Specialist expertise with a clear, personal approach
Mr Daniel Dowen is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in degenerative conditions of the hip and knee, including osteoarthritis and other causes of joint pain and loss of function. He performs hip and knee replacement, complex primary surgery, revision hip and knee replacement, selected keyhole knee surgery and joint injections.
Helping people return to life in motion
Hip and knee problems can affect far more than the joint itself. They can change how you work, exercise, sleep and participate in everyday life.
Mr Dowen provides specialist assessment and treatment for degenerative and painful conditions of the hip and knee, including osteoarthritis and other causes of joint pain, stiffness and reduced function. His practice includes hip and knee replacement, complex primary surgery, revision hip and knee replacement, selected knee arthroscopy and joint injections.
He has a particular interest in patients whose condition or previous surgery requires a more detailed and individualised approach. This includes people experiencing pain following an existing hip or knee replacement, as well as those with complex anatomy, significant joint damage or other factors that may affect treatment planning.
Every patient is different. Mr Dowen takes time to understand the symptoms, the effect they are having and what the patient hopes to regain. Treatment decisions are then made together, with clear explanations of the available options, likely outcomes and potential risks.
Specialist care built around the individual
Mr Dowen combines specialist joint replacement expertise with extensive NHS trauma experience, research involvement and a commitment to clear, evidence-based care.
Hip and knee specialist
Focused expertise in the assessment and treatment of painful hip and knee conditions.
Complex and revision surgery
A special interest in complex primary surgery and the investigation and revision of previous joint replacements.
Evidence-based practice
A strong academic and research background supporting careful, informed clinical decision-making.
Patient-centred care
Open communication, shared decisions and realistic guidance throughout the treatment journey.
Advanced hip and knee care
Mr Dowen sees patients with both common and complex hip and knee problems, from early investigation through to surgery, rehabilitation and longer-term follow-up.
Surgery is not automatically the first recommendation. Where appropriate, assessment may lead to physiotherapy, activity modification, injections or continued monitoring. When an operation is advised, the reasons and alternatives are discussed carefully.
Hip replacement surgery
Assessment and surgical treatment for painful, damaged or arthritic hip joints.
+Knee replacement surgery
Individualised treatment planning for advanced knee arthritis and persistent joint pain.
+Complex and revision joint replacement
Specialist investigation and surgery for complex cases or problems with an existing implant.
+Knee arthroscopy
Keyhole assessment and treatment for selected meniscal and mechanical knee problems.
+Hip and knee injections
Diagnostic and therapeutic injections for selected joint conditions and persistent pain.
North East roots with international fellowship training
Mr Dowen was born and educated in Durham City. His medical, surgical and specialist orthopaedic training has been shaped by extensive experience in the North East and an international fellowship in lower limb joint replacement. His career highlights are shown below, beginning with his current consultant practice.
Consultant practice and clinical leadership
Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust since 2016, with a busy elective and trauma practice alongside departmental leadership responsibilities.
Lower limb joint replacement fellowship
Undertook a year-long specialist fellowship in Auckland, New Zealand, developing further expertise in lower limb joint replacement. This included complex anatomy around the hip and knee and tertiary-centre revision procedures for patients with previously failed implants.
FRCS in Trauma and Orthopaedics
Completed the specialist fellowship examination in trauma and orthopaedic surgery.
Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons
Awarded MRCS by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh while continuing specialist surgical development.
Medical qualification
Graduated in medicine from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne before progressing through surgical training in the North East of England.
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
Awarded first class honours by the University of Leeds, establishing a strong early foundation in biomedical science and medical research.
Evidence-led care shaped by research and current practice
Mr Dowen's degree in biomedical sciences provided a strong grounding in research methodology, critical appraisal and the careful interpretation of medical evidence.
He has been a named author on more than 20 medical and research publications. This academic background supports an evidence-based approach to practice, with treatment decisions informed by clinical findings, current literature, established techniques and the individual circumstances of each patient.
Keeping up to date with developments in hip and knee surgery, implant performance, revision techniques and published outcomes forms an important part of his clinical practice. Alongside his clinical work, Mr Dowen has held leadership responsibilities within trauma and orthopaedics, contributed to research within his NHS department and been accepted onto the AO teaching faculty.
Clear advice. Shared decisions. Realistic expectations.
"My aim is to help each patient understand their condition, consider the available choices and make a decision that feels right for them."
Choosing whether to proceed with surgery can be a significant decision. Mr Dowen believes patients should feel informed rather than pressured and should understand both the potential benefits and the limitations of each option.
Consultations are focused on listening carefully, reviewing the relevant investigations and explaining the findings in straightforward language. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and take an active role in decisions about their care.
Professional credentials
Mr Dowen is registered with the General Medical Council and holds specialist qualifications in trauma and orthopaedic surgery.
FRCS (Trauma and Orthopaedics)
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery.
MRCS
Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
MBBS
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
First class honours degree, University of Leeds.
General Medical Council
GMC registration number: 6114814.
Spire Washington Hospital
Mr Dowen sees private patients at Spire Washington Hospital, providing specialist consultation, investigation and surgical care for hip and knee conditions.
Arrange a specialist hip or knee consultation
A consultation provides the opportunity to discuss your symptoms, review any existing scans or investigations and understand the treatment options that may be appropriate for you.