First partial knee replacement surgery performed in Guernsey

For patients with certain patterns of arthritis, the partial knee replacement replaces only damaged parts of the knee and is an alternative to a total knee replacement. However, the procedure is not for everyone and the Medical Specialist Group is keen for people to be aware of this.

MSG orthopaedic surgeon Ben Bradley performed the 60-minute surgery on Rachel Robins on 10 June and said it had gone extremely well.

‘The unicompartmental knee replacements are technically very challenging procedures,’ he said.

‘Mrs Robins’ surgery went well and her recovery has been uncomplicated, she was discharged within 48 hours post-op, which is significantly shorter than the length of hospital stay for a full knee replacement, which is usually about four days.

‘This is a new service to the island, but they have been happening in the UK for nearly 30 years– I am very experienced in performing these surgeries and have been performing them in the UK for many years.’

Mr Bradley was part of the team that performed the first day case unicompartmental knee replacement in the UK and has published and presented internationally on the procedure. Along with Orthopaedic Surgeon Richard Hopcroft, the MSG has a lot of experience in performing this type of surgery.

Benefits include faster rehabilitation, improved clinical outcomes and knee function and significantly lower risks of blood clots, heart attacks and infections. They also offer the economic benefits of shorter inpatient stays and a faster return to work.

The surgery was performed on Mrs Robins’ left knee by the MSG. She said the results were was amazing. ‘I’ve got a better quality of life now,’ said the 50-year-old. ‘The physio still helps me out but it really is starting to feel like I can move so much more now.

‘I love walking and this will help me to get back into that, I’m pain free – it’s life changing really.’