Knee arthroscopy at The Alexandra Hospital: Jon’s story

Meet Jon Martin

In April 2023, Jon Martin aged 67 from Manchester, underwent an arthroscopy on his right knee at The Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Greater Manchester. Jon decided to go private as he had been told that there would be an 18 month wait to have the surgery done by the NHS. "I was at the bottom of the list. They said that if a more urgent case came in then I would go down the list," said Jon.

A keen sportsman, Jon enjoyed playing football and running. His active lifestyle meant a lot to him.

"I've played football, volleyball, and ran for many years. I am lucky to live right on the edge of the peak district, so I get the opportunity to do lots of fell running. It's perfect to have the city on your doorstep but also be rural at the same time." - Jon

But two years ago, Jon experienced a pain in his right knee that persisted. Eventually the pain became so bad that he gave up his sporting commitments and looked at the options available to him for treatment with the ultimate goal to get back fighting fit and keeping active.

"I am a great believer in the NHS and still am. However, after seeing my GP and then having scans, tests, and a specialist consultation in Stockport, I was told that it would be an 18 month wait. I would be at the bottom of the list." said Jon.

He went on to say, "I remember thinking to myself that if needs be I'll go private. I just couldn't bear the thought of not knowing when I was likely to be seen."

What is a knee arthroscopy?

Jon needed a knee arthroscopy. This type of surgery is used to examine the inside of your knee joint and is crucial in diagnosing a range of knee problems and conditions. The procedure is carried out using a keyhole technique, minimising the length of incision and scarring as a result. A series of small cuts are made in your knee. Your consultant orthopaedic surgeon will then insert a very small camera, known as an arthroscope, to see inside your knee without needing to open it up. Arthroscopies are commonly used to trim or remove damaged tissue or cartilage. They have faster recovery times than traditional open surgeries.

No stranger to the procedure, Jon had a similar issue with his left knee in 2021 and had received treatment as an NHS patient at The Alexandra Hospital, in Cheadle. Following a conversation with his specialist, Jon decided to have his treatment with Circle Health Group.

"I knew the consultant Mr Derek Lang as he had treated me before in 2021. Knowing the hospital as well was a big factor, I trusted them and knew they would look after me. When I made inquiries, I was told I could pay interest free over 10 months. For me that was a viable proposition, so I went ahead." - Jon

Three months later Jon was seen for his procedure on Thursday 20th April 2023. The surgery usually takes between thirty minutes and two hours to perform and was successful.

Jon describes his experience as perfect

Commenting on the procedure, Jon said: "I had absolutely no problems at all."

He added that, "from start to finish I had a great experience. Everything was very good - perfect in fact. Mr Lang and the team at the hospital stayed in touch with me throughout, I saw him before the procedure and afterwards."

Jon's procedure took place in the morning, and he was discharged in the afternoon. "I went in the morning and was home by 8pm that evening. I never felt like I was being rushed. It wasn't a case of getting me out the door as fast as possible, each member of staff took their team to check that I was happy and reassured me that if I felt like I needed to stay a little longer that I could," said Jon.

Following the arthroscopy, Jon attended the specialist physiotherapy service available at The Alexandra Hospital. Over the course of 12 weeks, he attended sessions and was given guidance on how to build up the strength in his right knee. Eventually, Jon was able to continue the exercises from home.

"None of the processes were challenging, it was very slick and professional from reception to theatre and physio. The dressing came off a week after the surgery and at each appointment I was checked on. It was a very personal experience." - Jon

Jon completed his physiotherapy and by July was recovering slowly at home. Commenting on his recovery, Jon said: "I was a little bit sore afterwards, it's just about building it back up slowly. The physio advised me not to start running again until it had fully healed."

He added that, "an injury like this really alters your day-to-day life. I am now getting back to normal, and it feels amazing. If somebody wanted something similar, I would recommend The Alexandra Hospital without a thought."

Jon is back embracing life

Jon is now well on his way to recovery and is looking forward to a walking holiday in Scotland. Reflecting on his treatment and plans for the future, Jon said: "September was my target month. If I can be up and about properly by then, I will be able to go walking in Scotland. That is the real acid test."

He went on to say, "I hate to say it but at my age you don't want to worry about not being able to enjoy the things you love. From my window I can see Kinder Scout and look forward to be out walking again in a landscape that means so much to me.

"I was very happy with my treatment at The Alexandra Hospital from beginning to end. Professional, attentive and efficient. I cannot thank the team or Mr Lang enough."

To find out more about arthroscopy and other services available at The Alexandra Hospital, please don't hesitate to get in touch.