Mr Phillip Johnston

Qualifications

BA (Hons), MB BChir, MA (Cantab), MD, FRCS (Tr Orth)

GMC number: 4259406

Practising since: 1995

Specialties

Orthopaedic surgery

Sub-specialties: Hand and Wrist Surgery

Consultation times

  • Tuesday 17:30–20:00
  • Overview
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01223 370922

About

Phil is a specialist in treatment of conditions of the upper limb, especially of the hand and wrist.

He is a strong proponent for “WALANT” surgery where appropriate, which stands for “wide-awake, local anaesthetic, no tourniquet”. This technique avoids the need for, and risks of, regional or general anaesthetic for operations where such a technique does not compromise surgical outcome or safety. 

Many hand and wrist conditions do not need surgery. Phil will advise on your diagnosis and your treatment options, to allow you to make an informed choice. Many conditions will improve with physical therapies and splintage, or an outpatient steroid injection. Some Dupuytren’s treatments can be performed in the clinic (percutaneous needle fasciotomy).


Where required, common surgical procedures performed include carpal tunnel decompression, trigger finger release, treatments for Dupuytren's contracture and operations for hand and wrist osteoarthritis. Phil also offers treatment for traumatic conditions, for example wrist fracture, and has developed a regional referral practice in reconstruction after complex wrist and forearm injury.

The British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) collects surgeon-specific outcome data for trapeziectomy, and Phil’s scores are better than the national average. Similarly, his BSSH outcome scores for Dupuytren's surgery are on par with the national average.

Phil keeps his knowledge base up to date having acted as faculty for two major international courses: previously the BSSH Instructional Series, which provides a complete curriculum for postgraduate hand and wrist surgery for senior trainees and Consultants, and as Chairman of the AOUK&I Principles of Fracture Management course, developing trauma skills in aspiring orthopaedic trainees. He is currently also a faculty mentor for AOUK&I, supporting development of the next generation of educationalists.

In-region, he is the Chairperson for the Surgical Training Committee for Orthopaedics, leading the surgical educators supervising over 80 registrars in 15 hospitals across East Anglia, ensuring that the highest clinical standards are maintained by the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons. In addition, he is a member of the Cambridge University Trauma & Orthopaedic Society (CUTOS), introducing undergraduates to the specialty and informing their choice of medical career. 


Other interests

  • Dupuytren’s disease
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Trigger finger, trigger thumb
  • Tendinopathies, tenosynovitis
  • Ganglion
  • Wrist pain
  • Hand and wrist arthritis
  • Hand and wrist injury
  • Wide awake surgery (WALANT).

Personal interests

Phil spends his free time with his family and enjoys cycling (on and off road), walking and gardening.

Treatments and tests offered by Mr Phillip Johnston at Nuffield Health

  • Trigger finger release
  • Carpal tunnel release
  • Hand surgery
  • Trigger Point Injections
  • Trapeziectomy
  • Dupuytren's fasciectomy
  • Steroid injections

Locations Mr Phillip Johnston works with

  • 4 Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AF

    01223 370 922
    Overall rating
    Outstanding

Related experience

Research

Phil is research active, and is acting as local Principal Investigator for the following current clinical trials

DRAFT3 – wrist fracture acute support, comparing cast with splint

WISE – enhanced rehabilitation following wrist fracture

SOFFT – suture fixation of olecranon fractures.

Memberships

  • British Society for Surgery of the Hand
  • British Orthopaedic Association
  • British Medical Association
  • Royal College of Surgeons of England

Other posts held

  • Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Insurers Mr Phillip Johnston works with

Mr Phillip Johnston works with the following private medical insurance providers:

  • Aviva Health
  • AXA Health
  • Bupa
  • Cigna
  • The Exeter
  • HealthFund
  • Simplyhealth
  • Universal Provident
  • WPA

Declaration

Mr Phillip Johnston does not hold a share or financial interest in this hospital, another Nuffield Health hospital or the company.

Mr Phillip Johnston does not have a share or financial interest in equipment used at this hospital or another Nuffield Health hospital.

Mr Phillip Johnston does not hold any paid advisory role(s) at this hospital or on behalf of Nuffield Health.