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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)

23 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Miss Susie Burness, Mr John Jeffery and 5 other professionals

4.96

/5

(148 reviews)

Live bookings available

23 years of experience

Bristol, BS6 6UT

(+2 more)

23 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Miss Susie Burness, Mr John Jeffery and 5 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Knee Pain
62
1
Total Knee Replacement
35
2
Osteoarthritis
33

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
(255)
Skill Endorsements
(15)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Knee Pain
62
1
Total Knee Replacement
35
2
Osteoarthritis
33
Joint Replacement
23
Partial Knee Replacement
16
1
Arthritis (Knee)
12
2
Sports Injuries
10
2
Knee Injury
9
Knee Arthroscopy
7
1
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury
7
ACL Reconstruction
6
1
Torn Meniscus (Cartilage)
4
Meniscal Repair
4
Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation
4
Joint Pain
4
Patella Realignment
4
Patellofemoral Joint Replacement
2
Knee Injections
2
Revision Knee Surgery
2
Knee Ligament Repair
1
1
Postoperative Rehabilitation
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
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
Knee Preservation Surgery

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(10 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(176 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(444 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Knee Pain
62
1
Total Knee Replacement
35
2
Osteoarthritis
33

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
24 Sep 2026

Nick Howells carried out a half knee replacement for me in Sept 2025. The operation has been very successful. Not only did Mr Howells [ and the team] do an excellent job, but in the two subsequent consultations, including last week's "signs off", he was very clear in explaining things, and clearly answered all my questions. I am delighted with the outcome---thank you !

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
23 Sep 2026

Nick made me feel that I was getting on well and answer all my queries Gave me confidence for the future

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
23 Sep 2026

Mr. Howells was recommended to me by a friend and now I know why she was so keen for me to see him. Mr. Howells is gentle and friendly, he listens and does not appear hurried. He is super knowledgeable and explains everything in detail and in a way that is easy to understand. He is reassuring and happy to answer questions fully. I am so glad he will be performing my operation.

5
verified patient
23 Sep 2026

From the time i had my first appointment everyone. was lovely

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
18 Sep 2026

My post total knee replacement appointment, from beginning to end was excellent. All the staff were professional but friendly. The waiting area was comfortable. My appointments were on time. Mr Howells was very reassuring, he gave me time to ask questions, and he listened. He explained everything clearly. I left feeling confident of a full recovery. If anyone asked me I would definitely recommend both Mr Howells and the Spire Hospital.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
17 Sep 2026

This was a face to face appointment 6 weeks after my full knee replacement. The meeting was very relaxed and all questions answered.

5
verified patient
13 Sep 2026

Mr Howells was very thorough and knowledgeable. Explained all the information very clearly and answered all my questions and discussed my concerns in a professional manner.

5
verified patient
04 Sep 2026

Pleasant surrroundings Extremely polite staff On time

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
03 Sep 2026

Pleasant and helpful consultation.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
02 Sep 2026

This is the second visit I have made to Mr Howells and I always feel more knowledgeable about my ailment and very clear as to the necessary way forward. Can highly recommend and would not go anywhere else!

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Skill Endorsements

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. Howells is an extremely trusted colleague of mine, whom I have worked with for over a decade. He is considered in his practice, skilful, evidence based, and empathetic. I would have no hesitation referring family and friends to him for specialist knee care.

15 Feb 2026
Endorsed for
Knee Surgery
Sports Injuries

Mr James Smith

Mr James Smith

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 148 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