Mr Adam Charles Watts
MBBS, BSc, FRCS(Tr&Orth)
Consultant Hand and Upper Limb Surgeon.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I was appointed in 2010 as a Consultant Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Limb Surgeon,
with a special interest in wrist and elbow surgery, and also orthopaedic trauma. After
graduating from London University in 1997 I trained in London and completed my
specialist training in Edinburgh. I obtained a further twenty-four months Fellowship
training in Hand and Upper Limb Orthopaedic Surgery in Adelaide, Australia and
Wrightington Hospital, England. My main clinical interests include surgery of the elbow,
wrist, and shoulder, in particular the treatment of degenerative joint disease, sports injury
and trauma, with a focus on arthroscopic techniques and joint reconstruction. I am
passionate about orthopaedic research and medical education. I am currently Research
coordinator for the Upper Limb Unit at Wrightington. I have published widely in peerreview journals on orthopaedic surgery, primarily of the hand and upper limb. I am coconvenor of the Wrightington Tips and Tricks in Elbow Surgery and Faculty Member on
the Wrightington FRCS Course, Wrightington Basic Science Course, and Edinburgh
Hand Course.
ACADEMIC RECORD
1994
1997
2001
2007
BSc – Upper second class award, University of London
MB BS, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, University of
London
MRCS, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
FRCS (Tr. and Ortho.), Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
MEMBERSHIP OF LEARNED SOCIETIES
British Orthopaedic Association.
British Society for Surgery of the Hand.
APPOINTMENT
Consultant Elbow, Hand and Upper Limb Surgeon, Wrightington Hospital
PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS
Hand and Upper Limb Surgery Training
Post-Graduate Fellowships
Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Wrightington Hospital, UK
July 2009 - June 2010
Hand and Upper Limb Surgery, Adelaide, Australia
Mr Greg Bain
July 2008 – June 2009
Elbow Fellowship, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK
Mr L Rymaszewski
Aug 2007 – Feb 2008
General Trauma and Orthopaedic Training
Aug 2002 – July 2008
South East Scotland Orthopaedic Higher Surgical Training Scheme
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
Mandziak DG, Watts AC, Bain GI. Ligament contribution to patterns of articular
fractures of the distal radius. J Hand Surg Am. 2011 Oct;36(10):1621-5. Epub 2011 Aug
31.
Watts AC, Hayton MJ, Stanley JK. Salvage of failed distal radioulnar joint
reconstruction. Hand Clin. 2010 Nov;26(4):529-41. Review.
Bain GI, Smith ML, Watts AC. Arthroscopic core decompression of the lunate in
early stage Kienbock disease of the lunate. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2011
Mar;15(1):66-9.
Godley K, Watts AC, Robb JE. Pathological femoral fracture caused by primary
bone tumour: a population-based study. Scott Med J. 2011 Feb;56(1):5-9.
Jenkins PJ, Watts AC, Duckworth AD, McEachan JE. Socioeconomic deprivation and
the epidemiology of carpal tunnel syndrome. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2011 Sep 21.
[Epub ahead of print]
Watts AC. Re: Soubeyrand M, Wassermann V, Hirsch C, Oberlin C, Gagey O,
Dumontier C. The middle radioulnar joint and triarticular forearm complex. J Hand Surg
Eur. 2011, 36: 447-54. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2011 Sep 19. [Epub ahead ofprint]
Teoh KH, Watts AC, Chee YH, Reid R, Porter DE. Predictive factors for recurrence of
simple bone cyst of the proximal humerus. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2010;18(2):2159.
Bain G, Watts AC. The outcome of scaphoid excision and four-corner arthrodesis for
advanced carpal collapse at a minimum of 10-years. JHS(Am) 2010;35(5):719-25
Anakwe RE, Watts AC, McEachan J. Delayed ulnar nerve palsy after open reduction
and internal fixation of medial epicondylar fractures. Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics
(B) 2010 May;19(3):239-41
Maarse W, Watts AC, Bain GI. Medium term outcome following intra-articular
corticosteroid injection in first CMC joint arthritis using fluoroscopy. Hand Surgery
2009; 14(2-3):99-104
Watts AC, Bain GI. Patient rated outcome of ulnar nerve decompression. A comparison
of endoscopic and open in-situ decompression. JHS(Am) 2009 (Epub)
McLean JM, Bain GI, Watts AC, Mooney LT, Moss M. Recognition of the
morphological variants at the midcarpal joint. JHS (Am) 2009;34(6):1044-55
Galley IJ, Watts AC, Bain GI. The anatomic relationship of the axillary artery and vein
to the clavicle: a cadaveric study. JSES 2009;18(5):e21-5
Godley K, Watts AC, Robb JE. Pathological femoral fracture caused by primary bone
tumour: a population based study. Scottish Medical Journal (In press)
Clayton RA, Gaston P, Watts AC, Howie CR. Thromboembolic disease after total knee
replacement: Experience of 5100 cases. Knee 2009;16(1):18-21
Watts AC, McEachan J, Reid J, Rymaszewski LA. The “Snapping” Elbow – a diagnostic
pitfall. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery 2008 Jul 28
Handoll HH, Watts AC. Bone grafts and bone substitutes for treating distal radial
fractures in Adults. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2008 Apr 16;(2):CD006836. Review
Watts AC, Teoh K, Evans T, Beggs I, Robb JE, Porter DE. MRI surveillance after
resection for primary musculoskeletal sarcoma. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (Br)
2008; 90(4):484-487
Watts AC, Morris A, Robinson CM. Epidemiology of distal humeral articular surface
fractures. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (Br) 2007;89-B(4):510-515.
