The hills are alive again for Jane after sat nav surgery
A Peak District resident who feared she might have to sell her house because of a debilitating knee injury is staying put thanks to a revolutionary surgery technique.
Jane Ford, 62, from Cressbrook, Derbyshire, was contemplating selling her three-storey house in Monsal Dale because of the injury which had made climbing her stairs and leaving the house virtually impossible.
Jane opted for a total knee replacement in June 2008 at Thornbury Hospital, Sheffield, to repair the damage caused by a tennis injury she suffered nearly 20 years ago.
Orthopaedic surgeon Mr Derek Bickerstaff carried out the operation using a state-of-the-art computer navigated system called Orthopilot, designed by Sheffield based medical company B.Braun Medical.
Orthopilot, which can be requested through NHS Patient Choices, enables surgeons to implant perfectly aligned replacement joints. It works by using highly accurate computer guidance, allowing surgeons to create the best possible implant positioning, leaving no room for guesswork and resulting in a perfectly aligned joint.
A knee joint which is only a fraction out of alignment can fail early due to unnecessary stresses placed on it.
Jane said: “It got to the point where I was struggling with the stairs in my house and I couldn’t drive the car without holding my knee for an entire journey. It was a desperate situation.
“Walking is an essential part of everyday life where I live. To get to my house from the bottom of my hill, I have to climb 30 steep steps, which became impossible. I seriously considered selling my house because I simply couldn’t get up my own stairs.
“When I finally went to see the consultant, I was told my knee had had it. There was no cartilage and the bone was wearing away.
“I went to see Mr Bickerstaff and he confirmed that I needed a total knee replacement and he discussed the procedure with me.
“He explained how the operation would take place and about the new technique he was using which involved a computer navigation system, Orthopilot, to help align the replacement perfectly.”
The operation completely changed Jane’s life and she is now able to take part in activities that had been virtually impossible before.
Added Jane: “Before the operation my knee was a liability. Now it’s perfectly straight and I don’t have to think about it any more.
“The operation and rehabilitation process was six weeks out of my life, which is nothing compared to the improved quality of life I now have.
“I live in the heart of the beautiful Peak District and with my new knee I am able to go hiking, climbing, walk the dog and drive without any discomfort.
“The surgery has made a massive difference to my life and I feel like I am back to where I was 30 years ago.”
