My left ankle was replaced and Achilles tendon lengthened by Mr Klinke at the London Bridge Hospital on 6th February 2017. I had badly broken my ankle in a car accident at 20 and broken it again in a windsurfing accident in my 30s leaving a damaged joint with arthritic changes. I had pain and locking when walking and was unable to sleep without being jolted awake numerous times a night. While remaining a very active person my activities have been restricted by the pain and reduced mobility and I always hoped to have an ankle replacement when time allowed. When I explored this possibility I was only offered an ankle fusion by the NHS but when I saw Mr Klinke he agreed to replacement of the joint. He gave me realistic expectations regarding the operation and recovery and now only 3 months on the joint is pain free and already more mobile than pre-operatively with noticeable improvement every day helped by weekly private physio and daily exercises.
The operation went smoothly, but pain relief had side effects so I quickly stopped it all (within a couple of weeks) and as expected I needed a lot of support at home to begin with (for at least 6 weeks). However determined and robust you think you are, the discomfort and restriction of swelling and wound repair, as well as being on crutches and/or in a boot means you are tired and dependent for the first month or two. But after 6 weeks I had completely discarded the crutches and after 8 weeks I no longer needed to use the boot. From my experience, I have no hesitation in recommending the hospital, the procedure and Mr Klinke. After 3 months I am full of energy again, thrilled with my new ankle, increased mobility, lack of joint pain and undisturbed nights and inspired to continue rehab until I reach my full potential.