Watts AC, Ballantyne JA, Fraser M, AHRW Simpson, Porter DE. The association
between ulnar length and forearm movement in patients with Multiple Osteochondromas.
Journal of Hand Surgery (Am) 2007;32(5):667-673.
Watts AC, Howie CR, Simpson AHRW. Assessment of a self-administration protocol
for extended subcutaneous thromboprophylaxis in lower limb arthroplasty. Journal of
Bone and Joint Surgery (Br) 2006;88-B:107-110.
Watts AC, Brenkel IJ. A Postal Survey of Current Thromboprophylaxis Practices of
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons in the Treatment of Hip Fracture Patients. Journal of
Bone and Joint Surgery 2005;87-B:296-300.
Watts AC, McEachan J. The Use of a Fine-Gauge Needle Reduces Pain in Open Carpal
Tunnel Decompression: a prospective randomised control trial. Journal of Hand Surgery
(Br) 2005;30(6):615-617
Howie CR, Hughes H, Watts AC, Scottish Arthroplasty Project. Venous Thrombosis
and Pulmonary Embolism Associated with Hip and Knee Joint Replacement over a 10
Year Period. A population based study. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (Br) 2005;87B:1675-80
Watts AC, Gaston P, Hooper G. Randomized trial of buffered versus plain lidocaine for
local anaesthesia in open carpal tunnel decompression. Journal of Hand Surgery 2004;
29-B:1:30-31.
Watts AC, Sabharwal AJ, MacKinlay GA, Munro FD. Colonic Atresia: Should primary
anastomosis always be the goal? Pediatric Surgery International 2003; 19:14-17.
Watts AC, Munro FD. Thoracoscopic Excision of an Intramural Oesophageal
Duplication Cyst. Pediatric Endosurgery & Innovative Technique 2003;7:55-59.
REVIEW PUBLICATIONS
Watts AC, Trail IA. Anatomical Small Joint Replacement in the Hand. JBJS Focus On.
http://www.jbjs.org.uk/media/36175/focuson_anatomicalsmalljoint.pdf
Watts AC, Hayton MJ, Stanley JK. Salvage of Failed DRUJ Reconstruction. Hand
Clinics 2010; 26:529 -541
Smith M, Bain GI, Turner PC, Watts AC. Review of Imaging of Scaphoid Fractures.
ANZ J Surg 2010;80:82-90
Watts AC, McEachan J. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Men. Current Orthopaedics
2006;20(4):294-298
Watts AC, Hooper G. Congenital Hand Anomalies. Current Orthopaedics
2006;20(4):266-273
Macnicol MF, Watts AC. Haematogenous osteomyelitis. Surgery 2005;23(1):25-29
Watts AC, Porter DE, Simpson AHRW. Orthopaedic Problems in Childhood. The
Practitioner 2005;249:735-748
Watts AC, Hooper G. Extensor tendon injuries in the Hand. Current Orthopaedics
2004;18:477-483
BOOK CHAPTERS
White TO, Watts AC. Systemic complications. In: Rockwood and Green’s Fractures in
Adults (7th Edition). Bucholz RW, Heckman JD, Court-Brown C, Tornetta P (Eds).
Chapter 22.
Bain GI, Perera L, Munt J, Turner PC, Watts AC. Distal biceps tendon pathology. In:
Eygendaal D, ed. The elbow. The Hague: Arko Sports Media; 2009:75-84.
Bain GI, Perera L, Munt J, Turner P, Watts AC. Triceps tendon ruptures. In: Eygendaal
D, ed. The elbow. The Hague: Arko Sports Media; 2009:75-84.
