2 months following a MAKO robotic assisted total knee replacement I have been struggling with Osteoarthritis in my left knee for many years and finally decided to see a consultant to organise a knee replacement. Over the years I have had various injections to relieve the pain, but after a certain length of time, they no longer gave me the relief and therefore, the only option was to have knee surgery. I did quite a bit of research to find a top consultant and following this research, I decided to book an appointment with Professor Jari.

I arranged my appointment through Professor Jari’s secretary, Stephanie Snowball, who very kindly organised my appointment within a few days at the Alexandra Hospital consultancy Suite. Professor Jari arranged a CT scan whilst I was at the hospital and within few days, I had another appointment and the result was clear, I needed a full knee replacement operation. Professor Jari went through all my options and gave me all the information I needed to make a decision about all the different types of knee replacements available. Having considered all my options, I decided to go for what appears to be the best option available, which is the MAKO robotic assisted total Knee replacement. I was advised that this option is the most accurate, less intrusive, and potentially a quicker recovery time. The operation was carried out at the Spire Hospital in Manchester where they specialise in the MAKO Robotic Assisted Surgery.

On the day of my surgery, I checked into my room and before too long I was back from theatre and within a short recovery time was up and about walking with the aid of crutches. The following day, I was well enough to go home and therefore, only spent two days in hospital. I was told that most people can spend between 5-10 days in hospital following a standard knee replacement surgery. After four weeks I was driving as normal and no longer needed painkillers to relieve the pain. I have to be honest, the first four weeks can be difficult with managing your pain levels, especially at night when you are trying to get comfortable, but the time soon passes and I’m close to normal activity after just six weeks with just stiffness, rather than the pain I experienced during the first four weeks.

I have attended Spire for physiotherapy, which is an amazing set up with all the latest equipment to aid in your recovery. The physiotherapist performed various exercises on my knee, and one is to measure how far you can bend the knee. I was told that if I could bend my knee to 90 degrees after four weeks, that would be exceptional. My measurement was 105 degrees and after six weeks, it was 120 degrees. Therefore, I can say from experience, that the MAKO Robotic Assisted Surgery is certainly more accurate and less intrusive and does help with a quicker recovery time, I am delighted so far with my progress and can only speak highly of the manner in which Professor Jari set out the options and performed the surgery. I would also like to pay tribute to Stephanie, Professor Jari’s secretary who arranged my appointment and went through all the cost implications, along with booking me in to the hospital within a matter of a few weeks. Stephanie was a delight to deal with. In fact, all the nursing staff at the Spire Hospital, along with the physiotherapist, have been brilliant to deal with; I cannot speak highly enough about their care and attention.

If you are in need of a knee replacement, I would seriously consider the new MAKO Robotic Assisted Surgery performed by Professor Jari, and in my opinion, it is by far the best option when considering knee replacement surgery. I am delighted with my progress and especially the fact that the knee surgery has straightened my left leg, and I no longer have a bow leg in my left leg.

Stephen Ward, Lancashire

My experience of the Manchester Spire Hospital and speaking to other friends of mine who have recently had knee replacements, mine was far superior from entering to leaving the hospital.

I must say, on arriving at Manchester Spire Hospital that Friday morning 7.00am, I was feeling a little nervous, and upon meeting Professor Jari, he immediately put my mind to rest and made me feel very comfortable about the operation. I never felt a thing or heard anything.

The next morning, Professor Jari came see me and explained that the operation was very successful and that he had done his work and the rest was up to me, which made feel very comfortable about the whole situation.

All the staff at the hospital from entering, having the operation and to leaving, the hospital was excellent.

Two weeks after leaving the hospital, I went for physio treatment for several weeks in which they me gave cards showing diagrams of exercises to practice, and eventually when they satisfied with my progress, they discharged me.

I am now carrying on with my exercises and using an exercise bike, and I am now a stage where I can walk about three miles at a time, not every day.

At times I feel I am not progressing fast enough, perhaps I am being too hard on myself.

Seeing Professor Jari on my last visit to the hospital in October, he was very satisfied with my progress and discharged me and if I have any problems, to get in touch with him.

I must point out that I am dinghy racing sailor in two types of sailing dinghies i.e a single hander dinghy and a two-handed dinghy. I find that I am very unsteady on my feet in my two-handed dinghy when weather gets a bit too windy, but I will get there eventually.

In the photos below, you can find me sailing on the National 12 dinghy called “Bakewell Tart”.

Brian Herring, Cheshire

Professor Jari is without a doubt the best knee consultant I have worked with, and I continue to recommend his services to all our patients needing surgical intervention.

Kristin Wika Paulsen, Clinic Director, Bode Clinic

I am extremely happy with my recent knee surgery (knee arthroscopy) by Professor Jari at the Alexandra Hospital. After having the same procedure 20 years ago on my left knee and knowing what was coming with the recovery involved and the hard work ahead, I was a little apprehensive over having my right knee done! I was in a lot of discomfort, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had struggled for almost 12 months waiting for my operation. The operation has been such a huge success and I have been amazed at the speed of my recover. I’ve had honest explanations from Professor Jari of what to expect over what my capabilities will be in the future and advice of how to get the best out of knees that have needed operations. I am already back in the gym, under strict guidelines, not pushing too hard too quickly and I am enjoying being active again with no pain, and with no need to stop. I have a good understanding of my limitations.

I can’t thank Professor Jari enough, and the Alexandra Hospital as a whole during these difficult times. My stay was such a positive experience, not a usual response for a hospital stay, and given the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’d let to say a big thank you to you both, Professor Jari and the Alexandra Hospital.

Andrew Thomas, Cheshire

Total Knee Replacement at The Spire Hospital Manchester April 2021

Pre-op diagnosis and care:
Reassuring and informative regarding management of a severely arthritic knee. Professor Jari and his team gave excellent personal, specific instructions and advice about expectations of surgery and preparations during the pandemic.

Surgery:
Covid secure procedure on admittance made me feel comfortable and confident. Extremely attentive staff in all aspects before, during and after surgery.

Due to a pre-existing medical condition, the anaesthetic used was tailored specifically and administered by a highly professional team, totally considerate and reassuring throughout.

Hospital post-op care:
Thoroughly professional and pre-emptive social, medical and physio care.

After a 2-night stay, I left the ward having seen a physio 3 times and was provided with a list of the exercises to do at home.

Onward care:
Fortnightly physio and home-based exercises helped the knee go from strength to strength. After 12 weeks, a few holes on the golf course were possible. As I’d been using a buggy until surgery, it was a thrill to walk the course and win a competition after a few more weeks.

A big thanks to Professor Jari and his highly professional team at The Spire Manchester. A drink is waiting for you all at the 19th hole!

J. Barnes, Manchester