Double-knee surgery for Linksfield athlete
Walks on the beach and exercises with his beloved dog are now the order of the day for former marathon runner after an operation on both knees at the Netcare Linksfield Hospital.
A former marathon runner is back to enjoying life after having both his knees replaced in a single operation with robotic-assisted surgery at Netcare Linksfield Hospital.
“I had zero cartilage in my left knee; the bone was grating against bone, and it was very uncomfortable. For many, many years I was an excessive runner, and after all the wear and tear, I was starting to feel the effects of the deterioration in both knees,” said Colin Joiner (75).
Dr Chris McCready, an orthopaedic surgeon practising at Netcare Linksfield Hospital pioneered Mako robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgery in South Africa.
“When Mr Joiner came to see me for the first time, he had severe grade four osteoarthritis involving both knees, and the pain was seriously affecting his quality of life and daily activities,” said McCready.
McCready has performed more than 700 hip and knee replacements using the advanced surgical system. “For people such as Mr Joiner, who was in excellent health other than his arthritis, a double-knee replacement can be considered and robotic-assisted surgery is making this option even more feasible.”
He added robotic technology afforded surgeons greater control in executing each surgical plan personalised to the unique physiology of the individual, resulting in better balance and more natural feeling knees. The robotic-assisted approach is also associated with less blood loss for bilateral-knee replacements, as well as reducing hospital stays.
Joiner added, “I had expected to be out of action for at least six weeks after the procedure and to go through the recovery period twice, having the knee replaced on each leg separately. Having discussed the options with Dr McCready, we decided to kill two birds with one stone, and I was booked for robotic-assisted bilateral-knee replacement.”
After his surgery and two-week check-up with McCready, Joiner was soon back in the park with his golden retriever Benji. “Twice during my early recovery, when I was still getting my balance, an excitable Benji knocked me off my feet. Although I went down hard, fortunately, there was no damage to my new knees. Dr McCready pointed out that my newly replaced knees are even stronger than natural bone.
“I was blown away by Dr McCready and the warmth and professionalism of his practice, and I am grateful for the good care I received from the nurses at Netcare Linksfield Hospital. This operation has made such a great difference in my life; I am walking like a young man again. Jokingly, I asked Dr McCready if he could replace other parts as I’m getting too old to keep up with Benji.”
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/lnn/1220636/boks-to-keep-sharp-eye-on-kolisi/