Bain GI, Perera L, Munt J, Turner P, Watts AC. Bursitis around the elbow. In:
Eygendaal D, ed. The elbow. The Hague: Arko Sports Media; 2009:99-105.
Watts AC, McLean J, Fogg QA, Bain GI. Scaphoid Anatomy. In: The Scaphoid.
Slutsky D, Slade JF (Eds). Chapter 1. Thieme (In press)
Smith M, Watts AC, Bain GI. Scaphoid Imaging. In: The Scaphoid. Slutsky D, Slade
JF (Eds). Chapter 3. Thieme (In press)
Bain GI, Johnson L, Watts AC. Endoscopic distal biceps repair, In: AANA Advanced
Elbow and Wrist Arthroscopy. Field LD, Savoie FH, Kim L (Eds). Chapter 15.
Elsevier.
Watts AC, Frost N, Bain GI. Other New Techniques in Elbow Arthroscopy. In: AANA
Advanced Elbow and Wrist Arthroscopy. Field LD, Savoie FH, Kim L (Eds). Chapter
16. Elsevier.
Bain GI, Shestra K, Alexander J, Watts AC. Wrist Arthroscopy: the future. In: AANA
Advanced Elbow and Wrist Arthroscopy. Field LD, Savoie FH, Kim L (Eds). Chapter
38. Elsevier.
SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATIONS
International Meetings
2007
Watts AC, Anakwe R, McEachan J. Are There Gender Differences In
Outcome Following Open Carpal Tunnel Decompression? International
Federation for Societies of Surgery of the Hand, Sydney, Australia. May
2007.
2006
Watts AC, Simpson AHRW, Porter DE, Noble BS. Abnormalities of
Chondrocyte Growth In-Vitro In Hereditary Multiple Exostosis.
Orthopaedic Research Society, Chicago, USA. March 2006.
Watts AC, Ballantyne A, Fraser M, Simpson AHRW, Porter DE. Wrist
and Forearm Dysfunction in Hereditary Multiple Exostosis. American
Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Chicago, USA. March 2006.
2005
Watts AC, McCullach R, Reid R, Porter DE. Presentation and Risk
Factors for Survival and Recurrence in Chondrosarcoma of Bone.
European Musculoskeletal Oncology Society, Trieste, Italy. May 2005.
2002
Watts AC, Munro FD. Thoracoscopic Excision of an Intramural
Oesophageal Duplication Cyst. International Pediatric Endosurgery Group
Meeting, Genoa, Italy.
National Meetings
2010
Watts AC, Hearnden A, Hayton M, Stanley JK, Trail IA. The long term
survival of Pyrocarbon PIPJ arthroplasty. British Society for Surgery of
the Hand, London
Watts AC, Stanley JK. The Evolution of the Perception of the Carpal
Ligaments. British Society for Surgery of the Hand, Manchester.
2009
Watts AC, Bain GI. The outcome of the four bone fusion procedure at a
minimum follow up of 10 years. British Society for Surgery of the Hand,
Nottingham. Nov 2009
Watts AC, Bain GI. The outcome of endoscopic versus open ulnar nerve
decompression. Australian Hand Society, Melbourne, Vic. Mar 2009
Watts AC, Bain GI. The outcome of the four bone fusion procedure at a
minimum follow up of 10 years. Australian Hand Society, Melbourne,
Vic. Mar 2009
2008
Watts AC, Bain GI. The outcome of endoscopic versus open ulnar nerve
decompression. Australian Shoulder and Elbow Society, Perth, WA. Nov
2008
Watts AC, Norwood T, Boyd J, McEachan J. A Population Based Study
of Survival of Total Elbow Arthroplasty. British Shoulder and Elbow
Society, Liverpool, UK. June 2008.
2007
Dickson J, Watts AC, Robb JE. Extra-osseous Ewing’s Sarcoma. British
Orthopaedic Oncology Society, Stanmore, UK. June 2007.
2006
Watts AC, Teoh K, Beggs I, Porter DE. The Role of MRI Surveillance
for Local Recurrence Following Sarcoma Resection. British Orthopaedic
Association Annual Congress, Glasgow, UK. Sept 2006. (Award –
BOA/APOS/BOTA Best Trainee Clinical Paper)
Watts AC, Simpson AHRW, Porter DE, Noble BS. Abnormalities of
Chondrocyte Growth In-Vitro in Hereditary Multiple Exostosis. British
Orthopaedic Oncology Society, Edinburgh, UK. June 2006. (Highly
Commended)
Watts AC, Teoh K, Beggs I, Porter DE. The Role of MRI Surveillance
for Local Recurrence Following Sarcoma Resection. British Orthopaedic
Oncology Society, Edinburgh, UK. June 2006.
