Medial patella-femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstructions on both sides, two years apart allow George, now 17, to continue to play elite academy level rugby
George makes great progress following ligament reconstructions to repair his damaged kneecaps
Professor Wilson, who is world-class, performed the operation as before. George walked out after the operation without crutches and used Physiolab cryotherapy device from the start. He used it for 4-5 weeks as many times a day as possible.
TAGGED INProf Adrian Wilson
Knee sports injuries and trauma
George’s first MPFL reconstruction, aged 15.
George, who is 15 years old, partially dislocated his kneecap in rugby training when a side-on tackle caught him unawares.
He was referred by a surgeon to see Professor Adrian Wilson.
Professor Wilson said: “As a first-time incident we treated it non-operatively and George initially did very well and I did not see him again for six months. He got back to playing rugby at a very high level and has aspirations of being a professional rugby player in the future.”
George then competed in athletics at school. On landing during a long jump, he partially dislocated his kneecap again which caused him significant pain. There was no chondral (joint cartilage) damage and the kneecap went back into place automatically.
As this was a second knee injury in a relatively short period of time Adrian decided to do a medial patella-femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction which is a procedure used to correct serious and recurring dislocation of the kneecap. George did well following the procedure and gained full movement and good control within a matter of weeks.
George’s father, Steve, said: “Our hopes are that George will make a full recovery and carry on playing rugby to an elite level. So far the signs are incredible.”
“If your son or daughter is in acute pain or feels their knee is unstable and just not right – which were George’s words – then the decision is already made for you. However the rehab and physiotherapy must be full on and 100% dedication is needed. And then anything is possible,” added Steve.
George’s father Steve gives an update 7 week’s after George’s second operation:
“For George’s first operation, he was younger and we were unprepared as a family. This time we had more time to prepare and it was completely different. George’s physio, Simon Orr was fantastic and was involved throughout. He decided to train George very hard before the operation, with a focus on his knee but for the whole body. He had good nutrition and a higher calorie intake. Professor Wilson, who is world-class, performed the operation as before. George walked out after the operation without crutches and used Physiolab cryotherapy device from the start. He used it for 4-5 weeks as many times a day as possible. You have to be 100% dedicated to get the outcome George did. He started physio a week after surgery. He was literally lifting weights a month after, he’s been running, knee pressing, riding a bike and has swum in the sea. He’s had no pain, soreness, stiffness, no use of crutches. It is the best rehabilitation Professor Wilson and Simon Orr have ever seen. Following Simon your physio’s and surgeon’s advice is critical – train before, eat properly – you get out what you put in. George trained 6 days a week before and after the operation.”
Looking to speak to our team? Call us on 020 7046 8000 020 7046 8085
To book an appointment
or refer a patient
