MA Cantab MBChB FRCS(T&O) MSc
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Live bookings available
20 years of experience
London, SE1 2PR
(+4 more)
56 connections in healthcare
Skill endorsed
by Dr Prashanth Reddy, Mr Khalid Ghufoor and 38 other professionals
Live bookings available
20 years of experience
London, SE1 2PR
(+4 more)
56 connections in healthcare
Skill endorsed
by Dr Prashanth Reddy, Mr Khalid Ghufoor and 38 other professionals
Areas of expertise
Contact
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Mr Syed Aftab is a Consultant Spinal Orthopaedic Surgeon and a previous Clinical Lead for Spinal Surgery at Barts Health NHS Trust, based at the Royal London Hospital. He studied medicine at Pembroke College, Cambridge University and Edinburgh University. He underwent higher surgical training in Orthopaedics and Spinal Surgery on the London NE Thames rotation at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore.
He also gained a Master of Science at University College London in Trauma and Orthopaedics during his training. Syed completed advanced fellowships in Spinal Surgery at the Royal London Hospital. Furthermore, he continues to broaden his experience with visitations to international centres of excellence for spinal surgery (Antwerp Belgium, Bordeaux France, Neustadt Germany and Orlando USA).
Syed has been pioneering the iMAS technique in the UK, using micro access techniques developed by Dr Robert Masson at Neurospine Institute, Orlando, USA (a Federally accredited Centre of Excellence).
Syed believes that the best outcomes for patients can only be achieved when decisions are carefully considered and works within the framework of a multidisciplinary team. Prior to being appointed as the Clinical Lead for Spinal Surgery at Barts Health NHS Trust, he was Clinical Effectiveness Lead for Orthopaedics at the Royal London. He is actively involved in teaching other doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.
Syed is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London and Module Lead for Spinal Trauma, both teaching and organising the spinal teaching programme for postgraduates studying trauma and orthopaedics.
Syed has published widely in a number of peer-reviewed medical journals and is actively involved in research into spinal surgery. He is also a reviewer for submissions relating to spinal surgery for various academic journals. He has presented at national and international conferences.
Syed is the first surgeon in the U.K. to perform robotic-assisted spinal surgery. He has been developing this area and is currently already on the second generation robot. His NHS practice is the first in the U.K. to offer robotic surgery routinely. He believes that innovation and skill is vital to progress and will soon offer this technological leap to private patients also.
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General Medical Council
No. 6120579
University of Edinburgh
Medicine
Graduated 2005
Cambridge University (Pembroke College) MVST
Edinburgh University Medical School MBChB
University College London MSc
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
Member of British Association of Spinal Surgeons
Member of North American Spine Society
Member of British Medical Association
Old Pauline (St Paul's School, London)
(2042)
The Clementine Churchill Hospital, Sudbury Hill, Harrow, United Kingdom, HA1 3RX
This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews
Mr Syed Aftab shows a professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and caring approach with his patients. He provides clear explanations for various spinal conditions and treatment options, often prioritising conservative approaches before considering surgery. Patients consistently report feeling understood and comfortable during their care, building trust and confidence. Some patients mention extended wait times for appointments. His expertise extends to conditions like herniated disc issues and lower back pain, with common interventions including nerve root injections and various spinal surgeries.
I trusted Dr Aftab with my neck/spine and therefore, my mobility. I’d trust Dr Aftab if I ever required surgery again in a heartbeat.
Excellent experience, care and support, Dr Aftab is extremely competent, professional, friendly, he looks at my medical issues as a whole provide the best advices, for his specialty and beyond, to provide the best recommendations.
Thank you! You were amazing, thorough and very confident in your diagnosis
Mr Aftab has provided excellent advice and care throughout the process of looking into and addressing my back issues. I would recommend him very highly.
From almost a wheelchair to standing tall in 24 hours — thanks to Mr. Aftab.-Life-Changing Care Last year, a failed surgery and an undiagnosed infection with another surgeon left my back severely damaged. By the time I reached Mr. Aftab, my pain was beyond human tolerance, and I had lost the ability to walk. He didn’t dwell on the past — he focused entirely on what could be done. Through detailed consultations, thorough investigations, and multidisciplinary meetings, he assembled a team of experts who shared his high standards. My surgery was complex and multi-level. Expected long hospital stay needed close attention, and he was there every day — even on weekends — calling, visiting, and consulting with his trusted team. Mr. Aftab treated me as a whole person, not just a spine. Less than 24 hours after surgery, I was standing straight for the first time in years. Recovery is ongoing, but he remains part of that journey. I have the deepest respect and gratitude for him and his team — they truly gave me my life back. Worth mentioning that the Complex Spine London admin team were no exception. I received compassionate and first-class support from them throughout — from prompt, reassuring communication before admission to efficient coordination during my hospital stay and follow-up appointments. Their professionalism and warmth made an already challenging journey far less daunting. A heartfelt thank you to you all for giving my child his father back, and my wife her lifelong soulmate.
Took the time needed to explain everything and ensure I was comfortable with the procedure. Appreciate the reassurance and guidance that we have additional alternatives ahead of surgery being the answer.
Mr Aftab is an excellent surgeon. He treated me with respect and in a professional way. I would recommend him for any patients wanted to see an orthodontic surgeon.
Really a great experience from beginning to end, with excellent coordination and support from the admin team throughout. And a genuine sense that Mr Aftab was invested in getting the best outcome for me and was committed to the journey with me. All my questions were answered with patience and interest. It really felt that each consultation was a continuation of the quest to find solutions for a problem that was not only complex but had also taken more than two years to get to the point where Mr Aftab proposed a pathway that led to a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Mr Aftab the way he did surgery, I felt very satisfied,
The nurses were excellent. They took very good care of me.

Dr Prashanth Reddy
General (Internal) Medicinea highly professional colleague and cares passionately for his patients
22 May 2025MG
Mr Khalid Ghufoor
ENT SurgeonMr Aftab is one of the best Consultant Spinal Orthopaedic Surgeons in London. I have trusted him many times with my patients. He is genuine and highly knowledgable.
10 Sep 2024MB
Mr Alex Barmpas
PhysiotherapistExcellent
27 Aug 2024
Dr. Sufyan Hussain
Diabetes & Endocrinology SpecialistWhat are Mr Syed Aftab's reviews like?
Mr Syed Aftab's overall patient rating is 4.98 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 175 reviews.
What languages does Mr Syed Aftab speak?
Mr Syed Aftab speaks English and Bengali
Where is Mr Syed Aftab located?
Mr Syed Aftab primarily practices at HCA Healthcare UK London Bridge Hospital, located at 27 Tooley Street, London, United Kingdom, SE1 2PR
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What are Mr Syed Aftab working hours?
Mr Syed Aftab is working Monday (15:00 - 20:00), Thursday (14:30 - 20:00)
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Does Mr Syed Aftab accept new patients?
Mr Syed Aftab generally accepts new patients.
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