“After a while I was able to resume my work as an independent physiotherapist and six months after the rehabilitation, I was able to walk 10 kilometers again, climb stairs, cycle, etc.”

Sudden Onset of Knee Problems

I have always been very active, playing football, volleyball, badminton, squash, tennis, and windsurfing.

My knee problems began quite suddenly after an intense day of gardening. At first, I suspected a torn meniscus, but examinations revealed advanced osteoarthritis on the inner side of my knee. At 59 years old, I was considered too young for a knee replacement and was advised to undergo an osteotomy to correct the alignment of my leg.

As a physiotherapist, I was not enthusiastic about undergoing such a major procedure.

Discovering Knee Distraction

At a symposium, I heard Prof. Dr. Heusdens speak about knee joint distraction, a treatment performed in younger patients (under 60) and already carried out for 10 years at UMC Utrecht.

I attended a patient information evening in Utrecht and carefully studied the medical literature. After discussions with Prof. Heusdens, I became convinced that knee distraction was the best option for me.

Surgery and Recovery

Immediately after surgery, walking with the external frame was painful. However, movement gradually became easier. I chose to focus on a slow, careful, and thorough recovery process.

Over time, I was able to return to my work as an independent physiotherapist. Six months after rehabilitation, I could again walk 10 kilometers, climb stairs, and cycle. Imaging showed that a layer of cartilage had regenerated in my knee.

Five Years Later

I decided to stop playing tennis, but I regained a high level of daily function. Now, five years later, I remain very satisfied with the results of the knee distraction. I still have my own knee and hope I will never need a prosthesis.