Mr Ian McDermott MB BS, MS, FRCS(Tr&Orth), FFSEM(UK)
Consultant Knee Surgeon, London Sports Orthopaedics
Professor Emeritus, London Southbank University
The "custom knee" surgeon
Mr McDermott is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who exclusively specialises in knees. He has led the way in the UK in pioneering tailored implants in partial and total knee replacement surgery. Every knee is individual and so a 'one-size-fits-all' approach cannot always be relied upon.
Technical expertise
Mr McDermott is also highly experienced in the field of ‘biological knee replacement’. This advanced treatment approach involves complex reconstructive procedures such as meniscal allograft transplantation and articular cartilage grafting procedures.
After completing his medical training at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, Ian did his specialist orthopaedic training in the North-West Thames region of London. He was appointed as a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in the NHS at Ealing Hospital. Ian now runs a full-time private practice so that he can focus exclusively on his private patients, and also on his academic interests in the world of knee surgery.
A highly experienced knee surgeon
- Youngest ever surgeon to be elected as a Trustee and Council Member of The Royal College of Surgeons.
- Honorary Professor Associate, Brunel University.
- Hospital Innovations designated ‘Centre of Excellence’ for meniscal transplantation surgery.
- Vivostat designated ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the use of biological glues in knee surgery.
- Pioneer of custom-made knee replacement surgery in the UK, and the Conformis Surgical Training Centre.
- Founder and Immediate Past-President of the UK Biological Knee Society.
- Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Independent Practitioners Organisations (FIPO).
Personal treatment philosophy
My entire focus is on quality. I aim to provide every one of my patients with the necessary amount of time, focus and attention to ensure the best possible outcomes every time.
I try to do the very best that I can in order to achieve the best possible results and outcomes for every one of my patients. I spend considerable time with my patients and I ensure that they receive a lot of information, to help them make the right and best decision for them and for their knee. I always strive to ensure that I’m at the forefront of technological developments in the world of knee surgery, so that I can offer my patients the latest and best treatments currently available.
My approach is tailored and completely patient focussed. I aim to be at the leading edge with medical and technical developments, so that I can offer my patients the very latest and best possible options.
Video - the gold standard in knee replacement surgery
Why this particular specialism?
I love knees!
I've got one of the best jobs in the world and couldn't imagine doing anything different. Knees are really complex and really difficult, and there’s a lot that can go wrong. I’ve been obsessed with knees for literally decades now, and ‘knees’ is now what I do and who I am!
What makes a ‘good day’ at the office ‘for you’?
Spending time with nice patients who have suffered difficult and complex problems. When I get comments like: “nobody’s ever explained that to me before” or “that’s the first time that anyone ever got to the bottom of my problems” helps reassure me that the challenge of my work is absolutely worth all the effort.
What piece of advice do you most often give to your patients?
Do your research! But don’t get distracted by the glossy too-good-to-be-true ‘wonder treatments’ that are unfortunately touted by some deeply unethical individuals! Spend time with your surgeon and ask lots of questions, and if they can’t give you the time that you need or the answers that you require, then they’re not the right surgeon for you!
