Consultant Spinal Surgeon · London & Reading
Mr Patrick J. McKenna is the UK's foremost practitioner of lumbar and cervical total disc arthroplasty — performing disc replacements since 2003 using minimally invasive and robotic techniques for superior outcomes.
About
Mr McKenna is a fellowship-trained Consultant Spinal Surgeon who consults at The London Spine Clinic at 116 Harley Street and Berkshire Independent Hospital in Reading. Surgeries are performed at The London Clinic, Berkshire Independent Hospital, and The Wellington Hospital.
He qualified from Guy's Hospital in 1993 and completed his Specialist Registrar training in Trauma and Orthopaedics on the Wessex Rotation (1999–2005), including a year as Spinal Fellow at Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham. He is fully trained across all aspects of spinal surgery including degenerative conditions, tumour, trauma and scoliosis.
Mr McKenna is the foremost user of the ESP lumbar and Active-L disc replacements in the UK and has been performing both lumbar and cervical disc replacements since 2003. He also performs robot-assisted spine surgery using the Excelcius Spinal Robot and intradiscal stem cell therapy.
Implants
Mr McKenna is the UK's leading practitioner of these three next-generation lumbar disc prostheses, each designed to restore natural spinal motion while eliminating the risks associated with fusion.
FH Orthopaedics
The LP-ESP (Low Profile – Evolutive Spine Prosthesis) is a low-profile, anatomically shaped lumbar disc replacement designed for motion preservation. Its polyethylene core allows controlled, natural movement at the treated level.
Spineart
The Baguera®L is a next-generation unconstrained lumbar disc prosthesis from Spineart, featuring a self-centring mobile bearing that allows the nucleus to find its optimal position dynamically — closely mimicking the natural disc.
Aesculap / B. Braun
The activL® (Active-L) from Aesculap features a patented mobile core that translates anteriorly and posteriorly, adapting to each patient's natural spinal kinematics. It is the only lumbar disc with a sliding core that follows the instantaneous axis of rotation.
Specialisms
Mr McKenna offers a comprehensive spinal service from cervical to sacral conditions, with a particular focus on motion-preserving and minimally invasive techniques.
Total disc arthroplasty at L4–L5 and L5–S1 using ESP, Baguera-L and activL prostheses. UK's leading practitioner since 2003.
Motion-preserving cervical arthroplasty for radiculopathy and myelopathy, using the latest cervical disc implant technology.
Over 3 years performing robot-assisted spine surgery at The London Clinic using the Excelcius Spinal Robot for enhanced precision.
Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) and ATP lateral surgery — a minimally invasive approach for multi-level degenerative disease.
Intradiscal stem cell therapy offering a regenerative, non-surgical option for back pain due to early disc degeneration.
Image-guided spinal injection therapies for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including nerve root and facet joint injections.
Curriculum Vitae
Qualifications
Consultant Appointments
May 2005 – December 2015
Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading
Orthopaedic Consultant – Spinal Surgery
2005 – 2007
Southampton University Hospital
Honorary Consultant Spinal Surgeon
December 2015 – Present
The London Clinic & Circle Hospital Reading
Full-time private practice
Spinal Fellowship
April 2004 – March 2005
Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham
Spinal Fellowship — Mr B.J. Freeman, Mr M.P. Grevitt, Mr S.H. Mehdian, Mr J.K. Webb. Comprehensive training across all spinal conditions including deformity, tumour and trauma.
Key Publications
European Spine Journal 2005
Two-year clinical outcome of circumferential lumbar spinal fusion: Prospective RCT of SynCage versus Femoral Ring Allograft. McKenna PJ et al.
BASS 2017
Results of the Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF®) for Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease. Anand A, McKenna P et al.
Systematic Review — Minimally Invasive Surgery
MIS in adult degenerative scoliosis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Phan K, McKenna P, Rajagopal T et al.
International Lectures & Faculty
2018 & 2019
South African Spine Society & Egyptian Spine Society
Guest Faculty and Lecturer
2019
North American Spine Society, Chicago
2023
Depuy Synthes Bangkok Lateral Summit; Hamburg ATP Faculty
Proctor Roles
NuVasive XLIF — Lateral Surgery Proctor
DePuy Synthes ATP Lateral Surgery Proctor
Where to Find Us
Consulting & Surgery
116 Harley Street, London W1G 7JL
Consulting & Surgery · Reading
Swallowfield Rd, Reading RG7 1PX
Surgery
8–10 Wellington Place, London NW8 9LE
Get in Touch
To arrange a consultation with Mr McKenna, please contact his secretary Claire Saini. We aim to respond within one working day. Patients are welcome to self-refer without a GP letter.
Accepted Insurers
Bupa AXA Health Aviva Cigna WPA Vitality Self-pay welcome