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Mr Nicholas Howells

MBBS BSc MSc FRCS (T&O) MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon

22 years of experience

Bristol, BS6 6UT

(+2 more)

22 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

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

4.96

/5

(127 reviews)

22 years of experience

Bristol, BS6 6UT

(+2 more)

22 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
54
1
Osteoarthritis
31
Total Knee Replacement
29
2

Contact

Book


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
(217)
Skill Endorsements
(15)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Knee Pain
54
1
Osteoarthritis
31
Total Knee Replacement
29
2
Joint Replacement
22
Arthritis (Knee)
11
2
Sports Injuries
8
2
Partial Knee Replacement
9
1
Knee Arthroscopy
7
1
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury
6
Knee Injury
6
ACL Reconstruction
4
1
Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation
4
Patella Realignment
4
Cartilage Surgery (Knee)
3
Meniscal Repair
3
Joint Pain
3
Torn Meniscus (Cartilage)
2
Patellofemoral Joint Replacement
2
Knee Injections
2
Revision Knee Surgery
2
Postoperative Rehabilitation
1
Knee Ligament Repair
1
Knee Replacement
1
Revision Surgery
1
Tibial Tubercle Transfer
1
Meniscus Repair
1
Osteotomy
1
PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury
1
Revision Knee Replacement
1
Musculoskeletal Examination
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

Spire Bristol Hospital

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

4.86(394 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Bath Clinic (part of Circle Health Group)

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

4.88(139 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Knee Specialists

Redland Hill, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS6 6UT

5.00(6 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Knee Pain
54
1
Osteoarthritis
31
Total Knee Replacement
29
2

Contact

Book

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
02 Jul 2026

Very good service, wheelchair access was slightly difficult.

5
verified patient
01 Jul 2026

Had an excellent consultation with Mr Howells concerning my problematic right knee. He listened when I spoke before asking questions and then examining me. He then carefully and clearly described the options he considered open to me. Overall I was very impressed with his patience and professionalism.

5
verified patient
01 Jul 2026

Mr Nick Howell Has a calm and gentle manner and professionalism. And put my mind at ease by explaining what will happen when the operation takes place.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
01 Jul 2026

Excellent as always

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
28 Jun 2026

Clear and helpful explanation I felt I understood all of the options available to me.

5
verified patient
26 Jun 2026

Mr Nicholas Howell is avery polite and engaging.man, who explains everything clearly. He must have answered patients questions many times and understands that for you it’s maybe a first. I’m very pleased with the end result mobility and cosmetically. He follows your progress through from beginning to end, I feel lucky and privileged to have had my left knee replacement done by him

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
26 Jun 2026

Mr Howells inspired confidence and was very reassuring. His explanations were clear and straightforward. And I received all the necessary information to make an informed decision.

Patient seen for:
5
verified patient
26 Jun 2026

My experience with Nick has been fantastic and I am very grateful to him and his team for fixing my issue

4.33
verified patient
25 Jun 2026

Overall the appointment was very good, prompt, informative and a good outcome.

5
verified patient
18 Jun 2026

Popped in to see Nicholas for my 6months review. Asked me how it’s been since my last check up if any worries. Then helped explain where he thinks I should be, when looking over my leg he was very assuring and complementary. Discussed what my next steps should be and showed me some things online to look over and use

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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 127 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
See more locations

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