AN East Lancashire mum’s decades of agony have ended after she received a high-tech knee replacement.

Michelle Siddle, 48, has osteomalacia, a rare condition which leaves the bones soft, and prone to pain and fractures.

From the age of 16, Michelle, from Rossendale, underwent several operations to treat her left knee, which was most affected by the condition.

With the added onset of mild arthritis, the pain was gradually worsening.

She said: “I found that I’d get tired walking my dog, and I could no longer ride my bike.

“My leg would seize up from time to time.

“In fact, once I fell over in the Trafford Centre because of this.

“Basic activities became intolerable and my knee pain was really hampering my lifestyle.

“I felt my knee was ageing before me.”

Michelle, who lives with her partner Graeme and has a 29-year- old son and a 14-year-old stepdaughter, had private medical insurance, and was referred to BMI The Beardwood Hospital, in Blackburn, for treatment.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Rajan Mohan carried out a ‘Signature Knee’ replacement, which is completely bespoke for each patient, less invasive, has reduced recovery times, and better long-term results.

Mr Mohan said: “In traditional surgery, a surgeon uses points of reference to estimate where a new knee should be aligned.

“This can lead to misalignment if the knee is placed in error, which could reduce the lifespan of the new knee.The ‘Signature Knee’ is made to measure the patient’s knee exactly.

“It is then aligned with the guidance of a live 3D computer.

“This greatly reduces the room for error which, in turn, reduces the patient’s hospital recovery time from five days to two.

“The ‘Signature Knee’ is also likely to last around 15 years, whereas with traditional surgery, 85per cent of knee replacements last for approximately 12 years.

“Finally, the replacement surgery can be carried out through much smaller incisions, so scars are smaller and heal quicker.”

Michelle took eight weeks off work to fully recover.

She said: “I honestly can’t remember the last time I’ve felt like this.

“I’m out walking, and shopping.

“I have a new lease of life.

“I would definitely recommend this surgery to anybody who needs it.”

‘Signature Knee’ replacement

  • Before surgery, an MRI is used to create a 3D joint reconstruction, enabling a knee replacement to be pre-operatively planned.
  • The knee joint used comes in a range of femoral size options, with 90 different size combinations available.
  • During surgery, traditional total knee replacement uses instruments placed inside the femur and/or tibia to assist with implant alignment and positioning. Signature personalised positioning guides are placed directly onto the femur and tibia, and so do not require instrumentation of the bone canal.
  • Benefits to patients are improved long-term results, a less invasive procedure, and reduced recovery time and pain.