Mike Cable had struggled with debilitating knee pain for over 10 years before booking to see Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Richard Goddard. Within two months of his ROSA (robotic assisted) knee surgery, Mike hiked eight miles and has since returned to rock climbing, cycling and many other outdoor adventures. At the age of 68, life does not need to slow down. Read Mike’s success story.
What were your symptoms?
“Despite all my efforts to keep the joint strong and flexible, my right knee became progressively worse, and I was under the care of several NHS doctors for over 10 years. My knee had severe tricompartmental osteoarthritis and a ruptured PCL, mainly the result of a succession of sporting injuries over a long period of time.
“By January 2024, I was in dire straits. The pain could be excruciating, and I needed crutches to walk any appreciable distance. The many sports and activities I loved were no longer possible for me. My bow-legged gait was also causing pain in my right hip and in a previously damaged left foot.”
Why did you choose Benenden Hospital for your knee replacement surgery?
“I chose Benenden Hospital for my knee operation because it has a fine reputation for joint replacement work, the Consultants had excellent experience in this field, and they were highly-trained to use ROSA – robotic-assisted knee surgery. The price was also very competitive.”
Which of our experienced orthopaedic Consultants did you see?
“My initial consultation took place with Mr Richard Goddard on 25 March 2024. I was extremely impressed with the examination. Mr Goddard expressed a deep understanding of my condition, which he explained clearly to me, and he also appreciated my expectations for the future. There was no pressure to have a knee replacement; the facts were presented, scenarios discussed and the decision left to me. I received a detailed written report of the consultation within 24 hours. I just as quickly decided to go ahead with the operation.”
Why did you choose to have robotic-assisted surgery?
“At the consultation, I raised the possibility of employing robotic assisted knee surgery (ROSA), which I had previously researched, as I wanted to give myself the very best chance of getting the optimum results from this, hopefully, once in a lifetime operation. Mr Goddard explained how ROSA worked and that helped form my decision to go for it. The date of the operation was set for 8 May 2024.”
How did you prepare for your ROSA Knee surgery?
“I knew going into the operation as fit and strong as possible was important, so I upped my training. The pre-op assessment took place on 16 April. This was thorough and the questions and inevitable concerns I had were discussed and resolved. I did express a wish to have a general anaesthetic instead of being sedated and then have a local anaesthetic. This request was passed to Mr Goddard and we agreed to discuss it with the anaesthetist on the day of the operation.
The instructions I received pertaining to the day of the operation were comprehensive and clear. Even so, I was nervous but looking forward to hopefully getting ‘repaired’, at last. An important element of this whole process is honesty, and Mr Goddard and the other personnel I met had prepared me for the hard work and discomforts I would experience post op. I felt I was ready for that fight!”
How did you feel on the day of your ROSA Knee replacement surgery?
“It was an early start on the day of the operation, but that suited me fine. The admission process was slick, and my partner was able to accompany me until shortly before the operation. She was there when Mr Goddard and the Consultant Anaesthetist personally discussed the anaesthesia options with me. It was clear that a local anaesthetic with sedation would certainly be the best route, and I was happy to agree to that. The fact that this delicate and important matter was openly and fully discussed was impressive.
“So, in I went. I was barely aware of the operation itself, and l later understood why my request to be allowed to wear headphones playing music during the procedure was deemed not necessary! I awoke from surgery in the spotlessly clean en-suite room to a ‘welcome’ from sympathetic, friendly and highly professional nursing and ancillary personnel. Mr Goddard visited me shortly afterwards and I was delighted to see that he was delighted with the result of the surgery. He said that the ROSA procedure had played a significant role in the positive outcome.”
How was the care you received during your stay?
“I was an inpatient for two nights and cannot fault the care I received during that period. My condition was frequently and regularly monitored, and I felt in very safe hands. At one stage, at 2am, I had a severe attack of the munchies, and a nurse fetched me a sandwich!
“There are too many people to name who made my brief stay on the Bensan Ward at Benenden Hospital safe and, yes, pleasurable, but the following spring to mind: Colette, Carla, Trish, Vanessa and Audrey. Forgive me if I have missed anyone.”
Did you receive any Physiotherapy to aid your recovery?
“I saw a Physiotherapist before leaving, who armed me with valuable rehab details. Even the chap who wheeled me down to our car was cheery and gave good advice about getting in and out of the vehicle comfortably and safely.
“On the car journey back home, something particularly impressive occurred. I received a call from my GP surgery who said that Benenden Hospital had been in touch (already!) and I need to make an appointment to see my doctor. Amazing efficiency.”
How did you find the recovery process?
“As expected, the recovery process, particularly the first six weeks, is tough, and staying positive mentally is as important as applying physical therapy. I worked hard at flexibility and strengthening exercises but ensured I allowed short recovery periods too. I bought a waterproof knee shield which allowed showering, and the wound healed well. I went for regular walks, gradually weaning myself off crutches, and was walking independently within a few weeks. At week eight, I was able to walk eight miles over the South Downs and hiked 13 miles over the Cheviots after 12 weeks.
“My follow-up appointment at Benenden Hospital took place on 1 June 2024. Both Mr Goddard and the Physiotherapist were pleased with progress, and I was discharged, but could contact them at any time for advice and guidance, if required.”
What improvements has your ROSA Knee replacement made to your life?
“I have an artificial knee. This will never be as good as a healthy natural knee, but it has been life changing for me. Eight months on, I can again walk miles over challenging terrain, rock climb, cycle hard and even run short distances (high impact exercise to be avoided really). I plan to ski before the 2025 season ends too. I do, of course, get some minor soft tissue aggravation and twinges here and there but I’ve recovered quickly, and it is absolutely insignificant compared to the agony of my ‘old’ knee.”
What's your advice to anyone struggling with knee pain?
“If anyone reading this suffers from a painful, degrading knee then I would certainly encourage considering knee replacement if it is appropriate and would not hesitate for one moment recommending Benenden Hospital to undertake this procedure.”
Attend our in-person event: ROSA and the future of joint replacement surgery
On Wednesday 26 March from 6.30-8.00pm, join Mr Goddard and Mr Alex Chipperfield, who are Zimmer ROSA robot trained, at The Spitfire Ground in Canterbury. This free event provides the opportunity to hear leading Consultants discussing the latest technological advances in their field and the benefits they bring to patients. You’ll also get the chance to ask questions too.
Book a knee pain consultation
You can book your knee pain consultation with one of our experienced Orthopaedic Surgeons using our online booking tool or by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.
If you have any questions regarding the options available for knee pain, including Arthrosamid® injections, physiotherapy or ROSA knee replacement surgery, please contact us using our online enquiry form or via Livechat.
Published on 13 February 2025