Teoh K, Watts AC, Porter DE. Factors Predictive of Recurrence and
Refracture following Treatment for Benign Bone Cysts of the Proximal
Humerus. British Orthopaedic Oncology Society, Edinburgh, UK. June
2006.
Godley K, Watts AC, Robb JE. Pathological Fracture of the Femur due to
Primary Bone Tumour. British Orthopaedic Oncology Society,
Edinburgh, UK. June 2006.
Watts AC, AHRW Simpson, DE Porter, BS Noble. Abnormalities Of
Chondrocyte Growth In-Vitro In Hereditary Multiple Exostosis. British
Orthopaedic Research Society/Bone Research Society, Southampton, UK.
July 2006.
Clayton RAE, Howie CR, Gaston P, Watts AC. The Effect of a
Thromboprophylaxis Protocol on the Incidence of Venous
Thromboembolism After Total Knee Replacement. British Association for
Surgery of the Knee. 2006
Teoh K, Watts AC, Reid R, Porter DE. Benign bones cysts of the
humerus. Pan-Celtic Orthopaedic Meeting, Glasgow, UK. June 2006.
2005
Watts AC, Ballantyne A, Fraser M, Simpson AHRW, Porter DE. Wrist
and Forearm Dysfunction in Hereditary Multiple Exostosis. British
Society for Surgery of the Hand, London UK. Sept 2005.
Watts AC, McEachan J. Chronic Distal Triceps Rupture Repair with
Autologous Achilles Tendon Graft. British Society for Surgery of the
Hand, London, UK. Sept 2005.
Howie CR, Hughes H, Watts AC, Scottish Arthroplasty Project. Venous
Thrombosis And Pulmonary Embolism Associated With Hip And Knee
Joint Replacement Over A 10 Year Period. British Orthopaedic
Association, Birmingham, UK. Sept 2005.
Watts AC, Ballantyne JA, Fraser M, Simpson AHRW, Porter DE. Wrist
and Forearm Dysfunction in Hereditary Multiple Exostosis. Girdlestone
Orthopaedic Society, Oxford, UK. June 2005
2004
Watts AC, McEachan J, Rymaszewski LA. Differentiating Ulnar Nerve
from Aberrant Triceps Tendon Subluxation. British Society for Surgery of
the Hand, London, UK. Sept 2004.
McCullagh R, Watts AC, Reid RP, Porter DE. Chondrosarcoma in
Scotland: Symptom progression and diagnostic delay. British Orthopaedic
Oncology Society, Newcastle, UK. June 2004.
Watts AC, McEachan J. The Use of a Fine-Gauge Needle Reduces Pain in
Open Carpal Tunnel Decompression: a prospective randomised control
trial. Scottish Orthopaedic Trauma Meeting, Stirling, UK. July 2004.
2001
Watts AC, Watson JD. Failure of the Pectoralis Major Flap in Head and
Neck Reconstruction. Scottish and Irish Plastic Surgery Meeting, Dundee,
UK. 2001.
Watts AC, Munro FD. Thoracoscopic Excision of an Intramural
Oesophageal Duplication Cyst. British Association of Paediatric
Endoscopic Surgeons Annual Meeting, Edinburgh, UK. 2001.
INVITED PRESENTATIONS
2011
Elbow Injuries, Assessment and Management. English Institute of Sport,
Manchester, UK.
Golf injuries around the elbow. Sports Medicine and the Elite Golfer,
Harrogate, UK
Work Related Shoulder Disorders, BOA, Dublin.
Fractures and Dislocations in the Hand. Edinburgh Hand Course,
Edinburgh
2010
Ulnar Nerve Assessment and Surgery, Tips and Trick in Hand Surgery,
Wrightington
Tennis Elbow, Tips and Trick in Hand Surgery, Wrightington
Fractures in Adults, Liverpool University
Metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty, Italian Hand Society, Savona
Sports Injuries in the Hand, Wrist and Elbow. Bolton University
2008
Kienbock’s disease, Edinburgh Hand Course.
2008
Dupuytren’s disease, Edinburgh Hand Course.
INSTRUCTIONAL COURSE LECTURES
2011
Total Wrist Arthroplasty, Early Designs. Federation of European
Societies of Surgery of the Hand, Oslo, Norway.
Carpal Anatomy, Biomechanics and Injury, BOA Instructional Course,
Manchester
2010
Proximal Interphalangeal Arthroplasty, American Society for Surgery of
the Hand, Boston, USA
COURSE CONVENOR
2011
Tips and Trick in Hand and Wrist Surgery, Charnley Centennial Meeting,
Wrightington, UK.
2010
Tips and Tricks in Elbow Surgery, Wrightington, UK.