ( hammer toes ect ) believing this was a cheaper option.
Then some years later the DOH said that they could no longer use the title Podiatrc Surgeon as it was confusing to the public. Though due to some loop hole in the law they still use the title.
I suspect there are good Podiatrists out there but there are a lot who work in the private sector that are not really governed and don't need revalidation compared to doctors governed by the GMC.
Unfortunately a lot of ordinary public don't know when they meet these people that they are not MDs .
Sue,
Good luck with the sign off. Glad you got a respected Foot and Ankle Ortho I'm sure he's done the best job he can for you. Physio is good for range of motion and can recommend Hydrotherapy.
Wow - now I could have had a Ortho Surgeon and am now havinga consultation with a Podiatric Surgeon. I was told to go for a Podiatric Surgeon as they have to understand the foot and the job it has to do in a more 'precise and focused' way. I know the person I am going to see has been in private practice as well as working for NHS. Could post his link - who knows i may get some feedback.......
Thank you Steve for your thoughts and it has made me think I need to do more research.
I am going to be interested in the feedback here.
Steve,
I have to admit I was damm lazy in choosing my surgeon, having total faith in my GP, who I've seen for 5+ years, she chose a magnificent local orthopaedic surgeon.
he did remind me of Father Christmas's younger brother though. His CV was brilliant and extensive, and so was 'his work' so I count myself as very lucky.
He did say that august (9 months) might be a bit soon for a 20 mile hike, as if I believed him.
caroline
Hi Gilly,
As I say I'm sure there is some good Pods out there and we must remember what ever type of surgeon we choose each could have complications during surgery. I have tried to post some links not sure if the moderator will allow them, hope he does as they come from main stream sources and make interesting reading.
Hi Caroline,
Glad to hear you were happy with your surgeon. As you say you were lazy as I guess most are and when referred on by a GP or contacting someone with the title surgeon they believe that they are getting medically trained doctors, though this is not always the case.
Like I say through experience would only let a Foot and ankle Ortho operate on my feet after my first experience with a Pod
I totally concur with you.
Hi Robie,
Thanks for the reply. It would be interesting to know how many people actually realised there was a difference between the 2 groups of surgeons. Their qualifications and their re-appraisal procedures .
Steve. Think that it is vital to research surgeons to make the best choice for you. I certainly did this. This meant that I travelled almost 2 hours form home in order to ensure that I was treated by the surgeon if my choice. Very glad that I did this. Wanted to make sure that I was operated on by an expert with plenty if experience and good reviews
Hi Karen,
Very wise advice. Unfortunately a lot of people just trust the referral from a GP or are trusting of the person they consult.
Hi Steve.
I have only the experience of orthopaedic surgeon but cannot fault him.
He's done a brilliant job for me and been so thorough with his eplnation at first consultations and then with the follow up appointments.
I cannot comment on the podiatrist. However, whilst I guess both have their own specialist areas I can only assume that to carry out surgery you have to have so much knowledge, expertise and training.
My surgeon is a specialist exclusively in foot and ankle surgery.
I had one foot done in 2013 and the other in 2014 and he performed the operation personally on both occasions.
On the NHS.
Gillian
That is true.
Remember that you can choose the surgeon of your choice on the NHS Choose and Book system. That is what I did. I had an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon at my local hospital arranged through my GP but he didn't perform the type of operation that I was interested in finding out more about (MIS). He couldn't say whether or not it would be suitable for me because he didn't do it. Through further investigation I found the guy who performed my surgery. I had been advised that it would be best to have a Foot and Ankle expert and I definitely think that this is true.
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.
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.
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.
Will try that suggestion. Thanks Steve
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.