Mr James Cordell-Smith Skip To Content
Mr James Cordell-Smith

Mr James Cordell-Smith

Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal & Trauma Surgeon

MBChB FRCS MRCS BSc(hons)

Specialises in

I have substantial experience in the management of painful degenerative conditions of the spinal column particularly those involving the neck and low back regions. My expertise includes both non-surgical and operative treatments for these common and debilitating conditions

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Conditions and Treatments

  • Caudal epidural
  • Cervical disc replacement
  • Cervical spinal fusion
  • Decompression/Laminectomy
  • Device for Intervertebral Assisted Motion (DIAM)
  • Disc degeneration disease (DDD)
  • Disc nucleus replacement
  • Disc prolapse (or herniated disc)
  • Discectomy for disc lumbar, cervical or thoracic prolapse
  • Discography
  • Facet joint injection
  • Kyphoplasty
  • Lower back pain
  • Lumber spinal fusion
  • Management of back pain
  • Microdiscectomy
  • Minimally invasive spinal procedures
  • Nerve root injections
  • Sciatica
  • Scoliosis
  • Scoliosis fusion/anterior release
  • Scoliosis fusion/posterior release
  • Spinal cervical, lumbar or thoracic decompression
  • Spinal deformities
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Spinal surgery
  • Spinal surgery for trauma
  • Spinal trauma
  • Spinal tumours
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Thoracic spinal fusion
  • Total disc replacement
  • Vertebroplasty
  • XSTOP

Professional bio

My medical undergraduate training was at Leicester Medical School from where I graduated in 1996 during which time I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree also. Basic surgical training was undertaken in Oxford and my higher Orthopaedic and Trauma training was on the All Wales Specialist Registrar rotation which included working in the department of spinal surgery at the University Hospital of Wales.

I undertook a one year fully accredited Spinal Fellowship in Brisbane Queensland gaining a wealth of experience in this regional centre for spinal diseases. 

I returned to the UK in 2008 and was appointed as an NHS Consultant Orthopaedic & Trauma surgeon with a specialist interest in spinal disorders at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

I commenced employment at St Joseph’s Hospital shortly thereafter where I continue to enjoy providing a comprehensive spinal service delivered with a personal sympathetic and friendly manner.

I am the Senior NHS spinal surgeon within Aneurin Bevan Health Board and also the Clinical Lead for spinal services that are based at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

I have substantial experience in the management of painful degenerative conditions of the spinal column particularly those involving the neck and low back regions. My expertise includes both non-surgical and operative treatments for these common and debilitating conditions.

Professional Memberships

BASS - British Association of Spinal Surgeons.

BOA - British Orthopaedic Association.

FRCS - Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons

Clinical Lead for Spinal Services - Aneurin Bevan NHS Health Board.

Honorary Lecturer - Cardiff University

GMC 4291729