For some time now my right knee has been giving me a lot of pain so I’ve stopped running completely. I used to do a lot of cross country/fell running particularly in North Wales (Tudweliog) where we have a static caravan on Hirdre Fawr Farm, which I really miss. I now cycle mainly commuting to and from work. Still means I do over 100 miles per week!
On my travels as well as cycling, I want to hike and run. Now, even walking is becoming increasing difficult and I’m in severe pain if I walk any distance over 100 metres. When I am particularly active, my sleep is often disrupted which is a problem for me. Last year in Dingle, Ireland we climbed Mount Brandon and it was agonising.
My brother in law, an orthopaedic surgeon has advised a high tibial oesteotomy, in preference to a partial or total knee replacement. I’ve seen a consultant at Wythenshawe Hospital, Jon Borrill and he agrees. The perceived wisdom is that it delays the need for a knee replacement by hopefully 10 to 15 years. The operation involves correcting the varus deformity (bow leg).
I have had leg alignment x rays taken. These assess the angle of correction required to move weight bearing from the inside of the knee to more centrally . To see what’s involved in the procedure, watch this animated video clip.
I looks like a gruesome operation, but it means you can get back to high impact activity like running. Joint replacements only have a certain life span so this is not advised.
Now for those not so squeamish have a look at this clip which is real life surgery!
Looks like I may be able to get this done sometime in September, so will keep you all posted.
Two years ago, I had a nasty crash on my bike and fractured my left clavicle. Surgery was needed to correct and stabilise the fracture. So this will be more metal on board. I may become bionic?
Here are some pics from then.
So, will sign off for now and will update all when surgery is planned!
