Published on 03 June 2025
At nearly 80, Jenny, a lifelong walker and gardener, found her activities limited by severe knee pain from osteoarthritis. Previous treatments didn’t fix the problem, so she sought advice from our Orthopaedic Consultant Mr Mark Jones at Benenden Hospital. Jenny chose an Arthrosamid® injection over knee replacement surgery, leading to a swift recovery and a return to her active lifestyle.
How was your knee pain affecting your everyday life?
“I’m 80 next year and have always kept quite fit by walking and gardening. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my back and knees many years ago and had surgery on my back five years ago.
“However, I noticed my right knee was becoming increasingly painful, I couldn’t walk as far, and I was doing less and less gardening. I’d had sessions of physiotherapy and steroid injections at Benenden Hospital, but they didn’t work for me long term.”
At what point did you decide to book an appointment?
“Before I went abroad in January, I was already considering booking an appointment with an Orthopaedic Consultant, but this trip made the decision for me as I noticed my knee was impacting my enjoyment of the holiday.
“I booked my initial consultation with Mr Mark Jones in February as soon as I got back from my holiday. Mr Jones was very professional, kind, friendly and made me feel comfortable during my appointment. He assessed my knee and explained my treatment options; either knee replacement surgery or an innovative, minimally invasive injection called Arthrosamid®, the effects of which last for three years.”
Why did you choose to have an injection in your knee over having a knee replacement?
“Despite being in so much pain, I knew I didn’t want to have a knee replacement and stay in hospital. The Arthrosamid® injection offered me a three-year solution to my knee pain while removing the need for surgery. Mr Jones explained the side effects in detail, so I was well informed before making my choice. I decided to go ahead with Arthrosamid® and my preoperative assessment and injection were both booked within the same month!”
Can you explain more about your Benenden Health membership?
“My late husband and I became Benenden Health members when we married, so I’ve now been a member for over 30 years. The Arthrosamid® injections themselves aren’t covered by the membership, but the amount you get for your monthly payment is very good value.”
What is the environment like at Benenden Hospital?
“The environment at Benenden Hospital is wonderful; I only say positive things about the hospital to my friends. From the restaurant staff to the reception staff, it’s a happy place, you can see the people enjoy working there. It’s also very attractive to look at, with good parking, making it a stress-free experience.”
What happened on the day of your procedure?
“My friend dropped me off on the day of my procedure. I didn’t have to wait long until I was in Theatre. Mr Jones spoke to me through every step of the injection; it wasn’t painful - only a bit of discomfort because it’s swollen. Mr Jones partly numbed my knee and injected it with Arthrosamid® fluid. After the injection, I was taken to my ward room where I recovered with a cup of tea and a sandwich. After a few hours, I was then discharged and my friend drove me home.”
What improvements has Arthrosamid® made to your life?
“My recovery was excellent. Mr Jones said to take it easy the next day, so my friend came over to cook for me. I expected to have a lot of pain, but I didn’t. Mr Jones said you won’t have any after three weeks, but I didn’t have any pain after three days – I was amazed! I returned to see Mark Jones on 24 March for a follow-up appointment, and he was pleased with my results.
“I’m very pleased with my results, especially being one of the first few patients to have the procedure at Benenden Hospital. I’ve returned to my regular exercise class, ‘paracise’ – which focuses on balance, I’m more active in my garden and have been enjoying the sunshine. My walks have increased in distance, and I no longer need to stop to rest due to the pain.”
Would you recommend this treatment at Benenden Hospital to others?
“I’ve wholeheartedly recommended the Arthrosamid® injection to four of my friends, two of which have even had their procedures! One friend from church who’s turning 90 next year very recently had the injection and another friend, a dairy farmer who’s very active, is over the moon with her results too! If my left knee becomes more symptomatic I would have the injection in that knee too.”
“If you’re considering Arthrosamid® as a solution for your knee osteoarthritis, I highly suggest you make an appointment. I’m an advocate for the procedure and I’m very happy with the hospital.”
Book your consultation today
Take the next step toward managing your knee osteoarthritis. Book a consultation at Benenden Hospital today and explore Arthrosamid® as an option for lasting pain relief and an improved your quality of life.
You can book using our online booking tool or by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.