"I was overwhelmed by the success of the operation. From the beginning I was able to stand and walk with the aid of first two, and then one crutch. After two weeks I was only using a stick and had no need for any aids at all after two more weeks."
"I was overwhelmed by the success of the operation. From the beginning I was able to stand and walk with the aid of first two, and then one crutch. After two weeks I was only using a stick and had no need for any aids at all after two more weeks."
Ex RAF pilot Allen Jones, now 77, had experienced ongoing problems with his knees for several years. His condition was treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, and he also received cortisone injections for cartilage problems, but seven years ago the pain became acute, forcing Allen to consider knee replacement surgery.
Allen‘s story is not unusual. During an active youth he had received many rugby and football injuries. This, combined with general wear and tear, meant that as he grew older, his joints became arthritic. Having enjoyed an active early part of his retirement, Allen found that the problem with his knees was affecting the quality of his life.
Says Allen, "I was used to enjoying myself to the full and whilst on holiday, for example, would dance the night away with my wife. I now found myself having to sit down after only one circuit of the dance floor because of the pain in my knees. I was also unable to walk very far and just wasn‘t myself."
Allen had read about total knee replacement and visited his doctor for advice but wasn‘t referred to a surgeon. In fact, his GP advised against it. His GP said "The knees you already have are better then prosthetic knees." Therefore suggesting that a total knee replacement wouldn‘t improve Allen‘s condition sufficiently for the operation to be worthwhile. Fortunately members of Allen‘s family didn‘t agree and urged his father to go back a second time. Encouraged by his family, Allen accepted that surgery might be the only answer and returned to his GP to request a surgeon‘s referral letter otherwise Allen would still be suffering today.
After a thorough examination, Allen‘s Surgeon recommended a full knee replacement for his left knee but suggested that his right knee, which had deteriorated less, might be suitable for a partial knee replacement using a tried and tested prosthesis known as the Oxford® Partial Knee™.
The Oxford® Partial Knee™ is particularly suitable for patients with osteoarthritis, where the disease has not progressed too far. About one in four of all patients who currently receive total knee replacements for their osteoarthritic knees may be better treated with a partial knee replacement.
Whereas conventional total knee replacements require a 10-inch cut, the incision for the Oxford® Partial Knee™ is much smaller. In fact, using a ‘minimally invasive‘ technique the incision is only 3-inches. Surgeons do not need to displace the kneecap or cut the muscles or tendons above the knee so recovery time, and equally importantly pain, are greatly reduced. Because of this technique patients regain good mobility within days, and in some cases, hours after surgery.
Fortunately for Allen, the Oxford® Partial Knee™ was being adapted for day case surgery and his surgeon was familiar with this technique. Allen went into hospital on Wednesday for a pre-assessment. His operation was scheduled for Thursday afternoon and finished at 6.30pm. He left hospital early on the Saturday afternoon having satisfied all the following conditions laid down by the hospital physiotherapist. This involved being able to:
Says Allen, "I was overwhelmed by the success of the operation. I was supposed to receive my first physiotherapy session on the Friday but as it was a Bank Holiday this wasn‘t possible, so I got started myself, though I was obviously careful not to overdo things. The minimal damage to surrounding tissue and muscles meant this was possible and from the beginning I was able to stand and walk with the aid of first two, and then one crutch. After two weeks I was only using a stick and had no need for any aids at all after a two more weeks."
When asked to sum up his impressions of the Oxford® Partial Knee™ procedure, Allen says: "The worst thing for me was waiting for the operation once I had decided to go ahead, though, there is nothing negative I have to say about the procedure itself. The best part was having the new knee and the exceptionally quick recovery period. Six weeks after having the Oxford® Knee for my right leg, I had recovered sufficiently to have a full knee replacement on my left leg. The full knee replacement had a much longer recovery period, however, taking months rather than weeks"
Allen‘s advice for anyone needing knee surgery is to find out as much as they can about what is available. His experience with his Doctor and her comments about knee prostheses suggest there is a lack of knowledge amongst General Practitioners as not all doctors have up to date information.
Allen continues, "Once you have taken advice on the best procedure for you, I think it‘s vital to develop a confident attitude. My surgeon told me that as soon as he had completed the operation, I would be able to stand on my leg, I was determined to prove him right. It seems that this was the right approach because after that it was all down hill to a quick recovery!"
Allen was confident because he knew that his surgeon was an expert in this procedure and that he has a good track record. Allen‘s advise to anybody contemplating knee replacement surgery is "Don‘t be afraid to ask questions, be reassured that the surgeon has been trained in the Oxford® Partial Knee™ minimally invasive technique and has successfully treated other patients."
Significantly, tests at ten years have shown that the long-term success rate of the Oxford® Partial Knee™ is as good as the best Total Knee Replacement procedure available. The long-term plan is to introduce the Oxford® Knee as a day surgery operation and this, combined with the number of surgeons being trained in the procedure, may well prove to have a significant impact in reducing orthopaedic waiting lists throughout the country, indeed the world. However those patients suitable for Oxford® Partial Knee™ surgery should bear in mind that day surgery means that they will be able to leave hospital the same day - not that they‘ll be running a marathon the day after!
Allen Jones has now completely recovered from his operation and is once again fully enjoying his retirement. Says Allen, "I have just finished decorating my living room, a room 28ft in length with a ceiling over 9ft high - what greater proof could be required of my recovered mobility!"