Gold Coast · Brisbane · Northern NSW
Professor Simon Platt
MB ChB · PGCert · FRCS · FRCS (Tr & Orth) · FRACS (Orth) · FAOrthA
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising exclusively in foot and ankle surgery. Over 30 years in medicine, world-class expertise, and a patient-first approach to care.
In Medicine
30+ Years of Experience
Dr. Simon Platt
Orthopaedic Surgeon
90% Satisfying treatment
About Professor Platt
“A surgeon who listens, explains, and operates - with skill earned over 30 years in medicine.”
Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Surgeon – Gold Coast
Professor Simon Platt is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises exclusively in conditions of the foot and ankle. He provides expert surgical and non-surgical care to patients across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Northern New South Wales from his practice at Coast Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Qualifications and Training
Professor Platt graduated from the University of Bristol Medical School in the United Kingdom in 1993. After completing a year teaching anatomy at the University of Liverpool, he commenced broad-based surgical training before specialising in orthopaedics in 1999.
He gained Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery (FRCS) in 2004, and was subsequently awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Orthopaedic Surgery in 2019. He has been practising as an independent consultant foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon since 2005.
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Conditions Treated
Specialist Care for Foot and Ankle Conditions
Professor Platt provides assessment and treatment for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. Care may include non-surgical management, rehabilitation or surgery based on your diagnosis and individual needs.
Ankle Fractures & Trauma
Sports Injuries
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Professional Leadership
Leadership & Academic Roles
Professor Platt holds senior positions across clinical practice, university education, surgical training and professional leadership. His current roles include Professor at Griffith University, Senior Staff Specialist at Gold Coast University Hospital and President of the Australian Foot and Ankle Society. These appointments reflect his ongoing contribution to patient care, orthopaedic research and medical education.
President
Australian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
Aug 2025 – Present
Professor of Surgery
Griffith University School of Medicine & Dentistry
Jun 2024 – Present
Senior Staff Specialist
Gold Coast University Hospital
Apr 2016 – Present
International Board Member
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery Foot & Ankle Science
May 2025 – Present
Executive Committee Member
Asia Pacific Orthopaedic Association, Foot & Ankle Council
Oct 2020 – Present
Member of the Court of Examiners
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Sep 2010 – Present
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07 5522 2026
Appointment
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Publications
All Publications
Peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and conference proceedings.
Preoperative ankle swelling and the effect on postoperative wound complications following ankle fracture surgery
Silva AM, Franco H, Walsh TP, Hohuynh A, Platt S.
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics. 2025;10(3)
doi: 10.1177/24730114251342252
Acute Achilles tendon rupture while flipping a car: a case report
Brimm D, Keogh J, Sterling G, Platt S.
Current Sports Medicine Reports. 2025;24(5):104–105
doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000001247
Ligamentous injuries in stable ankle fractures: an MRI-based study
Karanja AN, Ho-Huynh A, Walsh T, Platt SR.
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics. 2025;10(1)
doi: 10.1177/24730114251328694
Podiatric clinical triage in a foot and ankle orthopaedic clinic: a randomised trial
Walsh TP, Swalwell C, Merlo GB, Wearing SC, Jacob W, Doherty D, Vandermost M, Platt S.
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice. 2025;31:e14249
doi: 10.1111/jep.14249
Locally delivered antibiotics in fracture-related infection
Mills H, Donnelly L, Platt S.
Cureus. 2024;16(11):e73210
doi: 10.7759/cureus.73210
I just want to get it done” — a mixed-methods study on how people undergoing hallux valgus surgery perceive risk
Batista KM, Robertson AP, Tippett V, et al.
Discovery Psychology. 2024;4:168
doi: 10.1007/s44202-024-00281-9
Foot pain as first presenting symptom of renal cell carcinoma, due to metastatic lesion in medial cuneiform
Kleimeyer C, Stoddart S, Platt S, Buchan CA.
iRADIOLOGY. 2024;2(6):603–608
The epidemiology of skateboarding injuries: a 10-year review at a major Australian centre
Quinn J, Singh M, Bennetto J, Platt S.
Cureus. 2024;16(3):e55624
doi: 10.7759/cureus.55624
Should we fix the fibula in tibial plafond fractures? A meta-analysis reviewing the evidence base
Gallimore AT, Shihab Z, Platt S.
Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery. 2023
What is the best method of fixation for minimally displaced subcapital neck of femur fractures? A systematic review
Kumar J, Symonds T, Quinn J, Walsh T, Platt S.
Journal of Orthopaedics. 2023
“I'd never have that operation again” — a mixed-methods study on how patients react to adverse outcomes following foot and ankle surgery
Abdalla I, Robertson AP, Tippett V, Walsh TP, Platt SR.
Journal of Foot & Ankle Research. 2022;15(1):85
doi: 10.1186/s13047-022-00590-z
Pain catastrophising, body mass index and depressive symptoms are associated with pain severity in tertiary referral orthopaedic foot/ankle patients
Holt M, Swalwell CL, Silveira GH, Tippett V, Walsh TP, Platt SR.
