Surgeon reaches milestone with 100th ankle replacement
22 April 2026
A surgeon at Ysbyty Gwynedd has reached a significant milestone after successfully completing his 100th ankle replacement procedure.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Haroon Mumtaz is the only surgeon providing total ankle replacement surgery for patients in North Wales, helping people with severe arthritis and joint damage regain mobility and reduce pain. The nearest alternative service is at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry.
This achievement places Mr Mumtaz among the top 10 surgeons in the UK by volume for this procedure.
Total ankle replacement is a complex operation where a damaged ankle joint is replaced with an artificial implant. It is designed to relieve pain while preserving movement in the joint offering an alternative to ankle fusion, which can limit mobility. For suitable patients, the procedure can be life-changing, enabling them to return to everyday activities with improved function and reduced discomfort.
Marking the milestone was Mr Mumtaz’s 100th patient, 77-year-old David Finch from Llanfairfechan.
After two separate motorcycle accidents over the years, Mr Finch had been living with increasing pain in his left ankle. Around three years ago, he learned about ankle replacement through a conversation with another patient and decided to speak to his GP.
Before proceeding, he was advised to undergo a knee replacement in September 2025 to ensure the best possible outcome and alignment for his ankle surgery.
Mr Finch said: “I didn’t even realise ankle replacement was an option until I spoke to someone who’d had it done. Over time, the pain in my ankle just got worse and worse – I couldn’t walk very far and even lifting things in my workshop became difficult.
“The care I’ve had at Ysbyty Gwynedd has been fantastic – everyone has been so friendly, professional and knowledgeable. I couldn’t believe the standard of care.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back to walking properly again – hopefully building back up to five or even ten miles.”
Mr Mumtaz said: “Reaching 100 ankle replacements is an important milestone, and I’m proud to be able to offer this procedure to patients here in North Wales.
“For many people living with severe ankle arthritis, pain can be debilitating and significantly impact their quality of life. Total ankle replacement can be transformative, relieving pain while preserving movement in the joint.
“It’s particularly rewarding to see patients like Mr Finch regain their independence and return to activities they enjoy. This work would not be possible without the support of the wider orthopaedic team, theatre staff, nursing and physio colleagues who all play a vital role in patient outcomes.”
Mr Finch also praised the team for their support throughout his journey, from diagnosis through to recovery.
He added: “The whole experience has been excellent from start to finish. I’m just grateful to have had access to this kind of treatment close to home.”