Mr Hisham Shalaby – Consultant Foot & Ankle Surgeon in Edinburgh

An accurate diagnosis
and a comprehensive treatment plan.

Specialist Foot and Ankle Care

Mr Hisham Shalaby is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising exclusively in foot and ankle conditions. Based in Edinburgh, he provides specialist assessment and treatment for common foot and ankle problems as well as complex deformity, ankle replacement, revision surgery and failed previous procedures. He receives referrals from across Scotland and treats patients travelling from elsewhere in the UK and overseas.

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Mr Hisham Shalaby uses a structured and highly detailed assessment process, supported by SPATTRO—a specialist digital platform designed to capture comprehensive information about your symptoms, history, and functional limitations before your consultation. This allows for a deeper understanding of your condition from the outset, enabling a more precise diagnosis and a clearly defined, personalised treatment plan from your very first visit.

Recognised by all major UK Medical Insurance Companies

Conditions Treated

Mr Shalaby’s practice is dedicated exclusively to foot and ankle care, encompassing the full spectrum of elective conditions. This includes common problems such as bunions, forefoot pain, and plantar fasciitis, as well as more complex conditions like ankle arthritis, instability, tendon disorders, and adult-acquired flatfoot. By focusing entirely on foot and ankle surgery, Mr Hisham Shalaby offers a depth of expertise and precision that comes from managing these conditions on a daily basis, ensuring patients receive highly specialised and up-to-date care tailored to their specific problem.

Hallux Valgus (Bunion)

A common deformity causing prominence and misalignment of the big toe, often leading to pain, difficulty with footwear, and progressive worsening if untreated.

Hallux Rigidus (Big Toe Arthritis)

A form of arthritis affecting the big toe joint, resulting in stiffness, pain during walking, and reduced range of motion.

Ankle Arthritis

Degeneration of the ankle joint leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility, which can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

Operations Offered

Mr Hisham Shalaby offers a comprehensive range of foot and ankle surgical procedures, using the latest techniques supported by current evidence and best clinical practice. This includes minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery, advanced reconstructive procedures, and joint-preserving or joint-replacement options where appropriate. Every surgical plan is carefully tailored to the individual patient, with a strong emphasis on achieving optimal outcomes, reducing recovery time, and restoring function safely and effectively.

Ankle Replacement & Revision Surgery

Specialist assessment and treatment for advanced ankle arthritis, including primary total ankle replacement, complex preoperative planning and revision ankle replacement. Each case is carefully evaluated to select the most appropriate option and restore function while preserving movement whenever possible.

Joint-Preserving Ankle Surgery

Treatment options for patients with ankle cartilage damage, osteochondral lesions and early arthritis, including cartilage repair, ankle realignment and selected reconstructive or distraction procedures. The aim is to reduce pain, improve function and preserve the natural ankle joint where appropriate.

Complex Foot and Ankle Reconstruction

Specialist reconstruction for congenital, neuromuscular, post-traumatic and acquired deformities, including cavovarus feet and complex problems following previous surgery. Treatment is individually planned to improve alignment, stability, mobility and long-term function.

Sports Injuries and Ankle Instability

Assessment and treatment of sports-related foot and ankle injuries, including ligament damage, recurrent ankle instability, tendon disorders and cartilage injuries. Management may involve rehabilitation, injections or surgery depending on the diagnosis and the patient’s activity goals.

Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery

Minimally invasive techniques may be used for selected bunion and forefoot conditions, using smaller incisions and reduced soft-tissue disruption. Suitability depends on the individual deformity, symptoms and overall clinical assessment.

Forefoot and Midfoot Surgery

Comprehensive treatment for bunions, big-toe arthritis, metatarsalgia, toe deformities, midfoot arthritis and rheumatoid forefoot problems. Treatment is tailored to relieve pain, improve alignment and function, and address the specific needs of each patient.

SPATTRO
pre-consultation assessment

Mr Shalaby uses the SPATTRO platform to offer his patients the most detailed assessment ahead of their consultations  Patients fill interactive forms that allows them to organise their thoughts and get all their message through.

NHS Consultant Appointment

Mr Shalaby has been a Consultant in NHS Lothian, based at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and St John’s Hospital in Livingstone, since 2009. His private practice mirrors his NHS practice and is solely built on evidence based medicine with well documented treatment protocols. 

Professional society memberships

Mr Shalaby is a member of various international societies including the British Foot & Ankle Society (BOFAS), the European Foot & Ankle Society (EFAS), the British Limb Reconstruction Society (BLRS), the World Orthopaedic Association (SICOT) and more. 

What Patients Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about your appointments, treatments, and what to expect during your care and recovery process.

No, you can book an appointment directly without a referral. However, if you have been referred by a GP or another specialist, you are welcome to bring any relevant information with you.

Your consultation will include a detailed assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and any previous investigations, followed by a thorough examination and a clear explanation of your diagnosis and treatment options.

Yes. Mr Shalaby always considers non-surgical treatments first, such as physiotherapy, orthotics, medication, and lifestyle modifications before recommending surgery.

Most patients will need to have new X-rays obtained while standing. This can always be arranged before or after you see Mr Shalaby but almost always during the same visit. If you need to have more detailed investigations like an MRI or a CT scan, Mr Shalaby will arrange these investigations for you. They usually take place within a week or 2 following your consultation. 

No. Many conditions can be managed effectively with non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, footwear modification, or injections. Surgery is only recommended when appropriate.

Surgery is considered when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, or when the condition is unlikely to improve without intervention. All options will be clearly discussed with you.

Yes. Patients seeking a second opinion are welcome, particularly for complex cases or when considering surgery. Almost all surgeons will be happy for their patient to seek a second opinion as the main target of any consultation is to give the patient the maximum benefit. If you attend for a second opinion it is a good practice to bring any reports from your initial consultations. 

Take a step now to sort out your foot and ankle problem.

If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, expert care can make all the difference. Mr Hisham Shalaby, Foot & Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeon in Edinburgh, provides professional diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and advanced surgical solutions to help you regain comfort and mobility. 

Insights, guidance, and expert perspectives on foot and ankle health.

This blog provides expert insights into foot and ankle conditions, treatments, and recovery, helping you better understand your symptoms and the options available. Drawing on specialist experience and evidence-based practice, it aims to guide you in making informed decisions about your care.