For Matthew Solan & James Davis at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital and OneWelbeck

For Martin Klinke at London Bridge, Cromwell Hospital, Chiswick Outpatients, New Victoria Hospital & One Welbeck

George Kennedy

George Kennedy, aged 62, is Secretary of The Royal Automobile Club. Mr Kennedy had an ankle fusion operation performed by Mark Davies, Clinical Director of the London Foot and Ankle Centre.

Describe your ankle problem

I had been a soldier for 30 years. I spent a lot of time running in heavy boots and I broke my right ankle during my early twenties. I recovered quickly and when you are young, you don’t worry about injuries. But after the break, my right ankle always felt a little weaker.

By the time I reached my fifties, it became much more difficult. Everything I wanted to do involves mobility – I play squash, tennis, go skiing and love walking. My ankle became increasingly painful and I got to the stage when I couldn’t walk any more than 400 to 500 yards. It felt as if I was walking on a broken ankle. It became very debilitating because I couldn’t take part in any of the activities that I loved.

Why did you choose ankle fusion surgery?

I had a choice between an ankle fusion and an ankle replacement. A friend recommended foot specialist Mark Davies and his view was that fusion was a more durable option. I sought a second and third opinion from a Swiss surgeon who treats their national ladies skiing team and a very good surgeon in Berlin. They both concurred with Mark’s opinion. I wanted to be able to do three things after surgery – to ski, walk over hills and play a round of golf. A fusion would still allow me to do those things and eliminate the pain.

How did you feel straight after surgery?

I had one sore night, the second night after surgery, but apart from that I didn’t experience any pain at all. The nursing staff at The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth were fantastic. I stayed in hospital for five days and when I went home, I was told to stay in bed resting my ankle for a further two weeks.

And the first three months post surgery?

I went back to work after three weeks. I had a driver to take me into the office and spent the first four weeks in a wheelchair because I was not allowed to weight bear. It was fine – I was in no discomfort whatsoever and made the adaptions necessary. I had a hospital bed at home and was able to get up and down the stairs perfectly well on my bottom. For the first six weeks I was in a plaster cast running from my ankle to halfway up my leg. At six weeks, this was removed and I got what I call the ‘Beckham Boot’. This is a lightweight, removable Aircast, made of a durable, semi-rigid shell.

Three to six months: physiotherapy and weight bearing

One of the most important things was seeing a podiatrist who adapted shoes for me, with special ankle supports. Right from the start, I did my exercises religiously. There are very simple exercises that you can do while lying in bed. As you start to weight bear, you need to do exercises to build up the muscles which you haven’t been using. It was three months before I was allowed to start weight bearing. I could have started to drive five months after the operation, but kept my driver for the first six months.

Six months and beyond

By six months post surgery I was walking comfortably. By nine months, I was walking 10 to 12 miles a day across the Scottish hills with no pain whatsoever. I had a good pair of boots and an ankle support. My gait is no different and I don’t ever have the slightest twinge of pain or discomfort. Eleven months after surgery, I went skiing and was able to fully enjoy the sport again.

What would your advice be to anyone considering ankle fusion surgery?

I would say do it. You will be free from pain, provided you follow the instructions of your surgeon and physiotherapist and see a podiatrist. I was very clear about what I wanted to achieve from ankle fusion surgery and I am able to do everything I wanted to do.