“It is some sort of miracle.”
After decades of competitive sport and a lifetime on the rugby pitch, the impact and strain on Ian Fraser’s knees had worn away the cartilage in both joints. But instead of knee replacement surgery, Ian discovered a promising new alternative—Arthrosamid®, a non-surgical treatment recently introduced at The Horder Centre.
“I started playing rugby when I was six, and I kept going until I was 64,” Ian explained. “In my 20s, I took up sprinting and trained in the triple jump, and I also played squash at a competitive level for 20 years; all the things that are not great for your knees.
“Eventually, after decades of wear and tear, my knees gave out walking through the countryside on a shoot. From then on, I was in pain the majority of the time and even struggled going up and down the stairs. That was when I decided I had to do something about it.”
Ian’s GP arranged an X-ray at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, and he was soon referred to The Horder Centre to meet with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Tofunmi Oni.
He said: “Mr Oni confirmed that the cartilage had worn away from both knees. But he also advised I try something relatively new. That’s when he told me about Arthrosamid® The idea of a less invasive option appealed to me, so I went away and did a lot of research. At 70, I was on the older side of what they recommend, but I’m fit and healthy.”
Knee Osteoarthritis and the Benefits of Robotic Knee Replacement Webinar
Presented by Mr Tofunmi Oni, this webinar provided a deeper understanding of knee osteoarthritis, explored treatment options such as Arthrosamid®, and gave an overview of robotic-assisted knee surgery.
Ian’s first Arthrosamid® injection, in his left knee, was in December 2024, and Ian said: “I don’t like injections. The local anaesthetic was the worst bit. I arrived at 9 am, had oral antibiotics at 9:30 am, and Mr Oni administered the injection at 11:30 am. It took about five minutes, and my wife drove me home by 11:45 am.”
Eight weeks later, after a holiday and starting physiotherapy, he noticed real improvement. But it also brought into focus just how bad his right knee had become. In March 2025, he returned for another injection, this time in his right knee.
Ian added: “My goodness, it’s some sort of miracle. Just two weeks ago, I was rotovating the garden for two hours. The ground was so hard that I broke the rotavator. At no point did I notice I had bad knees.
“Everything has been brilliant at The Horder Centre. I would recommend it to anybody, as long as it’s a suitable treatment for them.”
“I was delighted to see that Mr Fraser not only experienced a significant improvement in his knee pain, but is also back enjoying the activities he loves, which had once been a real challenge for him.”
Mr Tofunmi Oni, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
We provide outstanding patient experiences
The Horder Centre is an award-winning Centre of Excellence that offers patients a unique therapeutic environment. Specifically designed for orthopaedic surgery, our facilities include a physiotherapy inpatient gym and courtyard gardens designed by clinical experts to enhance recovery. Finance options available.
Read our patient testimonials
Find out what it’s like to be a patient, from the people who matter the most.
