5 Best Orthopaedic Specialists in Glasgow Worth the Self-Pay
I’ve always loved my weekend fitness boot camps, but one mistimed lunge had my knee sounding like a snapped twig. Waiting months on the NHS wasn’t an option if I wanted to get back to the burpees and on the road to my ideal weight.
Self-pay prices were surprisingly clearer than I expected, but comparing specialists took some real digging. Unlike London, you don’t just take a stroll into a fancy standalone clinic here, as the consultant is tied to the hospital they are admitted to.
That’s when I started hunting for an orthopaedic specialist in Glasgow who could treat the joints I ruined. Here are some of the top specialists I’ve come to know during my sports-injury bragging journey.
How much does it cost to see an orthopaedic specialist in Glasgow?
The cost of orthopaedic treatment in Glasgow varies slightly depending on the consultant and hospital, but typically, a private specialist costs around £150 to £280.
A total knee replacement costs around £12,000 to £15,000 to cover the surgery.
Do note that you can’t transfer NHS funding to the private side, though you can use your NHS referral letter to see a private consultant, and skip repeat diagnostics if you’re self-paying.
1. Body Foot and Leg Clinic
Address: 113-115 Great Western Rd
Contact: +441414337402
Business hours:
Monday and Thursday, 8 AM–8 PM
Tuesday and Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
Wednesday, 8 AM–3 PM
Saturday, 9 AM–1 PM
I banged up my right foot on a soggy Glasgow jog, but Body Foot and Leg Clinic had me walking straight again by the next day. They’re easily one of the best for sports medicine and lower-limb injuries, especially for runners like me who collect sprains like medals!
What I liked most here was how the specialist, Mhairi Friel, MSc, lives in the niche; I got a proper “foot and ankle gal” vibe with no guesswork. He explained the issue in a crisp, no-nonsense manner that somehow didn’t make me feel daft for overtraining on wet pavements.
The clinic is tucked in a location with hassle-free parking, which matters when you have to walk in limping. Inside are clean exam rooms, on-site gait analysis, and a quick-access ultrasound that beats waiting weeks elsewhere.
Their self-pay pricing is clear, and their post-treatment rehab plan felt realistic for someone who still wants to jog but also likes having functional toes.
Past client feedback matches my experience: solid outcomes, calm bedside manner, and a specialist who knew exactly what tendon I’ve annoyed.
That said, it’s not the ideal place if you need full surgical options, since they refer out for major ops. Peak-hour slots also book out fast, so last-minute injuries could be a bit tricky.
Customer Reviews
I am no longer experiencing chronic pain
This place is amazing! Despite months of NHS physiotherapy after surgery for a Lisfranc fracture, the pain in my foot was unrelenting. From my initial assessment, Mhairi was positive that she could help me. She recommended custom insoles and manipulation sessions. As a result, I am no longer experiencing chronic pain, and my mobility is excellent.
- Francis O’Connell, Google Review
I cannot recommend the team here highly enough
Having attended regularly over the past 6 months, I cannot recommend the team here highly enough. Having had various treatments, my mobility, posture and alignment have improved steadily. Credit to Mhairi and all her staff, including the admin and front of house team. Well done, all of you!
- G K, Google Review
2. Glasgow Knee Surgery Clinic
Address: 221 Crookston Rd
Contact: +441418103151
Business hours: Open 24 hours
I wrecked my knee reliving my five-a-side “glory” days, and Glasgow Knee Surgery Clinic had me bending it again without sounding like a crispy roll. After all, they’ve become a go-to for sports-related knee injuries and full knee reconstruction or replacement work.
The consultant, Mr Graeme Hopper, is very much the city’s knee guy, who explained everything to me in a brisk, confidence-boosting way. It made my surgery feel less terrifying, and his sub-specialisation meant clear diagnosis, options, and timelines.
The self-pay costs were transparent enough that I could prepare for them. I also liked the post-op physio plan that made me stick to it even though I was initially averse.
The facilities were clean, the admin organised, and they offered on-site imaging, joint injections, prehab planning, and fast surgical bookings through their partnered private hospitals. It’s easy to forget you’re in pain once you’re welcomed by all these.
Do note that major surgeries are performed off-site at these partner hospitals, which means moving between locations. Follow-up slots can also be tight during peak sports season (August to May for football, and April to September for running events).
Customer Reviews
The surgery has been a complete success
Had a partial knee replacement under Mr Hopper and am extremely impressed with his professionalism and manner throughout. His explanations and expertise made me relaxed about the process, and the surgery has been a complete success. I would not hesitate to recommend his services and have already done so to a couple of friends.
- Kevin Blamire, Google Review
The physio support has been first class
Really impressed and very happy with Mr Hopper. The options and then the surgery were all clearly explained, and I was reassured all the way. He responded in detail to my queries. Mr Hopper also managed to fit my op in early (at my request), which was a great help to me. I’m recovering well, and the physio support has been first class. Overall, an excellent experience with an ACL reconstruction. Thank you!
- Iain Stewart, Google Review
3. Foot-Doctor. Professor Roslyn Miller FRCS. Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon.
Address: Glasgow Nuffield Hospital, 25 Beaconsfield Rd
Contact: +448001933668
Business hours: Open 24 hours
My mum’s foot pain had her hobbling around like she’d walked the full West Highland Way, and it was pitiful to see. We brought her to Professor Rosly Miller of Foot-Doctor, who is easily one of the best for complex foot and ankle conditions, especially those needing customised, long-term treatment plans like Mum.
Professor Miller explained the solutions without drowning us in medical jargon, so Mum didn’t feel rushed, but properly assessed. She felt she was given a realistic roadmap instead of generic advice.
We found the facilities modern, complete with on-site diagnostics, orthotic fitting, and tailored rehab programmes that make the whole process smoother for older patients. The clinic is in a convenient spot with straightforward parking, too.
Self-pay pricing was clearly broken down, and Mum’s bespoke regimen, from insoles to targeted physio, didn’t feel like a one-size-fits-all fix but a truly personalised one. We could see why Dr Miller has become known as a specialist who pays attention to small details.
However, complex cases may require multiple follow-ups, which can add to the overall cost and time. As well, Dr Miller is in high demand, so slots can fill up fast, especially around wintertime when foot issues spike.
Customer Reviews
3 months on and my foot is pain-free
The beginning-to-end experience with Professor Miller was excellent; very knowledgeable, and communication was timely throughout from initial consultation through to post-operation. She followed up routinely to check on progress, even responding during her own holiday. The key attribute for me, aside from her technical competence, was her approachability, which made the experience a very positive one. 3 months on and my foot is pain-free, and flexibility continues to improve.
- Andrew Pursey, Google Review
I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone
I am extremely happy with the progress I’m making following foot surgery by Professor Roslyn Miller. The care I have received from Roslyn and her team has been first-class. I have found Roslyn to be extremely knowledgeable and skilled, and she is always welcoming, friendly and encouraging. I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone needing help with foot or ankle problems.
- Moira Kelly, Google Review
4. Elite Surgery Abroad
Address: Office 77B, 35-37 Rosyth Rd
Contact: +441429808033
Business hours: Monday to Saturday, 9.30 AM–5.30 PM
My boss finally admitted that his hip was giving him more grief than Monday morning meetings, so he booked in with Elite Surgery Abroad. He was told they’re great at hip replacements and joint reconstruction, especially for patients needing faster timelines and structured overseas surgical options.
Their consultant network is well curated, with clear sub-specialists who actually focus on the hip rather than dabbling across every joint. The explanations were clear and reassuring, so my boss felt the whole “surgery abroad” idea less of a gamble and more like a well-managed pathway.
The Glasgow base has straightforward parking, which helped when he was shuffling in for pre-op assessments. He said the facilities immediately offered imaging, medical screening, and travel-coordinated surgical planning under one roof.
He also found the self-pay packages surprisingly transparent, with fixed-price hip replacements, plus support for arranging physio once he’s back home. He had no complaints about the entire process, from the efficient admin to the trusted surgeons.
However, travel logistics can feel overwhelming for older patients, even with the support given. Follow-up care will also depend on local physiotherapy partners, so continuity isn’t fully in-house.
Customer Reviews
Three months on, I have regained my mobility
My surgery for right hip replacement on 1st April went well. The aftercare was excellent, and now, three months on, I have regained my mobility. I have even managed to ride pillion on my husband’s motorbike. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone in need of hip or knee surgery.
- Rosalind Gray, Google Review
The service was first class
I had a full knee replacement at the end of January this year with Elite Surgery Abroad and can only say that the service was first class. From the initial communications and discussions through to post-op care, everything has been seamless. Raoul and his team were extremely helpful, and when I first struggled after my operation, they were always on hand to assist with making me more comfortable and to help with pain relief. The accommodation at Novage is very nice, spacious and well equipped with decent meals 3 times a day included in the package. Now I am only 5 months post op and am already back on the tennis court! If you are thinking about a knee or hip replacement abroad, I would definitely recommend Elite Surgery Abroad.
- Justin Mottaz, Google Review
5. Ross Hall Hospital
Address: 221 Crookston Rd
Contact: +441418103151
Business hours: Daily, 8 AM–11 PM
My best pal was bricking it over her knee surgery, so we took her to Ross Hall Hospital to calm her nerves and sort the joint. It was mentioned several times to us by past patients who’ve had sports injuries, ligament repairs, and full knee replacements addressed by their deep bench of sub-specialist consultants.
Her surgeon, Colin Walker, explained every step of the way, which made her stop Googling worst-case scenarios. The clarity and confidence made the whole thing feel far less dramatic than she’d worked it up to be.
I was there when she first visited, and was impressed with how well-equipped the hospital is. It offers on-site MRI, modern theatres, private rooms, and same-day joint injections that keep things moving quickly.
Its southside location also has plenty of parking, which matters when your patient can’t bend their knee without cursing. My bestie loved how the self-pay pricing was clearly laid out, and how the physio team had her walking with a more normal gait within days.
That said, it’s a popular hospital, so appointment slots and theatre dates can book up fast. Food and room upgrades exist, as well, but aren’t cheap if you want extras.
Customer Reviews
I was looked after very well
Day staff, night staff, and catering staff were all very kind and considerate. I was looked after very well. Not of course to overlook Mr Colin Walker and his team, who carried out the operation on my knee. The anaesthetist was also very thorough in explaining the options of a General or a Spinal procedure. I was convinced that I wanted a general anaesthetic, but after speaking to him, I opted for a spinal injection. I am very glad I did and would recommend this to others.
- Douglas Cowie, Google Review
I was kept informed at all times about everything that was happening
Everything from admission to discharge went very smoothly. I was kept informed at all times about everything that was happening. The staff were very friendly, helpful and professional. The surgery went well – no waiting hours before being taken, and once I was out of surgery, the surgeon visited me to let me know how things had gone. All together a very good experience.
- Marion McNicol, Google Review