Mr David Butt

Mr David Butt is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising exclusively in shoulder and elbow surgery. He is a Consultant at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, one of the world’s leading specialist orthopaedic centres.

He treats the full range of shoulder and elbow conditions, from sports injuries and common problems causing pain or loss of function to complex reconstructive surgery. His particular areas of expertise include shoulder instability, rotator cuff and other tendon injuries, arthritis and shoulder replacement, including revision surgery and the management of infection, as well as all sports injuries, and is involved in the care of athletes from recreational to professional elite sportsmen and women. 

David’s approach starts with understanding what each patient wants to get back to doing, whether that is competitive sport, work, an active lifestyle or simply using their arm comfortably again. A keen mountain biker, climber and kitesurfer himself, with a love of the outdoors, he understands the importance of being able to return confidently to the activities that matter.

He believes strongly in shared decision-making and takes time to explain both the diagnosis and the available treatment options clearly. Where surgery is not necessary, he will recommend appropriate non-operative treatment; where it is, he uses contemporary, evidence-based techniques with treatment tailored to the individual patient and their goals.

David trained at Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ Medical School in London, where he was also awarded an honours degree in neuroscience. During his specialist orthopaedic training, he completed a master’s degree in orthopaedic science at the University of Brighton. He subsequently undertook two specialist fellowships in complex shoulder and elbow reconstruction at Guy’s Hospital and the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Watanabe Travelling Fellowship, enabling him to visit internationally recognised centres of excellence in arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Alongside his clinical practice, David is actively involved in training the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons and remains closely engaged with developments in shoulder and elbow surgery. He teaches and speaks regularly both nationally and internationally.

His practice combines specialist expertise with a pragmatic, individualised approach, with a simple aim: to help patients get back to doing what matters to them.