Published on 17 July 2025
69-year-old Jane, a keen swimmer, gardener and keeper of a herd of alpacas, suffered from osteoarthritis pain in her right knee for many years, relying on painkillers to keep active. One day, following a sudden decline in her knee whilst outside feeding the alpacas, Jane decided to seek treatment.
What symptoms were you suffering from?
“I had suffered from pain and swelling of my right knee for many years. I had a similar problem with my left knee years ago whilst rowing at university and it disappeared after physio and cortisone injections, so I thought this pain would disappear in the same way, but it didn’t. The sudden nature of the decline of my knee led me to Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Mark Jones. I had an x-ray and scan done on my knee after a consultation with my orthopaedic specialist and was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis. My knee was a mess.
“Initially I had a cortisone injection, which had little impact. Life had altered considerably. In great pain and unable to walk around my smallholding, mow lawns or even visit the shops, I was back to see Mr Jones after only three weeks. I was taking painkillers continually. Life became quite unbearable.”
What happened during your initial consultation?
“Following the cortisone injection and my return to see Mr Jones, we decided upon a total knee replacement. However, due to last-minute emergency dentistry, the operation was cancelled. I had to wait six weeks following the dental work before any decisions could be made about what to do next. In the meantime, I read about the Arthrosamid® injection – an innovative, injectable gel used as a treatment for knee pain and other symptoms of knee osteoarthritis without the need for surgery.
“I attended the free online talk led by Mr Mark Jones. After the webinar, I went to see Mr Jones and asked if it was worth trying the gel implant instead of the total knee replacement. He was very positive about it being worth a try, as I am such an active person and pretty fit. He did warn me that from age 70 the likelihood of success is reduced.”
What was your experience of Benenden Hospital?
“My Benenden Hospital experience was great. The whole hospital atmosphere and surroundings were welcoming - quiet, open and comfortable. The staff were efficient and friendly, from the reception to the actual staff manning the consultation rooms. The nursing staff were very good, friendly and very helpful. It seems to be a very ‘family orientated’ place.”
Why did you choose to have an injection over having a knee replacement?
“After going through all the preparation for a total knee replacement, having the surgery cancelled at the very last moment due to an unexpected infection, something no one could have foreseen or prevented, left me feeling disheartened. I have had many operations over the years and decided I did not really want to go through the op if an alternative would work. Therefore, I opted for Arthrosamid®, which Mr Jones said was worth a try, and I agreed.”
What happened on the day of your Arthrosamid® injection?
“I had my injection in March 2025. Pre-op was very good; the nurse was efficient and clearly explained the procedure being done. Admission was straightforward, with pre-admission instructions clear. Mr Jones came to my room to explain what would be done.
“The actual treatment was also straightforward; every step was clearly explained. All in all, the treatment experience was very good. The worst bit was the injection of the local anaesthetic, which was the only painful part. After that, everything went as planned and explained. Mr Jones and the theatre staff were very professional and helped calm me. It was over in about 15 minutes, if that. One thing he pointed out in theatre was that as he had to take out so much fluid from my knee before the procedure, it meant there was a good chance it would be successful. How right he was.”
How long was your recovery period to get back to doing what you love?
“I was in my hospital room for about an hour to recover, before going home. My knee was swollen and painful for the first 24 hours, but that was to be expected. Pain and swelling subsided after a week or so and I had several weeks of recovery with little physical activity.
“I noticed I was pain-free after week seven which was a really big improvement. I continue to be pain free five months later during normal day to day activities, including short walks. I swim 100 lengths every other day, mow a half-acre garden regularly, and do most things, even Pilates. The one thing I simply cannot do is kneel. It is just too difficult to put pressure on the knee. I have not managed a very long walk yet but have walked around a good section of Rye Harbour.”
Would you recommend this treatment at Benenden Hospital to others and why?
“I think it is a wonder gel. It is well worth investing in it, even with late-stage arthritis as in my case. I think it should be the first line of defence before surgery. Benenden Hospital is well worth attending; the whole business of the cost and organising the procedure was easy. You get 10% reduction if you are a Benenden Health member. An interesting fact was that the cost was quite a lot cheaper than other private hospitals in the vicinity. Don’t delay, do it!”
Join our online talk: Treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis
Take the next step toward managing your knee osteoarthritis. Join Mr Raman Thakur, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, on 23 July where he’ll guide you through the options for hip and knee arthritis treatment, including Arthrosamid® as an option for lasting pain relief and an improved quality of life. Register here.
Want to speak a Consultant sooner? Book a consultation at Benenden Hospital today. You can book using our online booking tool or by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.