A North Wales surgeon has reached a major career milestone after successfully completing his 100th ankle replacement operation, transforming the lives of patients suffering with chronic pain and limited mobility.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Haroon Mumtaz, based at Ysbyty Gwynedd, is currently the only specialist providing total ankle replacement surgery in the region. The achievement places him among the top 10 surgeons in the UK by volume for the complex procedure.

Total ankle replacement involves removing a damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial implant, helping to relieve pain while preserving movement. It offers an alternative to ankle fusion, which can restrict mobility, and for many patients it can be life-changing.

Marking the milestone was Mr Mumtaz’s 100th patient, 77-year-old David Finch from Llanfairfechan, who had endured years of worsening ankle pain following two separate motorcycle accidents.

Mr Finch said he had not realised ankle replacement was even an option until speaking with another patient, adding that his condition had gradually deteriorated to the point where walking and everyday tasks became increasingly difficult.

Before undergoing the ankle procedure, he was advised to have knee replacement surgery in September last year to improve alignment and ensure the best possible outcome.

He praised the care he received at Ysbyty Gwynedd, describing staff as friendly, professional and highly knowledgeable, and said he was now looking forward to regaining his mobility and building back up to walking longer distances.

Mr Mumtaz said reaching 100 procedures was an important milestone and highlighted the growing demand for the surgery among patients living with severe arthritis and joint damage.

He said the condition can have a significant impact on quality of life, but total ankle replacement can be transformative, allowing patients to regain independence while reducing pain.

He also paid tribute to the wider orthopaedic team, theatre staff, nurses and physiotherapists, whose support he said was essential in achieving positive outcomes for patients.

Mr Finch added that his experience from diagnosis through to recovery had been excellent, and said he was grateful to have access to such specialist treatment close to home in North Wales.