Team

Consultant Plastic Hand Surgeon

My medical training took place in Oxford, where I received first class honours. I underwent full training in plastic and reconstructive surgery in London, but from an early stage I was struck by the intricacy of hand anatomy and opted to concentrate on a career in hand surgery. I returned to Oxford University to undertake a DPhil into the genetic basis of hand deformities, for which I was awarded a Hunterian Professorship by the Royal College of Surgeons.

My first consultant post was in the Canniesburn Unit of Glasgow Royal Infirmary but I subsequently moved to Edinburgh to develop the NHS Lothian regional hand service. My NHS practice covers all aspects of hand surgery, but over recent years I have increasingly specialised in Dupuytren’s disease and have developed an international reputation in the treatment of complex, recurrent cases.

Throughout my career I have been extensively involved in research, resulting in many prizes and publications. I participate in scientific collaborations with the Universities of Edinburgh and Oxford into the development of new treatments for Dupuytren’s disease. I was lead investigator in Edinburgh for the recently published RIDD trial investigating the use of anti-TNF injections (adalimumab) in the treatment of early Dupuytren’s disease.

I lecture nationally and internationally on Dupuytren’s surgery, but am at my happiest sitting at the operating table concentrating on a particularly challenging contracture.

Consultant Plastic Hand Surgeon

I graduated with honours in 2007 at the University of Padova, Italy, where I trained as a Plastic and Hand surgeon until 2014.

In 2015 I was awarded a scholarship by the European Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgeons at the University of Helsinki, Finland, before moving to Edinburgh for further training.

In 2017 I undertook a fellowship in Microsurgery in Bristol, before returning to Edinburgh as a Consultant Hand surgeon at St John’s Hospital.

My private practice reflects my NHS activity. My primary focus is Dupuytren’s disease which I enjoy for the degree of finesse required, but maintain a broader interest in soft tissue reconstructions and the treatment of peripheral neuropathies.

I currently coordinate the team treating Dupuytren’s disease at the Lothian Hand Unit, St. John’s Hospital, NHS Lothian.

I have complemented my surgical career with an extensive involvement in anatomical, basic science and clinical research, including as a research fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital / Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA, which has led to many publications in peer-reviewed journals, awards and research grants, and a PhD title from the University of Padova.

Consultant Plastic Hand Surgeon

I graduated from Glasgow University in 2001 and completed my Plastic, Reconstructive & Hand Surgery training in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

I spent a year in Nova Scotia, Canada on a Hand & Microsurgery fellowship, before returning to Edinburgh to start as a Consultant Hand & Plastic Surgeon in 2015.

My main interest in Hand Surgery is Dupuytren’s Disease and the management of nerve injuries; as well as soft tissue reconstruction of the hand and upper limb.

My main research interests are in Dupuytren’s Disease where I have recently been involved with the RIDD trial (investigating anti-TNF injections for early Dupuytren’s) and the Primary Investigator for the DISC trial (comparing collagenase injection with open fasiectomy surgery).

I am excited to join my colleagues Dominique and Luca, providing expertise in the management of Dupuytren’s Disease across Lothian and the rest of Scotland.

Specialist Hand therapist

I am an HCPC registered physiotherapist having graduated from Coventry University in 1996 with an Honours degree in Physiotherapy. I moved to Edinburgh in 2003 to work at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and it was here I discovered hand therapy gaining experience in treating a large variety of wrist and hand conditions.

I gained Accreditation with BAHT, the British Association of Hand Therapists, in 2020. I regularly treat patients following Dupuytren's release in both the NHS and the private sector having set up my own private hand therapy practice.

www.1to1physiopilates.com

Post-operative hand therapy is an essential part of your surgery, to achieve a satisfactory result and maximise the release of contractures achieved with your operation.

Post-operative hand therapy is initially provided at Spire Shawfair Park by a specialist hand therapist, and this is included in the comprehensive package fee that will be discussed with you ahead of organising your surgery (link to fees page).

Nicki will provide the additional hand therapy that can be needed beyond the initial post-operative physiotherapy at Spire Shawfair Park, and she coordinates with specialist hand therapist colleagues across Scotland to ensure that the hand therapy you need is provided as near your home as possible.