For years, Tony Grantham accepted the gradual wear and tear in his knees as something to be endured. As everyday life became increasingly restricted, a consultation at The Horder Centre confirmed that both knees would eventually require replacement. Discover how two ROSA® robotic-assisted total knee replacements, several months apart, helped him return to the active lifestyle he feared he was losing.
“You put up with it,” explains Tony, 73. “I had an arthroscopy, which helped for a little while, but by 2024, I was struggling. At Crufts, the international dog show, in March, I found myself strapping both knees and relying on ibuprofen just to get through the day. It was OK, but not brilliant.”
“The turning point came later that year at Goodwood Members Meeting. Faced with climbing the stairs to cross the track, I realised how much my knees were limiting me. I found I was making excuses not to go back over and stayed on one side. It was ridiculous. I couldn’t stand it anymore.”
After speaking to a friend, who recommended a consultant who no longer practices at The Horder Centre, Tony booked a consultation with Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Tofunmi Oni and explored his treatment options after doing a substantial amount of research on ROSA® robotic-assisted knee replacements.
Tony explained: “I’m quite fit, and I thought this was the time to do it and really benefit from ROSA. I was actually looking forward to it. I knew that however I came out the other side, there was hope.
“The first one was extremely successful, so I was keen to get the second done. At my first follow up appointment several weeks later, I walked confidently across the waiting area, feeling very pleased with my progress. Mr Oni was equally satisfied and supportive. He was happy to do it whenever I was comfortable.”
Three months later, Tony chose to proceed with a second ROSA knee replacement. Recovery from the second operation was slower, as he expected, given the proximity of the procedures.
A few months on, the benefits became clear. He was walking his dogs again, continuing to manage and develop the farm he helps look after, and was back in his garden.
“One dog walk stood out in particular,” explained Tony. “It includes a steep rise that was always uncomfortable before surgery. Now, I don’t notice it.
“There are still limitations; kneeling down can be difficult, but with Mr Oni’s assurance that I should persevere, I find I am able to. Overall, I feel nothing but positive. I cannot fault my experience at The Horder Centre. The people in the hospital are the ones who make it. I felt I was getting as good a level of care as I possibly could.
“Mr Oni is very approachable and easy going, but with a serious side. He doesn’t waste words and is straight to the point, as am I. I had a great deal of respect for that, a great surgeon. He said, ‘Don’t worry the care continues beyond the operation, if you want to call about anything, please do so.’ That gives you confidence.”
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact that modern robotic-assisted surgery can have on restoring mobility and quality of life. Tony’s recovery has allowed him to return to the activities he enjoys, and I hope he’s able to make the most of his next visit to Crufts with greater comfort and confidence.”
Mr Tofunmi Oni, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
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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.
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