Martin’s Surgical Story

As a former professional rugby player at Northampton Saints, I understood that there would be an element of collateral damage in later life through playing the sport.

I first met Mr Stock in 2014 with pain in my left knee. He diagnosed a cartilage tear and went on to perform an arthroscopy, removing the damaged shock absorber. I recovered well from this and went back to coaching at The Saints.

Over my playing career I have had 4 keyhole surgeries to my right knee. Towards the end of 2020 it was beginning to cause me significant problems. One of my fellow teammates the much respected England & British lions physiotherapist Phil Pask, identified a chronic knee injury and recommended I make an appointment to meet David.

From the very start I felt completely at ease with his professionalism & awareness of sports injuries having unfortunately played for Saracens in the past!! We discussed the options available including the need to shed some timber (weight).

At only 52, I had been told it was too early to have a knee replacement.  Having tried everything else, Mr Stock assured me there was no viable alternative having already had multiple surgical procedures on the knee.

In November I had my right knee replaced. The team at the Woodland Hospital were absolutely amazing not forgetting the added pressure of being in the midst of the pandemic. The operation was a huge success and whilst the knee smarted a little for a week or two, the relief of pain was unbelievable and with the aid of Mr Stock and his team my recovery was exceptional.

Unfortunately, the recovery became hampered by pain and swelling over the front of my left knee, that I had suffered from over the years. I saw David again who diagnosed a piece of bone sticking into the patella tendon, causing it to become inflamed and painful.

In April I went under the knife again, removing the piece of bone.

Following rehabilitation and aftercare advice from the team, I was back on my bike and walking the dogs in no time. Pardon the pun but it was a pleasure being under Mr Stock!! People ask “would I have it done again?” – my answer is absolutely! It’s been life changing for me and can’t recommend Mr Stock and his team enough.