Mr Matthew James Dawson
Qualifications
MB ChB, FRCSG (Tr & Orth )
GMC number: 3358414
Practising since: 1988
Specialties
Orthopaedic surgery
Sub-specialties: Knee surgery
Consultation times
- Friday 09:00–17:00
- Overview
About
Mr Matt Dawson is a leading specialist knee surgeon based in the North of England, recognised nationally and internationally for his expertise in knee realignment (osteotomy) surgery.
He treats both sports injuries and degenerative knee conditions, offering joint‑preserving procedures as well as knee replacement surgery, tailored to each individual patient.
Matt completed his orthopaedic training in London before undertaking a specialist sports knee fellowship in Dublin.
He then spent 22 years as a consultant knee and trauma surgeon at North Cumbria University Hospital, where he developed a highly respected knee service. During this time, he established a formal knee fellowship programme that attracted senior trainees from across the UK and hosted short‑term fellowships for visiting surgeons from Europe.
Matt now works as a private knee specialist at Nuffield Health Newcastle.
Surgical Expertise
- Knee arthroscopy
- Femoral and tibial osteotomy
- Total and partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement
- Articular cartilage repair
- Single and multi‑ligament reconstruction
- Patellar realignment and stabilisation
- Complex combined procedures for deformity and instability
He has developed one of the largest osteotomy practices in the UK, having performed around 1,000 simple and complex realignment procedures.
He also has extensive experience in knee replacement surgery, with more than 1,000 total knee replacements and over 500 unicompartmental knee replacements performed to date.
This depth of experience supports an evidence‑based and balanced approach to assessing patients and planning treatment.
Philosophy of Care
Matt is a strong advocate for joint preservation, aiming to maintain knee function and activity at the highest possible level for as long as possible. He believes that good alignment and stability are essential for long‑term success, whether treatment is non‑operative or surgical.
Every patient is assessed individually, with careful consideration of all appropriate treatment options. When major intervention may be needed, Matt prioritises informed patient choice and always considers whether a patient can safely and appropriately retain their own knee joint rather than moving straight to replacement.
Ligament Reconstruction
Matt has extensive experience in ligament reconstruction and has performed more than 1,000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. He uses a range of graft options — including hamstring, patellar tendon‑bone, quadriceps tendon and, when appropriate, allograft tissue — for both primary and revision surgery.
In selected cases, ligament reconstruction may be combined with reinforcement procedures or osteotomy to improve alignment and support long‑term outcomes.
Education, Research and Leadership
Matt is committed to training and developing healthcare professionals. Alongside his established knee fellowship, he founded the Northern Osteotomy Masterclass in 2015 — an internationally recognised course that brings together expert faculty and provides advanced training for consultant surgeons and senior trainees.
He is also a founder member of the UK Knee Osteotomy Registry (UKKOR), the world’s first national registry dedicated to knee realignment surgery, helping to advance evidence‑based practice in osteotomy.
Find out more on Mr Matt Dawson's personal website.
Special interests
- Joint preservation
- Knee osteotomy –
single, bilateral, double and complex cases
- Ligament surgery -
ACL Reconstruction / PCL reconstruction
- Knee replacements
– partial and total
- Patello-femoral
surgery
- Knee arthroscopy –
meniscal and cartilage repair.
Other interests
- Sports injuries
- Correction of torsional deformities
- Multi level deformity correction.
Personal interests
- Music
- Football
- Cycling
- Travel
- Family.
Treatments and tests offered by Mr Matthew James Dawson at Nuffield Health
- Osteotomy
- Knee replacement (Total knee replacement)
- Partial knee replacement
- Knee arthroscopy (knee keyhole surgery)
- Patellofemoral joint replacement
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction
Locations Mr Matthew James Dawson works with
Related experience
Research
Mr Dawson has research interest in all knee surgery and specifically the realignment of knees to preserve joints and function.
He is passionate about investigating and establishing new treatments for patients which improve upon the current standard. The intention is always to attempt to preserve the native knee where feasible and delay the need for knee replacement. The objectives are to enhance function in the middle-aged years and to reduce rates of revision knee replacements in later life.
He has researched and published on a new device which has been developed to perform osteotomy more accurately. This involves the implantation of a rod within the top of the tibia bone and utilises a remote-controlled magnetic system which controls the degree of correction of alignment AFTER the osteotomy surgery. Results have shown greater accuracy of surgical procedures when using this device.
Mr Dawson is also involved in the research and development of new systems and
devices in the performance of osteotomy including work on patient specific
instrumentation (PSI) and patient specific plates (PSP).
Memberships
- BASK
- British Medical Association
- ESSKA
- Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow
- AO Trauma Faculty
- British Orthopaedic Association
Other posts held
- North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Insurers Mr Matthew James Dawson works with
Mr Matthew James Dawson works with the following private medical insurance providers:
- Bupa
- AXA Health
Declaration
Mr Matthew James Dawson does not hold a share or financial interest in this hospital, another Nuffield Health hospital or the company.
Mr Matthew James Dawson does not have a share or financial interest in equipment used at this hospital or another Nuffield Health hospital.
Mr Matthew James Dawson does not hold any paid advisory role(s) at this hospital or on behalf of Nuffield Health.