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Mr Nicholas Howells

MBBS BSc MSc FRCS (T&O) MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Live bookings available

23 years of experience

Bristol, BS6 6UT

(+2 more)

30 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr James Barnes, Miss Susie Burness and 6 other professionals

4.96

/5

(161 reviews)

Live bookings available

23 years of experience

Bristol, BS6 6UT

(+2 more)

30 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr James Barnes, Miss Susie Burness and 6 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Knee Pain
65
1
Total Knee Replacement
41
2
Osteoarthritis
35

Contact

Book online


Expert in:

About Mr Nicholas Howells

Mr Nick Howells is a leading Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Bristol, specialising exclusively in knee surgery. Since 2014, when he was awarded a Medical Research Doctorate in Orthopaedic Surgery by the University of Bristol, he has continued to advance the field through both clinical practice and research and currently practices at Spire Hospital Bristol and Circle Bath Clinic

Mr Howells’ work covers all aspects of knee surgery including treatment for ligament, cartilage, and meniscal injuries, as well as realignment procedures, partial and total knee replacements, and complex revision surgery. He provides expert care for patients with both early and advanced osteoarthritis.

Alongside his clinical work, Mr Howells is actively involved in research and education. His current studies explore improving outcomes for patients with ongoing pain after knee replacement and the use of stem cells and implants in treating meniscal injuries. His work has been widely published and presented internationally.

A passionate educator, he teaches medical students and junior doctors and leads orthopaedic training at North Bristol NHS Trust. Outside of medicine, he enjoys golf, cycling, and skiing with his wife and young family. Formerly a keen sportsman, he has a lifelong interest in sport and performance.


Subspecialties

  • Sports Injury
  • Knee Surgery

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
(273)
Skill Endorsements
(17)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Knee Pain
65
1
Total Knee Replacement
41
2
Osteoarthritis
35
Joint Replacement
23
Partial Knee Replacement
19
1
Arthritis (Knee)
15
2
Sports Injuries
10
2
Knee Injury
9
Knee Arthroscopy
7
1
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury
7
ACL Reconstruction
6
1
Meniscal Repair
5
Torn Meniscus (Cartilage)
4
Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation
4
Joint Pain
4
Patella Realignment
4
Patellofemoral Joint Replacement
2
Knee Injections
2
Revision Knee Surgery
2
Postoperative Rehabilitation
1
1
Knee Ligament Repair
1
1
Knee Replacement
1
Revision Surgery
1
Tibial Tubercle Transfer
1
Meniscus Repair
1
Osteotomy
1
PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury
1
Musculoskeletal Examination
1
Cartilage Surgery (Knee)
3
Knee Preservation Surgery
1
Revision Knee Replacement
1
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Reconstruction
Robotic Assisted Partial Knee Replacement
Robotic Assisted Knee Surgery
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment
Multiligament Reconstruction
Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery
Mako Surgery
Joint Injection
Chondral Grafting
Complex Arthroplasty
The Young Knee
Posterolateral Corner Injury
Enhanced Recovery Knee Replacement
Joint Injury
Tendon Repair
MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan)
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Arthrosamid Injection
Arthroscopy

Registered with

  • General Medical Council

    No. 6079818


Education

University of London

Medicine

Graduated 2003


Qualifications

Medical Research Doctorate in Surgery University of Bristol 2013

Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons for Trauma and Orthopaedics Royal College of Surgeons, England 2012

Masters in Surgical Technology Imperial College London 2008

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Imperial College London 2003

Fellow of Medical Education Higher Education Academy 2014

Bachelor of Science Imperial College London 2000


Languages spoken

  • English

Insurers

  • WPA
  • Vitality
  • Aviva Health
  • AXA Health
  • Bupa
  • The Exeter
  • Bupa Fee Assured
  • Healix Health Services
  • Allianz Worldwide Care
  • Cigna
  • Aetna

Fees

  • New appointment

    £300
  • Follow-up appointment

    £185
*May vary on location

Locations

Knee Specialists

Redland Hill, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS6 6UT

5.00(11 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Bath Clinic (part of Circle Health Group)

Claverton Down Road, Bath, United Kingdom, BA2 7BR

4.89(200 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Spire Bristol Hospital

Redland Hill Durdham Down, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS6 6UT

4.87(493 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Knee Pain
65
1
Total Knee Replacement
41
2
Osteoarthritis
35

Contact

Book online

Reviews

AI Review Summary

This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews

Mr Nicholas Howells offers professional, clear, and friendly patient interactions. He explains diagnoses, options, and treatment pathways, including various knee replacement operations. Patients feel reassured, understanding their condition and the journey from pre-operative consultations through to recovery and rehabilitation. Patients value Mr Howells' expertise for knee pain and conditions such as osteoarthritis.

