Brandon Zuck had just arrived in the UK from America. It was the beginning of a holiday he’d been looking forward to, a chance to catch up with friends, a little sightseeing. Needless to say, a complex surgical procedure was not on the must-do list.
Orthopaedic patient stories
Some of our past patients share their experiences of having orthopaedic care at HCA Healthcare UK. Read about our patients' experiences
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Spine
Back on track: How surgery helped a visitor from America get free from pain
Millie's story – still hula hooping after scoliosis surgery
On the day of her 14th birthday, Millie was driving from South Wales to London with her mum, Vicki, for her long-awaited scoliosis operation. "It was the best birthday present I could ask for," says Millie, who is from Blaenrhondda in the Rhonda Valley, "being given a perfectly straight back."
Getting back to normal after spinal surgery: Ruth’s story
When consultant spinal surgeon Mr Robert Lee first glanced at the MRI scan of retired music teacher Ruth’s lumbar spine, he did a double take.
Hip and pelvis
How game-changing hip surgery helped Joanna get back to her best
For Joanna, a competitive rower in the Masters division, the sport is more than a passion – it's a way of life. At 60 years old, Joanna’s career spans 20 years, and has been marked by intense training sessions, competitive races, and unwavering determination. However, when a nagging pain in her right hip developed into something altogether more debilitating, it threatened to put the brakes on her rowing.
From painkillers to pain-free: Michael’s hip replacements
The 83-year-old former physician is talking about the new lease of life he’s found following three life-changing joint replacement surgeries, all within less than three years.
How hip replacement changes after a decade: Eric’s story
Eric went from playing tennis frequently - and playing well - to barely being able to put his socks and shoes on in the morning.
Knee
From a limp to ultramarathons
In May 2022, Neil underwent a combined total knee replacement and simultaneous removal of the PVNS under the care of Mr Pollock at The Princess Grace Hospital. Initially incredibly nervous about the procedure and what his world could look like post-operation, life has completely changed.
Sarah-Jane’s return from knee injury
It was when she slipped on the dancefloor at an office party that 38-year-old Sarah-Jane finally realised something wasn’t right with her knee. A keen skateboarder and tennis player, Sarah-Jane had always led an active lifestyle, but never thought much about injuries.
How knee surgery got one avid skier back on the slopes
As a frequent skier and active young professional in the city, Gaëlle loves running and exercise classes to keep fit, but her love of these activities has come at a price – her knee. A previous skiing accident damaged her meniscus and her ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and left her in so much pain that she couldn’t ski, so Gaëlle started looking around at treatment options.
Foot and ankle
Esteban’s lucky break: How ankle surgery saved a life
An unexpected diagnosis leads to immediate surgery
A cure for ankle pain: Jane’s road to recovery
When Jane first injured her ankle, the pain was horrendous. However, showing incredible strength of will and character, she strapped it up and carried on as best she could until she got around to having surgery - more than two decades later!
Glynis is bowled over by her new ankle
A 42-year-old Glynis was enjoying a night out, on the dancefloor of a London hotel. All was well, but one tiny movement was about to have a huge impact on her life.
Shoulder and elbow
An Olympian effort: Chris’ fast-track to recovery
When Chris was told the surgery he needed on his shoulder would likely make him unable to compete professionally in 2023, Chris dug deep into those reserves and hoped he could excel once more.
Hand and wrist
Andy’s story: Keeping his music alive after his thumb surgery
After being diagnosed with arthritis by his doctor, Andy was referred to Mr Mark Phillips, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at London Bridge Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK.