Mr Steve Pope - Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Steve Pope is a highly experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in knee surgery, with particular expertise in knee replacement, revision knee surgery, knee arthroscopy, and the management of degenerative and inflammatory arthritis.
He provides expert, individualised care in Bath at Bath Clinic, where he has run his private practice exclusively since 2001, seeing self‑pay, insured, and NHS patients.

With over 25 years’ experience as a consultant, Mr Pope has treated thousands of patients and is known for his calm, patient‑centred approach, strong clinical judgement, and consistently positive patient feedback.

Areas of Expertise

Mr Pope specialises in:

• Total knee replacement
• Revision knee replacement, including complex revision surgery
• Knee arthroscopy
• Degenerative and inflammatory arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Knee injections
• Knee trauma and post‑traumatic conditions
• Second‑opinion knee assessments

He treats patients across all age ranges and regularly receives referrals for second opinions.

Knee Assessment

Mr Pope offers comprehensive assessment for patients presenting with knee pain, injury, or arthritic conditions. His approach begins with detailed history taking and careful clinical examination, followed by appropriate investigations to fully understand the underlying cause of symptoms. These may include X‑rays, blood tests, MRI scans, and CT scans, depending on individual needs.

Patients commonly present with symptoms such as:

• Instability
• Stiffness
• Locking
• Night‑time pain

Mr Pope assesses knee arthritis, knee injuries, and trauma. Where soft‑tissue injuries are identified that may require alternative treatment options, he will refer patients appropriately for a second opinion.

Knee Surgery

The majority of Mr Pope’s practice focuses on knee replacement surgery, and he performs approximately 300 knee replacements each year. He has extensive experience using Stryker knee replacement implants, which carry a 10A ODEP rating and demonstrate excellent long‑term implant survival data.

His surgical practice includes:

• Primary total knee replacement
• Revision knee replacement
• Complex revision knee surgery

As a member of the Regional Revision Knee Network, Mr Pope regularly manages complex revision cases. All revision procedures are discussed within the network prior to treatment, ensuring a carefully considered and individualised surgical plan.

Mr Pope is also trained in Mako robotic‑assisted knee replacement, allowing for enhanced accuracy and personalised surgical planning where appropriate.

Knee Arthroscopy and Minor Procedures

Mr Pope performs knee arthroscopy for:

• Meniscal (cartilage) tears
• Removal of loose bodies
• Biopsy for inflammatory arthritis

He also undertakes removal of metalwork, often following trauma or as preparation for future knee replacement surgery.

Injections and Non‑Surgical Treatments

For selected patients, Mr Pope offers steroid injections, particularly for those with early osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis, as part of a broader conservative management plan.

He ensures patients fully understand all available non‑surgical options and explores these where appropriate before recommending operative treatment.

Trauma Experience

Mr Pope has many years of experience managing lower limb trauma, bringing valuable expertise to both routine and complex knee cases, particularly where previous injury or surgery has affected joint anatomy or function.

Individualised, Patient‑Centred Care

Mr Pope is strongly committed to individualised, patient‑centred care. His approach focuses on understanding each patient’s symptoms, ambitions, and goals, ensuring treatment decisions align with what patients want to achieve.

Younger patients may be guided towards alternative treatment options or referred to specialist colleagues where this best supports long‑term outcomes.

Commitment to Excellence

Mr Pope remains committed to delivering the highest standards of orthopaedic care. He regularly attends relevant professional meetings and conferences, takes part in local and regional multidisciplinary meetings, and continually reviews his practice to ensure alignment with current evidence and best practice.

In recognition of his dedication to education and training, he was awarded Trainer of the Year 2025 by the Bristol Orthopaedic Registrars Group.

Professional Background

Mr Pope trained in medicine at The London Hospital Medical College (University of London). He completed his surgical training in and around London, followed by specialist training on the North West Thames rotation, including posts at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and St Mary’s Hospital, both major teaching hospitals.

He then completed a specialist fellowship year in Brisbane, gaining further advanced experience in orthopaedic surgery.

Focused Practice at Bath Clinic

Having worked in the NHS for 37 years, Mr Pope’s practice is now fully focused at Bath Clinic, where he sees self‑pay, insured, and NHS patients, continuing to deliver high‑quality, personalised knee care.

Beyond Clinical Practice

Outside of his clinical work, Mr Pope is a strong family man and enjoys walking and boating, and has recently taken up golf.