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Patient Letter after bilateral knee replacements

Patient history and journey following a Meniscal Transplant

At the time of my injury in July 2012, I was a serving Police Officer with 26 years’ service and engaged on Specialist duties at the London Olympics.

During a down period, I went for a run around Hyde Park, where I unfortunately twisted my right knee. The initial feeling over the next week or so was a burning sensation in my right knee and slight stiffness but nothing that prevented me from carrying out my duties. However, on my return home at the end of August, I had an MRI scan which revealed a tear to the meniscus of my right knee. Two attempts using non invasive arthroscopic surgery to shave the meniscus failed to alleviate the symptoms, which had by now increased to include increased swelling and burning to the affected area, stiffness and occasional painful locking of the joint. My mobility, including driving had been reduced quite considerably and even walking up and downstairs, was painful.

The two options I had were a knee replacement or a meniscus allograft transplant from a human donor. With the meniscus transplant being non invasive and carried out by means of arthroscopy, I chose this option. I had always been very active and fit, both in work and during my off duty time. Running, biking, walking, hiking and any outdoor activities were a regular part of my life.

I was then referred to Mr Chandratreya, as he was one of the few consultants in the country who performs meniscal allograft routinely. I was advised by him to engage in as much pre-op exercise to build up as much muscle in the quads, calves, which would reduce the amount of post op rehabilitation. Most of this was carried out in my local pool and involved lots of walking with a buoyancy waistcoat being worn, squatting in the water and lots of other recommended exercises. The non weight bearing regime certainly helped and during the dark days prior to my surgery, gave me something to focus on and also to keep my weight down too!

Post op Recovery The procedure was conducted in January 2014 and went without any complications. Following 3 nights in Hospital, I was allowed home. I had no significant problems, pain relief was mostly effective and was required for about 3 weeks and certainly helped on a few uncomfortable nights. My knee brace was locked for the first 6 weeks in the straight position, with no bending, so mobility was very restricted. Due to this, my wife and I decided that I would stay in the guest bedroom, where I could rest/recover and live at my own pace. I also had a fear that my wife or visitors would knock my knee, so this room became my sanctuary. I would also advise that the procedure and the amounts of medication that you will be taking leave you very tired, so I was able to rest/sleep at my pace and without impacting on other family members too much. You will also be totally reliant on being provided with all your meals, refreshments, needs by family and will become a master of eating from a tray.

I was also very lucky that I had by this time retired from the Police Service, so I had no employer pressure to return to work. Adjustment of the knee brace was made at 8 weeks, where a slight bend was introduced for my new knee, although this was still on crutches which remained with me for 12 weeks.

Rehabilitation: Please don’t underestimate how hard and slow this was. I carried out all of the exercises that were given to me, at home for a few weeks and then in organised sessions with physiotherapists at my local hospital and swimming pool under the strict instructions of Mr. Chandratreya. Within 10 months, I was walking, swimming, riding my mountain bike and walking up and downstairs pain free and without any swelling or other symptoms. I can run in a straight line but not turning sharply.

This procedure has given me my life back and the result has far outweighed and exceeded my expectations.

Since my successful meniscus allograft transplant, I started my own Security Consultancy and have traveled all over the world. I’ve hiked over 2 steep sections of the Great Wall of China, pain free! Seoul, South Korea. The ancient city walls and hiked the rain forests in Puerto Rico and hiked in Kentucky too. I’m back working and get to travel all over the world. Hiking is my new favorite pastime.