Journal of Foot & Ankle Research. 2022;15(1):32
The epidemiology of surfing injuries in a major Australian centre — a ten year clinical audit
Quinn J, Salmon L, Ngo D, Taylor F, Platt S.
Injury. 2022;53(6):1887–1892
doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.03.045
Three orthopaedic operations, over 1,000 randomised controlled trials, in over 100,000 patients: what have we learnt?
Matar HE, Platt SR, Bloch BV, Board TN, Porter ML, Cameron HU, James PJ.
Bone & Joint Research. 2022;11(1):23–25
Defining a safe zone for percutaneous screw fixation of posterior malleolar fractures
Clarke T, Whitworth N, Platt S.
Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery. 2021;60(5):929–934
doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2020.10.013
A bibliometric analysis of four major foot and ankle surgery journals
Frazer PM, Pastore G, McGarry AK, Walsh TP, Platt SR.
Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery. 2021
doi: 10.1053/j.jfas.2021.01.001
Overview of randomised controlled trials in hallux valgus surgery
Matar HE, Platt SR.
Foot & Ankle Surgery. 2021;27(4):351–356
doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2020.04.013
A ten-year retrospective study investigating the rate of venous thromboembolism in patients who require immobilisation in a total contact lower limb cast
Tonge XN, Widnall JC, Jackson G, Platt S.
The Bone & Joint Journal. 2019;101-B(6):691–694
doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.101B6.BJJ-2018-1356.R1
Pocket Tutor Orthopaedics
Blucher N, Platt S.
Published March 2017
Patient Resources
Patient Information
Clear, plain-language information about common foot and ankle conditions, available treatment options, preparing for appointments and what to expect throughout your care with Professor Platt.
Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
A bunion is a bony prominence that forms at the base of the big toe when the bones of the forefoot move out of alignment. The big toe is pushed toward the smaller toes and the joint at the base of the big toe protrudes outward.
Bunions can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Over time, arthritis may develop in the affected joint. Wearing poorly fitting shoes can worsen the deformity, but is not always the root cause.
Common Symptoms
- A bulging bump at the base of the big toe
- Pain and swelling around the big toe joint
- Restricted movement of the big toe
- Corns or calluses where the first and second toes overlap
- Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
Treatment
Not all bunions require surgery. Non-surgical treatments include wider footwear, pads, physiotherapy, and orthotics. Where conservative measures fail, Professor Platt performs a range of bunion correcting procedures including the Scarf osteotomy – a technique he has extensively researched and published on.
Chronic Ankle Instability
Chronic ankle instability is a condition characterised by a recurring giving way of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. It most commonly develops following an ankle sprain that has not healed properly or has been rehabilitated inadequately.
When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments that support the joint can be stretched or torn. In some people, these ligaments do not heal to their original strength and length, resulting in an ankle that feels loose or unstable during walking, running, or on uneven surfaces.
Common Symptoms
- Repeated turning or rolling of the ankle
- Persistent discomfort and swelling
- A “wobbly” or unstable feeling when walking
- Tenderness along the outer ankle
- Pain that worsens on uneven ground or during sport
Treatment
Treatment typically begins with physiotherapy and bracing. Where this fails, surgical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments (Broström procedure) can restore stability with excellent outcomes. Professor Platt has published widely on ankle instability and associated chondral lesions.
Research insight: Professor Platt’s published research has examined the relationship between chronic lateral ankle instability and impingement lesions found at arthroscopy, providing important guidance for surgical planning.
Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia – a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.
The condition is especially common in runners, people who are overweight, and those who wear shoes with inadequate support. Typically, the pain is worst with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
Common Symptoms
- Sharp stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel
- Pain worst with the first steps of the morning
- Discomfort that returns after long periods of standing
- Tenderness along the inner edge of the heel
Treatment
Most cases respond well to conservative care: stretching, supportive footwear, orthotics, and targeted physiotherapy. Persistent cases may benefit from shockwave therapy, corticosteroid injection, or – rarely – surgical release.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It enables walking, running, and jumping. Injuries range from tendinopathy (chronic degeneration) to partial and complete rupture.
Achilles tendinopathy typically presents as pain and stiffness in the tendon that worsens with activity. Rupture is a sudden, complete tear – often felt as a “snap” or kick to the back of the leg, leaving the person unable to push off from the foot.
Common Symptoms
- Pain and stiffness along the back of the leg near the heel
- Swelling or thickening in the tendon
- Sudden sharp pain and inability to push off (rupture)
- Tenderness to touch along the tendon
Treatment
Management of Achilles conditions depends on the diagnosis. Tendinopathy is usually managed non-operatively. For acute rupture, Professor Platt will discuss both operative and non-operative management and help you choose the pathway that suits your lifestyle and goals.
Book an Appointment
Book a Consultation with Professor Simon Platt
Arrange a consultation for specialist assessment of your foot or ankle condition. Professor Platt will discuss your symptoms, diagnosis and suitable surgical or non-surgical treatment options.
- Specialist foot and ankle assessment
- Clear guidance on your treatment options
Latest News
Blog & Articles
Expert insights on foot and ankle health from Professor Simon Platt. Access clear information about common conditions, available treatments and surgical care. Learn more about maintaining mobility and managing foot and ankle concerns.
