Nathan Fraser
Patient
As a golfer, skier and all-round active person, when 73-year-old Nathan Fraser began to struggle with walking he knew he had to do something.
As his knee began to get more and more painful, Nathan saw his GP where he realised major surgery was ahead, alongside pain, discomfort and a long recovery.
However, after researching the procedure and the adoption of new robotics techniques, Nathan was keen to press ahead. He says, “All my life I had heard about technology innovations, and when I saw the video on the website of how it worked it was quite enlightening.”
That was in March 2019, as he prepared himself for a few days stay in hospital and, what he thought would be, a long and painful road to recovery, Nathan was surprised to find that he was back home much sooner than expected. He adds, “I was told that I could continue to take painkillers after being released from the hospital but found I didn’t need them. Instead, I focused on my exercises.”
I was told that I could continue to take painkillers after being released from the hospital but found I didn’t need them. Instead, I focused on my exercises.
Continuous rehabilitation
The physiotherapy routine was established with Nathan by experts while in hospital and something he carried on with religiously when at home. He says, “I would encourage any patient in pain to have the operation, but they must commit to the physiotherapy. Soon, I was able to walk to the physio and then the next milestone was nine holes around the golf course at six weeks – the pain had gone!”
Nathan Fraser’s procedure was carried out by Mr Simon Jennings, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at BMI Clementine Churchill Hospital.
Read more about the innovations in surgical robotics here.
Disclaimer: Patient-specific experiences and outcomes will vary.
