Tom loves competing in endurance events and if he is not racing he is completing long distance training sessions at least four times a week near his home in Warton-on-Thames. His fitness regime included cycling approximately 100 miles a week, 5 mile runs and regular swimming. In September 2017 he noticed some mild knee pain on squatting and playing 5-a-side football. The following month, he decided to run the Royal Parks half marathon alongside his wife who was taking part for the first time. Whilst heading to a drink station to collect water for her, he dodged a near collision with another runner, which led to a jarring and sharp twinge in his right knee. Tom continued to finish the race, however, throughout the next 24 hours he was experiencing increased pain, problems walking and severe swelling.

A few months later the pain was much better, but Tom still could not perform a full squat and struggled to run more than a few miles, which became very frustrating as he had several endurance events booked up in the summer months and little hope of training or competing. He arranged to see Dr Houghton for a second consultation, and following another MRI, he was referred to one of our knee surgical specialists as the tear had worsened.

Tom said, “On my first consultation Mr Akhtar made me feel very comfortable and clearly articulated the potential scenarios if I underwent the operation, which gave me confidence to pursue the operation”. The surgery was to be a day case keyhole procedure where Kash would assess the meniscus tear and repair it if at all possible, otherwise it would be minimally trimmed if needed. Tom explained, “At this point I had dealt with the pain for six months and I was determined to find a solution. I left the consultation feeling confident that surgery would be the correct decision for me”.

In April 2018 Tom underwent surgery at the Fortius Surgical Centre in Marylebone. The operation went very smoothly, lasted only 20 minutes and he was back home a few hours after the operation.  

Tom was slowly introducing cycles and three mile runs, and to his relief his knee was pain free. He was then able to cycle 350 miles within six weeks of surgery. His progress continued to improve and at the end of May, whilst on holiday with his children, Tom managed to run several 10k with no problems and was regaining the strength in his right knee again. His summer of events suddenly seemed possible once more and he was excited at the thought of competing again. 

Three months after his operation, Tom finished 105 miles of the Tour de France. He subsequently completed an Ironman in Hamburg and more recently a marathon in London. We are so impressed with his recovery and determination. Well done Tom!