Mr Stefan Niculescu, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, was invited to Wrightington Hospital to teach the Röttinger approach to total hip replacement to Mr Josh Lamb, another Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. This muscle-sparing surgical technique is already available to suitable patients within the Mid Yorkshire Trust.
During the visit, Mr Lamb successfully performed three total hip replacements under Mr Niculescu’s guidance. This builds upon previous training undertaken at Pontefract Hospital, which houses the MY Elective Orthopaedic Hub. The invitation highlights the specialist knowledge within the Trust and the significant role its clinicians play in developing the wider NHS workforce.
By teaching advanced techniques and sharing knowledge with colleagues, experienced surgeons contribute to the spread of best practice, enhance clinical skills, and ensure patients benefit from high-quality, continuously improving care. Mr Niculescu described the invitation as a "genuinely special moment" and "particularly rewarding" to witness Mr Lamb's skill and commitment.
“"This was about much more than teaching a surgical technique. It was an opportunity to share knowledge, advance surgical practice and help shape the future of hip surgery."
The Röttinger approach involves using a natural space between muscles, avoiding the cutting of major muscles. For appropriate patients, this technique can facilitate earlier mobilisation, reduce initial recovery pain, improve stability, and lead to fewer post-operative restrictions.
The Trust’s teaching expertise is underpinned by robust clinical services where new skills can be developed and applied. The MY Elective Orthopaedic Hub recently received NHS England’s Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) accreditation, following a thorough assessment of patient pathways, staff training, clinical outcomes, facilities, and productivity.
This accreditation, delivered in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal College of Anaesthetists, is a nationally recognised mark of excellence. It provides independent confirmation that the hub adheres to high clinical and operational standards.
For patients, the dedicated hub offers quicker access to planned procedures, including hip and knee replacements. Its capacity is protected from emergency pressures, which helps minimise last-minute cancellations, streamline care pathways, and enhance the overall patient experience. The accreditation also assures patients that they are receiving care within a service meeting national standards for quality, safety, and efficiency.
Mr Niculescu added: “Teaching and learning are central to improving patient care. Sharing expertise helps surgeons develop their skills, supports the wider adoption of effective techniques and ensures that patients benefit from the latest knowledge and high standards of surgical practice.”
The combination of specialist teaching, collaborative efforts, and GIRFT-accredited services underscores the Trust’s dedication to workforce development while delivering safe, efficient, and patient-centred orthopaedic care.
