Family carer undergoes double Mako robotic-assisted knee replacements at Spire Manchester Hospital

Jill Forester, a retired 73 year old and a carer for her disabled daughter, underwent a Mako robotic-assisted double knee replacement at Spire Manchester Hospital, performed by Professor Sanjiv Jari.

Reassured by Spire Manchester Hospital’s high standards of cleanliness and CQC ’Outstanding’ rating, Jill decided to go ahead with the procedures earlier this year, as she would not be travelling anywhere. Jill had previously undergone knee surgery 40 years ago (bi-lateral patellectomies), and always knew she would need knee replacements at some point. 

Jill says, “Professor Jari had been monitoring me for several years, and I decided to go ahead. The hospital appealed to me as I knew the infection control measures would be excellent, particularly with COVID-19 measures in place, and I would have my own space, with a private room and my own shower.”

Undergoing her knee replacements four months apart, Jill found that all the staff she encountered were friendly, professional and efficient. She says, “The nurses were lovely, as were the physiotherapists. I was provided with a bespoke exercise programme along with a video tailored for my needs by the physiotherapy department, which I used on a daily basis.

Back to fighting fit

Prior to her operations, Jill had always kept fit with yoga and Pilates, but had been struggling to stand without pain, could not use stairs and her sleep was affected every night. However, she is now enjoying Pilates once more and has taken up weight training to rebuild her leg muscles. 

She can walk and stand without pain, and her sleeping patterns have vastly improved. The most significant change in Jill’s life though is her improved ability to care for her daughter: previously, her knees would not allow her to bear her daughter’s weight, but she can now do this comfortably.

Jill has gladly recommended Spire Manchester and Professor Jari to her friends at the gym and stresses that the more effort a patient puts into post-operation exercises, the better the outcome. “I am still getting stronger week by week.”

Reflecting on Jill’s surgery, Professor Jari says, “Mrs Forester had a complex medical issue, having suffered with arthritis of her knees and having had her kneecaps removed many years ago.

“This can make recovery from a knee replacement more drawn out. But as the Mako allows less invasive surgery, there is minimal trauma to the knee and one of the many benefits is potentially quicker recovery from the operation, which I am happy to say Mrs Forester achieved after each of her knees were replaced. I am pleased that her outcome has been so positive.”

Find out more about Mako robotic-assisted surgery