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Professor Stephen McDonnell

MBBS BSc MA (Cantab) MD FRCS Trauma & Orthopaedics

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Live bookings available

24 years of experience

Cambridge, CB24 9EL

(+3 more)

10 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr Pranai Buddhdev, Mr Jaison Patel and 4 other professionals

4.92

/5

(107 reviews)

Live bookings available

24 years of experience

Cambridge, CB24 9EL

(+3 more)

10 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr Pranai Buddhdev, Mr Jaison Patel and 4 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Endorsements
Knee Replacement
17
3
Hip Replacement
17
1
Torn Meniscus (Cartilage)
16

Contact

Book online


Expert in:

About Professor Stephen McDonnell

Stephen McDonnell is an Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge and a Consultant Knee and Hip Surgeon working at Addenbrookes Hospital. He undertook his research MD and orthopaedic surgical training in Oxford, based at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. He has a specialist knee and hip "Sports and Joints" fellowship in Melbourne with the Melbourne Orthopaedic Group. He gained an extensive experience in patients with sports injuries and arthritis. He believes that each patient should be prescribed a personalised package of care and treatment program.

 I have a special interest and undertake the majority his knee replacements, partial unicompartmental knee replacements (sometimes called knee resurfacing) only replacing the damaged area of the knee, which have lower risks from surgery and can provide a superior functional outcome for patients. 

He has a keen interest in sport and has been the match orthopaedic surgeon for first-class rugby internationals, and is a regular motorsports doctor at Silverstone for the Formula One British Grand Prix.

He is heavily involved in research, education, and lectures locally, nationally and internationally. He has developed the undergraduate orthopaedic curriculum, inspiring orthopaedic medical students to be orthopaedic surgeons of the future.

Diseases, Medical Tests and Treatments

  • Knee arthroscopy
  • Knee replacement
  • Partial knee replacement (sometimes called Knee resurfacing)
  • Revision knee replacement
  • ACL reconstruction
  • Hip replacement surgery
  • Hip arthroscopy
  • Knee replacement
  • Knee arthroscopy

Subspecialties

  • Hip Surgery
  • Knee Surgery
  • Sports Injury
  • Trauma Surgery

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
(101)
Endorsements
(73)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Knee Replacement
17
3
Hip Replacement
17
1
Torn Meniscus (Cartilage)
16
Knee Arthroscopy
8
3
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury
8
1
ACL Reconstruction
5
4
Knee Pain
5
1
Arthritis (Knee)
5
1
Partial Knee Replacement
4
1
Total Knee Replacement
3
2
Robotic Assisted Hip Surgery
4
1
Knee Injections (including Steroid, Hyaluronic acid, PRP and nStride)
2
2
Meniscus Repair
1
2
Knee Preservation Surgery
2
Cartilage Surgery (Knee)
2
Osteoarthritis
1
1
Meniscal Repair
2
Arthritis (Hip)
1
1
Hip Injections (including Steroid, Hyaluronic Acid, PRP and nStride)
1
1
Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery
2
Postoperative Rehabilitation
1
Robotic Surgery
1
Chondral Grafting
1
Sports Injuries
1
Arthroscopy
1
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Reconstruction
1
Patellofemoral Joint Replacement
1
Joint Injection
1
Knee Ligament Repair
1
Hip Resurfacing
1
Fracture Fixation Surgery
1
Stress Fractures
1
The Young Knee
1
Posterolateral Corner Injury
1
Patella (Kneecap) Dislocation
1
Labral Tear
1
Knee Fractures
1
Hip Fractures
1
Femur Fractures
1
Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Hip
1
Knee Cyst
1
Patella Realignment
1
Tibial Tubercle Transfer
1
Steroid Injection
1
Custom-Made Knee Replacement
1
Hip and Groin Pain
1
Hip Preservation Surgery
1
Multiligament Reconstruction
1
Femoroacetabular Impingement
1
Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery
1
MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan)
1
Robotic Assisted Partial Knee Replacement
1
Robotic Assisted Knee Surgery
1
Stem Cell Therapy
1
Hip Arthroplasty
1
Coccydynia (Coccyx Pain)
1
Bursitis (Hip)
1
Osteotomy
1
Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
1
Radiculopathy
1
Enhanced Recovery Knee Replacement
1
Revision Knee Replacement
1
Complex Arthroplasty
1
Orthobiologics

Registered with

General Medical Council

No. 6028352


Education

University of London

Medicine

Graduated 2001


Qualifications

  • MBBS BSC MD MRCS FRCS (Trauma & Orthopaedics)
  • British Medical Association
  • Royal College of Surgeons of England
  • British Orthopaedic Association
  • British Association of Knee Surgeons
  • World Orthopaedic Concern

Languages spoken

  • English

Consultation fees

  • New appointment: £250
  • Follow-up appointment: £175

Insurers

  • General and Medical
  • Bupa Fee Assured
  • Freedom Health Insurance
  • The Exeter
  • Simply Health (Dental)
  • Healix Health Services
  • Cigna
  • Saga Health Insurance
  • Bupa
  • WPA
  • Allianz Worldwide Care
  • AXA Health
  • The PHC
  • Aetna
  • Vitality
  • Aviva Health

