Welcome to Ian Kelly Orthopaedics

My name is Ian Kelly and I am an orthopaedic surgeon at Whitfield Clinic in Waterford. My area of special interest is the lower limb. I strive to give each patient my full attention and explain the options open to them in a clear and simple manner. There are always non-operative options and surgery is frequently not necessary. I am passionate about my work and embracing the significant advances that are continually evolving in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Originally from Ballinasloe in Co. Galway, I attended Castleknock College in Dublin and then graduated from University College Dublin in 1990. I completed further orthopaedic training in Duke University, North Carolina, USA where I majored in Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery and Foot and Ankle Surgery. Before moving to Whitfield Clinic in 2012, I spent 12 years in the Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery Department in University Hospital Waterford. I had the honour of being the departmental chairman for 2 years. In all, I have over 20 years’ experience in orthopaedic surgery, 14 of those years in the South East of Ireland. I am currently the secretary/treasurer of the Irish Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.

I used to live for all sports, especially rugby and GAA, but since I moved to the "Sunny South East", I've taken to cycling, swimming and sailing. I have a passion for sport and exercise and try to factor this into any sports injury treatment decisions. I've even on occasions been found on stage with the University Hospital Waterford drama group!

Did you know?

• Each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 107 ligaments, 19 muscles, and 19 tendons. This means that 25% of all bones in the human body are located in the feet.

• Women walk on average 3 miles further every day than men. During a lifetime, the average person will walk more than 250,000 miles. That’s the equivalent of walking to the moon.

• Your average foot gets two sizes longer when you stand up. It also expands about 5% in volume as the day goes on.

• Babies are born without kneecaps; they only grow as you get older.

• Every time you take a step, you use 54 muscles.

• The knee is the largest weight bearing joint in the body, followed by the hip.

• Knee arthritis exists in 10% of the adult population.

• Sports Injuries to the ankle joint are commonly twisting injuries, with ligament damage.

• Bunions typically are not painful and can often be accommodated in an appropriate shoe. After all - it is easier to change your shoe rather than your foot!