MBBS BSc FRCS PGCME
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Live bookings available
16 years of experience
Bristol, BS8 1BN
(+3 more)
21 connections in healthcare
Skill endorsed
by Mr Peter Gallacher, Mr James Murray and 4 other professionals
Live bookings available
16 years of experience
Bristol, BS8 1BN
(+3 more)
21 connections in healthcare
Skill endorsed
by Mr Peter Gallacher, Mr James Murray and 4 other professionals
Areas of expertise
Contact
Book online
Mr. James Smith is an expert and compassionate Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, specialising knee surgery and complex trauma. He provides care at Spire and Nuffield Hospitals in Bristol, alongside an NHS practice at The Bristol Royal Infirmary and The Avon Orthopaedic Centre at Southmead Hospital. With a patient-centred approach, Mr. Smith is dedicated to delivering the best possible care tailored to each individual's needs.
Mr. Smith's practice encompasses the treatment of all knee conditions. He offers arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery for meniscal tears and cartilage injuries, ensuring minimal invasiveness and quicker recovery times. Additionally, he provides a range of ligament reconstructions, particularly cruciate ligament procedures (ACL/PCL), customised according to each patient's specific goals and needs. For those with early arthritis, he specialises in knee osteotomy (realignment surgery), aiming to delay the need for joint replacement. When arthritis is more advanced, he offers both partial and total knee replacements, selecting the most appropriate approach based on the pattern of the disease. He also has a speciality practice in managing patellofemoral pain and instability, and recieves referrals from across the country for this.
Raised in Bristol, Mr. Smith graduated from Imperial College London Medical School in 2009. He completed his specialist orthopaedic training through the prestigious Severn Deanery training programme. His expertise was further enhanced through two years of subspecialty fellowship training—first in major orthopaedic trauma in Calgary, Canada, and then in knee replacement, sports knee surgery, and the management of patellofemoral disorders at the esteemed Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry.
Beyond his clinical practice, Mr. Smith is deeply involved in research and medical education. He has presented and published his research both nationally and internationally and serves as faculty at various national conferences. Additionally, he trains an international orthopaedic fellow in his NHS practice, ensuring the next generation of surgeons is well-prepared.
For more information, please visit www.bristolkneesurgeon.com
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General Medical Council
No. 7049862
British Association of Surgery for the Knee (BASK)
No. 10680
University of Calgary
AO Major Trauma Fellowship
Graduated 2021
Imperial College London
Health Care Management
Graduated 2007
Royal College of Surgeons
Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery
Graduated
University of Bristol
Medical Education
Graduated
Imperial College School of Medicine
Medicine
Graduated 2009
This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews
Mr James Smith is friendly, professional, and provides excellent, reassuring care throughout the entire patient journey. Patients commend his clear explanations from initial consultation through surgery and post-operative follow-up, ensuring confidence for procedures such as ACL reconstruction, complex meniscal tears, and knee replacements. They report positive surgical outcomes, including smooth recoveries and feeling safe throughout their treatment. Mr Smith's expertise is valued across various knee procedures, including operations, cartilage issues, and joint replacements.
Dr. Smith was great throughout the whole process. I had an ACL rupture and had surgery to reconstruct it with James Smith. From initial consultation to the surgery to the follow up I always felt like I was in very good hands. He always was quick to answer any questions I had and provide reassurance whenever I felt uneasy or nervous about the surgery and my recovery/rehab.
James is an exceptional surgeon he is friendly takes time to explain things in detail and took the care to reassure us at every step. We trusted him implicitly before , during and after the surgery which went very well and we would recommend him to anyone.

Thank you for your kind words. I am so happy that you have had a great outcome!
I visited for a follow up appointment. I was seen on time, Mr Smith was very friendly & welcoming. He did the relevant checks on my knee and offered good advice for me moving forward.
Lovely, professional and kind care throughout all consultations, pre and post operative care. I felt very safe in a very unfamiliar environment. Thankyou to Helen Burger too who im sure, helps keep Dr Smith doing his thing so well :) Many thanks again DREAM TEAM
I had a complex meniscal tear following a rugby injury. Mr Smith was top class from first consult to my surgery and follow up. My operation went perfectly and my recovery has been smooth and my knee is feeling symptom free. Not only was i extremely happy with my clinical outcomes, which i expected as he has an excellent reputation but he was extremely personable and really took an interest in what matters to me from an activity/exercise perspective.

Thank you for your kind words - really happy that you are doing well!
Very friendly and thorough with examination of knee following operation.
Mr Smith provided excellent care - taking time to fully diagnose the issue, talk through options and explain the details of the operation. At the start of the operation, he put me at ease and spent time with me after to review the procedure and next steps.
Very good the support before and after operation was has been excellent and I’ve none of the potential problems that were explained
Mr smith was so professional in my review on my knee replacement and had a very personal manner about him ,excellent all round ,many thanks Clive B.

Thanks Clive. All the best for the future
Fantastic explanation. Great detail delivered very professionally. Thanks James.

Mr Peter Gallacher
Orthopaedic SurgeonJames is a kind and considerate doctor who has good surgical skills. He has gained significant experience in the PFJ. A strong choice.
16 Feb 2026
Mr James Murray
Orthopaedic SurgeonJames is an excellent colleague and i regularly refer my patients to him for problems with their knees. He is committed to offering his patients the best care, in line with up-to-date research and best practice.
29 Nov 2025
Mr Niall Sullivan
Orthopaedic SurgeonI endorse James Smith as a knee surgeon for his exceptional skill, clear communication, compassionate care, and outstanding surgical skills.
29 Nov 2025
Mr Damian Clark
Orthopaedic SurgeonWhat are Mr James Smith's reviews like?
Mr James Smith's overall patient rating is 4.99 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 47 reviews.
What languages does Mr James Smith speak?
Mr James Smith speaks English
Where is Mr James Smith located?
Mr James Smith primarily practices at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital, located at 3 Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS8 1BN
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What are Mr James Smith working hours?
Mr James Smith is working Tuesday (08:00 - 12:00, 08:00 - 12:00), Thursday (08:30 - 12:30)
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Does Mr James Smith accept new patients?
Mr James Smith generally accepts new patients.
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