Meet Mr Francesc Malagelada
Mr Francesc 'Cesc' Malagelada LMS, FEBOT, PhD.
Fellowship trained Consultant orthopaedic surgeon at The Royal London Hospital, the UK's largest trauma centre. He specialises exclusively in treating disorders of the foot and ankle, ranging from simple hammer toe deformities to complex trauma or ankle reconstructions.
By adopting an individualised approach to patient care, each patient's needs and preferences are addressed and included in the treatment plan. The vast majority of patients can benefit from tailored non-operative treatments and surgery is only advised when absolutely necessary. When indicated he performs minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or arthroscopy (keyhole) using the latest techniques that lead to faster recovery. He runs a multidisciplinary practice including physiotherapy and podiatry.
Appointments and Society memberships:
+ Since 2013 on the Orthopaedic Specialist Register of the GMC
+ Fellow of the European Board of Orthopaedics and Trauma
+ Member of the British Foot and Ankle Society (BOFAS)
+ Member of the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) serving in its Research Committee
+ Member of the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA)
+ Member of the Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Society (MIFAS)
+ Member of the Association for Osteosynthesis (AO).
+ Co-Director of the Barts Health Foot & Ankle Fellowship.
+ Honorary Senior Lecturer - Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)
+ Faculty of the Trauma Sciences MSc masters - QMUL
A summary of his CV is presented below:
Clinical
Research
Achievements
Personal
Qualifying in Medicine from the University of Barcelona in 2005, I undertook my Trauma and Orthopaedics training in Spain and the UK at the most prestigious institutions including The Royal London and The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. In addition, I underwent further specialised training through the BOFAS accredited Foot & Ankle fellowship in Windsor during one year. I have travelled internationally to centres of excellence in the USA (Los Angeles, Baltimore), Switzerland, Germany, and France to expand my knowledge and nurture from distinguished overseas experts. Since 2017 I have been practicing as a consultant in the largest Trauma Centre in the UK, The Royal London Hospital where I joined a world-renowned team of orthopaedic surgeons. I perform in excess of 250 foot and ankle operations each year.
The Royal London Hospital
The Royal London Hospital is one of the four Major Trauma Centres in the capital, serving a population of over five million people. It is a leading, internationally renowned teaching hospital with a reputation for caring for some of the most seriously injured patients across London and the neighbouring counties. It is also home to London’s Air Ambulance and patients are brought in by helicopter.
Queen Mary University of London
Teaching the new generation of medical students is not only our duty but also a gratifying honour. I am actively involved with the University as Honorary Senior Lecturer and I serve as faculty of the MSc in Orthopaedic Trauma Sciences at the Blizard Institute, QMUL.
Experience in the medical field is accumulated by being exposed to the best teachers and by repetition. The higher the exposure the better the results, with evidence and institutional claims to support so. I have been lucky enough to learn from some of the best teachers and best regarded orthopaedic surgeons throughout my career that encompassed different countries and institutions. The volume of patients that I treat annually across all clinics and hospitals continue to provide the required/utmost experience to ensure the highest standards of care. A governance and auditing process is in place to continuously review and discuss surgical cases amongst peers during multidisciplinary team meetings, ensuring the best possible outcomes for my patients.
Educator
There is no better way to demonstrate knowledge than being able to explain it and teach others in a clear manner. I regularly lecture nationally and internationally as part of the faculty in various courses as well as during my daily practice to a number of trainees. I am the co-lead of the Foot & Ankle fellowship programme at Barts Health which is accredited by the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, aimed at training fully qualified orthopaedic surgeons to become foot and ankle specialists.
I have presented and taught at national and international meetings on topics including ankle and talar fractures, correction of toe deformities, sports injuries and arthroscopy, treatment of calcaneal fractures by minimally invasive surgery, bone grafts for fracture treatment, and multiple disorders of the foot and ankle.
Research is fundamental for the progress of medical sciences and to provide the best state-of-the-art treatments to my patients. As part of my profession, I am committed to research and by leading the way on pertinent studies I am able to tailor the latest findings to the needs of my patients. For that reason, I enrolled in an academic PhD undertaken between the University of Barcelona and Queen Mary University of London.
PhD in Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery
My PhD studies spanned a total of 5 years and were centred in the study of "keyhole" or minimally invasive procedures of the foot and ankle with new insights on a novel biomaterial used during surgery. They culminated with the thesis entitled "Minimally invasive foot surgery: clinical anatomy and proposal for the use of a novel biomaterial", which was awarded the highest distinction “Cum Laude” for a PhD and a number of high-impact publications were produced as a result. The project produced safety guidelines for surgeons performing minimally invasive techniques in foot surgery and investigated cutting-edge techniques using biomaterials for the first time in experimental keyhole foot surgery.
My main areas of research include:
* Anatomy of the foot and ankle
* Big toe pain and bunions
* Ankle sprains and Sports-related injuries
* Trauma and fractures
* Minimally invasive and Arthroscopic surgery ("Keyhole")
Anatomy
I am passionate about the timeless study of anatomy, which in a surgical field is the basis for patient safety and enhanced recovery. Some of my research has helped to advance in some techniques that protect the anatomy to provide faster recovery times. Since a young age I was fortunate enough to be taught and mentored by one of the most renowned anatomists of all times, Professor Pau Golano to whom I will always be grateful.
Principal Investigator (PI)
As a researcher, I have been involved in a multitude of studies, from basic science to clinical trials and translational research. In basic science studies we look at the basics of the human body to try and transfer this knowledge to clinical practice. They mainly involve working in a lab on biochemistry, biomechanics or anatomy in order to then use these findings in the clinical setting following the adequate safety checks. I have worked at the labs of University of Barcelona, Imperial College, and Queen Mary University of London. Other studies are focused on assessing the results of treatments or surgeries in order to improve their results. Clinical trials are used to test assumptions that are instrumental in governing a patient’s management. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) are the most robust, highest quality research trials. During my career I have been involved in multiple RCTs and currently I work as the Principal Investigator in an ongoing study on the treatment of ankle fractures in collaboration with The University of Oxford and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
Textbook Publications
Textbook chapters summarise the medical knowledge available in a particular field, being an indispensable tool for students and surgeons alike. I have contributed to 11 book chapters including the reference book in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, DeLee, Drez and Miller’s.
To understand how the publications I produce have a direct impact on clinical outcomes and treatments offered to my patients take a look at TREATMENTS.
For a full list of peer-reviewed publications and research output click the links below. (Over 50 scientific articles published and over 67 research items)
PubMed - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=malagelada+f
Researchgate - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Francesc_Malagelada
* “Cum Laude” distinction for PhD dissertation – 2019
* Awarded ESSKA-AFAS Research Fellowship – 2017
* Smith & Nephew South African Orthopaedic Association Literary Award – 2017
* Pau Golano award for Best podium presentation of the Congress – International Congress of Foot & Ankle Minimally Invasive Surgery – 2015
* Best Journal publication of the year – Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology and Arthroscopy – 2012
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends. From a young age I have been involved in sports and practiced swimming and water-polo competitively.
Currently, I continue to enjoy water sports in a Masters swimming club at a lower pace as well as amateur attempts at cycling and triathlons. Right now it’s the taking part that counts! Gastronomy and travelling are also some of my favourite activities.
* PB Olympic distance (S1500m-B40km-R10km) – 02:14:06
* PB Sprint (S750m-B20km-R5km) – 01:05:58