Patient regains active lifestyle following knee surgery at Spire Little Aston Hospital

• Allan Bean shares his journey from long-term knee pain to enjoying hikes, theme parks, and international travel 

Allan Bean, 62, had been living with worsening knee pain since the early 1990s. Over time, even short walks became difficult.

“Eventually I could no longer walk further than about 50 yards at a time,” he said. “We are an active family and enjoy outings, so I often found myself sitting on the sidelines watching instead of participating.”

Mr Bean chose to seek treatment privately at Spire Little Aston Hospital, he explained: “I gave up on the NHS many years ago. The quality of NHS treatment is too erratic, and patients are often treated like a number. Furthermore, the NHS no longer treats patients over 35 years of age for my apparent symptoms.”

Under the care of Consultant Knee Surgeon Mr James Arbuthnot, Mr Bean underwent Mako robotic assisted knee replacement surgery following a detailed assessment.

He described his hospital experience positively:

“Very professional. The pre-op preparations were well managed, and I was well prepared. The surgery itself was surprisingly quick, and the post-op care was excellent. The medical staff ensured I was comfortable, mobile and that the pain was well managed.”

Within three months, Mr Bean had returned to normal routines. “I can do just about anything as normal with my knee,” he said. He now regularly takes part in Parkrun - mainly walking with the occasional jog.

He has also been able to enjoy activities that were previously impossible. “I’ve been on several 8–10-mile hikes in the mountains with friends,” he said. “I’ve been able to keep pace with or out-do my grown-up children at theme parks.”

A milestone moment was a long weekend in London 3 months after surgery: “Before surgery I could not walk more than about 50 yards. On the first day we walked 11 miles, the second day 10 miles, and the third day 6 miles. On the last day I dragged my suitcase across London to the train station, and then from the train station back home.”  

Mr Bean is currently in Africa on a month-long safari - something he says would not have been possible before his surgery.

Allan enjoying time in Africa with friends.

Mr James Arbuthnot, Consultant Knee Surgeon at Spire Little Aston Hospital, said: “Mr Bean presented with long-standing knee deterioration affecting his mobility. His commitment to rehabilitation, combined with timely surgical intervention, resulted in an excellent recovery. It is rewarding to see him return to such an active lifestyle.”

Vicky Morris, Hospital Director at Spire Little Aston Hospital, said: “Mr Bean’s story reflects the high standard of personalised care our teams strive to deliver. Helping patients regain independence and quality of life is at the heart of what we do.”