AN ORTHOPAEDIC surgeon has been recognised for his pioneering work helping patients with foot and ankle disorders.

Consultant David Redfern, who is based at the Montefiore Hospital in Hove, was honoured with the Europe-wide accolade for his keyhole surgery technique.

When Mr Redfern first introduced the idea of doing keyhole surgery for foot disorders like bunions in 2009, he was told it was “crazy”.

Since then he has revolutionised foot surgery, correcting painful foot disorders from bunions to arthritis, sports injuries to trauma. In many cases he combines his “minimally invasive” procedures with arthroscopic techniques, using an endoscope inserted into the joint through a small incision. He has also helped develop tiny instruments which have been specially made for this type of surgery.

Mr Redfern was presented his award at the European Awards in Medicine in Paris.

He said: “Bunions are one of the most common foot problems.

“But so many people put off having them corrected as they have heard how painful the surgery can be.

“Minimally invasive surgery drastically reduces pain after the operation – the vast majority of patients have said they haven’t needed to use painkillers and recovery is quicker.”

“I am absolutely delighted with this award.

“It came as such a surprise and the trophy itself is beautiful and currently sitting on my desk in my Sussex office.

“I remain fascinated by my field of medicine and hope to be able to continue to push the boundaries of modern surgery,”

Over the past ten years, Mr Redfern has trained more than 500 consultants worldwide in his techniques, which have been used in more than 50,000 procedures.

Mr Redfern completed his higher surgical training at St George’s Hospital in London and was then appointed as consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals in 2004.

He has published extensive articles on on foot and ankle surgery and has served on the council of both the British Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (BOFAS) and the European Foot & Ankle Society (EFAS).

The European Award in Medicine is his second accolade for key-hole surgery – his first came in 2015 when he was given a lifetime membership to the German Foot and Ankle Society.

The European Awards in Medicine are organised by the Professional and Business Excellence Institute which also recognises pioneers in the legal and technology industries.