Location

All locations for Professor Stephen McDonnell

Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital

4.84

(947)

30 New Road Impington, Cambridge, United Kingdom, CB24 9EL

4.86

(926)

4 Trumpington Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom, CB2 8AF

4.96

(140)

4 Trumpington Rd, Cambridge, United Kingdom, CB10AP

0

(0)

Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom, CB2 0QQ

Reviews

AI Review Summary

This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews

Professor Stephen McDonnell demonstrates professional and clear patient communication, building confidence through detailed explanations for various orthopaedic procedures. Patients report improved mobility and overall well-being following successful surgery, with many describing outcomes as life-changing. Some patients mention feeling rushed or facing challenges with post-discharge discussions; dominant themes in patient feedback include the success of hip surgery and hip replacement.

5.0
verified patient
04 Mar 2026

At every stage of my knee replacement process all aspects of the treatment and care have been excellent. Everyone, from the cleaners up to the top medical experts, have seemed to be happy and content in their work.

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
03 Mar 2026

I always find the Consultation very informative and am pleased with the next steps that are clearly explained including timescales and expectations.

5.0
verified patient
27 Jan 2026

Answered all my questions in a clear friendly way. I felt very positive on leaving The Spire.

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
08 Jan 2026

Professor McDonnell was fantastic: he took time to listen and explain the MRI of my knee, and what my options were. He has an excellent manner and I would definitely recommend him.

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
08 Jan 2026

I had a Left knee Arthoscopy under Prof McDonnell. I was fully briefed on every thing he was going to do at all times. He quelled my fears and even allowed me time to get my diabetes under control before putting me through the op. Outstanding service. I would and have recommend Prof McDonnell to my friends and colleagues.

5.0
verified patient
07 Jan 2026

It was very quick and concise. All good

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
24 Dec 2025

It was my last visit to see Professor McDonnell, following a hip replacement. He had good news, he didn't want to see me again, as I had progressed so well. I was pleased, but also for him, as he obviously did a brilliant jon on my hip. Stephen is very human, caring and dilligent. I certainly would recommend him and refer to him if I needed any furtger surgery. After experiencing so much pain, cancelled holidays and social arrangements, at last he has given me my lafe back. I really can't thank him enough.

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
16 Dec 2025

My visit was a follow up after surgery 8 weeks previously. This was to access my progress

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
21 Oct 2025

6 weeks after total hip replacement. Professor McDonnell provided me with advice based on his existing data about how I should proceed after my operation and what I should and shouldn’t do going forward. I asked him lots of questions and he provided me with answers. I believe I got enough guidance to proceed. I am also still seeing the physio.

Patient seen for:
5.0
verified patient
07 Oct 2025

The expirence was very good very understanding and very high standard

Patient seen for:
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Endorsements

Stephen is an incredible surgeon with expertise in his field, a great multidisciplinary approach to patient management with a vast research portfolio helping improve evidence-based care for soft tissue knee surgery including for children & adolescents.

21 Feb 2025
Endorsed for
ACL Reconstruction
Ankle Ligament Reconstruction

Mr Pranai Buddhdev

Mr Pranai Buddhdev

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Is a colleague

An exceptional hip and knee surgeon. He is fantastic with patients. He is extremely knowledgeable and meticulous in the way he operates which is why his patients consistently achieve excellent results and why I would trust him to treat my friends and family.

21 Feb 2025
Endorsed for
Meniscus Repair
Knee Preservation Surgery

Mr Jaison Patel

Mr Jaison Patel

Orthopaedic Surgeon
I trained them

Excellent colleague

31 Jan 2024
Endorsed for
Knee Replacement
Knee Surgery

Mr Arman Memarzadeh

Mr Arman Memarzadeh

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Is a colleague

Stephen is always looking to deliver patient specific care and listens to the needs of his patients. Stephen is an outstanding surgeon and achieves the best outcomes for his patients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to treat my family.

30 Nov 2022
Endorsed for
ACL Reconstruction
Orthopaedic Surgery
Knee Arthroscopy

Mr Michael Barrett

Mr Michael Barrett

Orthopaedic Surgeon
Is a colleague
Professor Stephen McDonnell logo

Get to know Professor Stephen McDonnell

FAQ

What are Professor Stephen McDonnell's reviews like?

Professor Stephen McDonnell's overall patient rating is 4.92 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 107 reviews.

What languages does Professor Stephen McDonnell speak?

Professor Stephen McDonnell speaks English

Where is Professor Stephen McDonnell located?

Professor Stephen McDonnell primarily practices at Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, located at 30 New Road Impington, Cambridge, United Kingdom, CB24 9EL
See more locations

What are Professor Stephen McDonnell working hours?

Professor Stephen McDonnell is working Monday (17:00 - 17:30), Tuesday (10:00 - 11:00)

Find where Professor Stephen McDonnell operates today

Does Professor Stephen McDonnell accept new patients?

Professor Stephen McDonnell generally accepts new patients.

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