Robotic assisted knee replacement (ROSA) changes life of Spire Cheshire Hospital patient

Gary Thomas, age 56, enjoyed an active lifestyle taking part in several physical activities such as karate, mountain walking, gym, and extreme sports. Gary sustained an injury to his right knee during his time with the military which led to severe arthritis leaving him with incredible pain in his right knee. This led to him having two ACL reconstructions which worked for a few years but then eventually the pain started again and intensified over a period of time.

This severe pain not only affected Gary’s work but all aspects of his life as it got to the point where he could no longer take part in any physical activities such as swimming and going to the gym. The pain led to Gary not being able to get any sound sleep for the past two years. Gary commented “My mental health was deteriorating rapidly, I couldn’t even straighten my knee at all.”

Choosing an expert and ROSA robotics

Gary decided he needed to seek specialist advice, so he started his research in selecting a consultant. When asked about why he chose Professor Nikhil Pradhan and opted for ROSA robotic surgery, Gary commented “I looked at his history, feedback from other patients and his professionalism. I was impressed that Professor Pradhan had been operating using ROSA robotics for several years and the great results are evidence this was the best choice of treatment.”

Gary chose to go ahead with ROSA robotic knee replacement surgery over traditional joint replacement due to the shorter recovery time and level of accuracy for joint implementation. The relevant literature on the Spire Cheshire Hospital website and the articles supported his decision. The goal for Gary was to get back to normal life as quick as possible and experience a pain free life and ROSA was the answer to this!

Gary's ‘outstanding’ experience

Having had a consultation, examination, and imaging under the care of Prof Pradhan, Gary started his journey of correcting his knee problems. Gary’s overall experience at Spire Cheshire Hospital was exceptional. He continued to describe his encounter with the various hospital teams, “from the x-ray team, to nurses, to physios and porters my experience was of an excellent standard.”

He shared his thoughts on Prof Pradhan, “I found him very engaging, enthusiastic, and genuinely cared for my long-term wellbeing. He is incredibly knowledgeable, and ensured the decision made was what was best for me. I found confidence in his reassurance and professionalism, which was outstanding.

“I can sleep for the first time in years!”

Two months post operation, Gary expressed how he has got his life back, “I made the right decision and feel 100% happy with my choice of consultant and choosing ROSA, this was proven by my amazingly quick recovery and gaining 120-degree movement back in my knee with no pain! I can sleep for the first time in years, and it has changed my life, my health, my family time and my mental health – I can’t thank Professor Pradhan enough. I would recommend him to anyone, especially my loved ones without hesitation.”

Undergoing ROSA robotic surgery has resulted in Gary going back to enjoying thing he once loved. “I can now walk long distances where I couldn’t complete a mile before and I am back in my beloved gym where I can complete a full workout with the rower cross trainer, bicycle, and light weights. I will also be returning to golf in a month’s time.”

Professor Pradhan commented on the positive impact the surgery had on Gary’s life, “Gary is the classical young active patient with significant knee arthritis following an injury. Gary’s knee pain was causing physical impairment in function and caused mental anguish affecting his personal, professional and family life. 

Robotic assisted knee replacement (ROSA) is the latest advancement in knee replacement surgery and provides live feedback during surgery, which helps improve accuracy and precision. 

With ROSA robotic-assisted knee replacement, Gary can now go back to enjoying physical activities, including some sporting activities and his family life. I wish him all the best.”