Mr James Cruickshank

Mr Cruickshank is a Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising exclusively in knee surgery, providing expert care for patients across Leeds, Ilkley, Skipton and the wider Yorkshire region. He has extensive expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of knee pain, sports injuries, arthritis and complex knee conditions, helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain and return to sport, work and everyday activities.

His NHS practice is based at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, serving patients from West and North Yorkshire and East Lanchashire, where he provides an acute knee injury service alongside the management of orthopaedic trauma. His clinical practice focuses entirely on knee surgery, offering modern, evidence-based treatments for both joint preservation and knee replacement surgery.

Patients seek Mr Cruickshank's expertise for knee pain, sports knee injuries, ACL tears, meniscus injuries, cartilage damage, knee arthritis and knee replacement surgery. He believes in delivering personalised treatment plans that help each patient achieve the best possible outcome while returning safely to the activities that matter most.

He graduated from the University of Leeds Medical School before completing higher specialist training in Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery throughout the Yorkshire and Humber Deanery. During his training, he completed the British Orthopaedic Association Leadership Programme, developing expertise in clinical leadership and service improvement to enhance patient care.

Following completion of his specialist training, Mr Cruickshank undertook two highly regarded fellowship programmes in advanced knee surgery at Harrogate and District Hospital and Royal Derby Hospital. Working alongside internationally recognised knee surgeons, he gained advanced experience in sports knee injuries, ligament reconstruction, knee replacement surgery and arthroscopic (keyhole) procedures using contemporary surgical techniques.

He has a particular interest in partial knee replacement surgery, performing this procedure at rates above the national average in appropriately selected patients. His philosophy is to offer the least invasive and most effective treatment possible, tailoring management to each patient's individual needs, lifestyle and long-term goals.

Alongside his clinical practice, Mr Cruickshank is actively involved in education and training. He is an Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Instructor and serves as the Royal College Education Sector Tutor at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, where he plays a key role in training the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons. He has authored peer-reviewed publications, contributed to book chapters and presented his work at national and international scientific meetings.