Greg, a professional helicopter pilot and builder from Horkesley near Colchester, has always lived life at full throttle. Whether flying aircraft, converting barns, or riding his motorcycle, Greg thrives on speed, freedom, and engineering. But when osteoarthritis began to affect his knees, his adventurous lifestyle came to a halt – until treatment at The Cavell Hospital in Enfield helped him get back on his feet.
Living with Osteoarthritis
Greg first noticed something was wrong when he struggled to support his motorcycle with his legs.
“I’ve lived a crazy life, and as the years went on, I started to feel my body wearing away. I knew something was seriously wrong when I nearly dropped my bike because my legs couldn’t hold it.”
After seeking medical advice, Greg was diagnosed with osteoarthritis – a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness due to the breakdown of cartilage. For Greg, the symptoms were severe enough to impact his mobility and independence.
Choosing knee surgery
Greg was referred to Mr Henry Atkinson, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Cavell Hospital. After a thorough assessment, Mr Atkinson recommended a medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy – a type of knee realignment surgery designed to correct joint misalignment and relieve pain.
“Henry explained everything clearly. He came up with a personalised treatment plan and made me feel confident about the surgery.”
What is high tibial osteotomy?
High tibial osteotomy is a surgical procedure used to treat osteoarthritis and correct lower limb alignment. By adjusting the position of the tibia (shin bone), surgeons can redistribute weight across the knee joint, reducing pain and preserving joint function.
During the procedure, a wedge of bone is either removed or opened to realign the joint. The new position is secured with metal screws and a plate, allowing the bone to heal in its corrected alignment.
This surgery is particularly beneficial for active individuals who want to maintain mobility and delay or avoid total knee replacement.
Treatment and recovery from knee surgery
Greg was impressed by the speed and quality of care at The Cavell Hospital.
“Cavell Hospital was a fantastic place for treatment. My nurses and physiotherapist were superb. I was able to have surgery within just a few weeks of meeting Henry.”
After surgery, Greg received tailored physiotherapy and support from a dedicated team. His recovery was smooth, and he quickly regained strength and flexibility in his legs.
“After healing well from the operation, I’m back riding motorcycles – even better than I was before.”
Back to living life fully
Today, Greg is back to doing what he loves – riding, building, and embracing life with restored mobility. He credits the surgery and care at The Cavell Hospital for giving him his freedom back.
“I’d recommend this procedure to anyone struggling with similar problems. It’s made a huge difference to my life.”
Disclaimer
We are very grateful to Circle Health Group – one of the providers we collect data from – and its team at The Cavell Hospital for sharing Greg’s story with us so that we can share it with you. However, please note that PHIN provides information to support your healthcare decisions, but we do not recommend individual providers. It’s important that you explore all your options before choosing where and how to receive treatment.
Some patients may base their decision on the cost of treatment (if they are self-funding), while others may follow the guidance of their private medical insurer. Others might prioritise the experience of the consultant or factors related to the hospital, such as its regulator rating, location, or facilities.
We encourage you to research thoroughly and make an informed decision that’s right for you. We’re sharing Greg’s story to help you understand what your experience might be like and to support you in asking the right questions when considering your healthcare options.