5
verified patient
11 Nov 2026

Mr Howells was very clear and explained everything in great detail and he made me feel very reassured regarding my upcoming knee replacement surgery.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
11 Nov 2026

I had an excellent follow up appointment with Mr Howells. He answered all of my questions very clearly and thoroughly. His general manner and approach was first class.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
10 Nov 2026

I was seen in a timely manner for both the x-rays and by Mr. Howells. Polite, friendly, approachable, professional, Mr. Howells was pleased with how my knee replacement has fared at its one-year check-up.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
06 Nov 2026

I am happy with my current visit last Nov.3,2026 at Mr.Howells clinic. My operation and recovery were successful with the support of Mr. Howells. I can walked now without using my mobility aids and I am no longer struggling of pain as compared before my operation. Mr. Howells is so kind, very professional and approachable. He answers all my concerns. I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to Mr. Nick Howells.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
05 Nov 2026

I thought Mr Howells was quiet and very professional . I have a consultant medical consultant as a brother in law. He stresses to me that in the first consultation listening is the key skill of the medical practitioner . Mr Howells was very good at this . I tried to be as concise as possible explaining the issue in my knee and not to ramble. I thought the explanation by Mr Howells of my condition was clearly explained. I have been sent for X Rays and MRI and when completed I will attend Mr Howells clinic. This is all as I expected

Patient seen for:
4.33
verified patient
05 Nov 2026

All went well apart from he hadn't seen my scan images before the second consultation. This didn't impact significantly on the outcome.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
19 Oct 2026

I went to see Mr Howells originally to discuss an injection in my knee. He explained everything about the injection and alternative options. I came away very happy that he took the time to explain things in simple terms both the benefits and the risks.

5
verified patient
14 Oct 2026

Nick was considerate and kind and gave me options for treatment going fwd.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
13 Oct 2026

Excellent surgery little or no pain after operation.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
12 Oct 2026

Mr Howells was highly professional,approachable and friendly.He took the time to keep me fully informed throughout, explaining everything clearly and putting me at ease.

Patient seen for:
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Skill Endorsements

15 Oct 2026
Endorsed for
Postoperative Rehabilitation
Knee Preservation Surgery

MB

Mr James Barnes

Orthopaedic Surgeon
We trained together

Nick is an excellent knee surgeon. I regularly refer to him for specialist opinion, knowing that patients are safe in his hands and that he will treat them with care and communicate well the options available to them. I only refer patients to people I would trust to treat me and I would trust him with my knee!

09 Apr 2026
Endorsed for
Knee Surgery
Sports Injuries

MB

Miss Susie Burness

Physiotherapist
I have referred patients to them

Nick is a great colleague and a skilled surgeon. His experience and advice for complex cases is valued by myself and many colleagues.

12 Mar 2026
Endorsed for
Arthritis (Knee)
Knee Arthroscopy
ACL Reconstruction

Mr John Jeffery

Mr John Jeffery

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Is a colleague

Nick is a great colleague and a doctor - he is kind and caring with patients. He has contributed widely to research and is passionate about treating all knee conditions.

25 Feb 2026
Endorsed for
Cartilage Surgery (Knee)
Arthritis (Knee)
Total Knee Replacement

Mr James Murray

Mr James Murray

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Is a colleague
Mr Nicholas Howells logo

Get to know Mr Nicholas Howells

FAQ

What are Mr Nicholas Howells's reviews like?

Mr Nicholas Howells's overall patient rating is 4.96 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 161 reviews.

What languages does Mr Nicholas Howells speak?

Mr Nicholas Howells speaks English

Where is Mr Nicholas Howells located?

Mr Nicholas Howells primarily practices at Spire Bristol Hospital, located at Redland Hill Durdham Down, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS6 6UT
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Does Mr Nicholas Howells accept new patients?

Mr Nicholas Howells generally accepts new patients.

Get in touch with this specialist to enquire as a new patient