Share review of Professor Damian Griffin OBE TD VR BM BCh MA MPhil FRCS(Tr&Orth)

Professor Damian Griffin OBE TD VR BM BCh MA MPhil FRCS(Tr&Orth) 2023-08-04 Person 5 5 0

After a life time of intensive martial arts & boxing training and all the associated cardio & strength training, back in 2018 I started to develop stiffness in my right hip. Initial X-ray by the NHS revealed the onset of osteoarthritis but the symptoms were deemed mild and not recommended at that point for hip surgery but would likely be needed in future. I was in no rush as the symptoms were manageable and I'd also known a couple of people who had issues after a hip replacement so I did have concerns about having the operation. Sure enough by 2022 my hip had got significantly worst and I probably should have acted sooner. By chance the previous year I'd read an article about Irish International rugby player Sean O'Brien having a hip resurface carried out by Professor Damian Griffin and he'd been the first rugby player to return to the professional game after which is quite phenomenal really. After more research I realised Damian was one of the world's leading surgeons with everything concerning hips. Luckily I managed to get a consultation with Damian and he was extremely thorough in getting new X-Rays and MRI scans to understand the problem fully. We went thru the scenarios of hip resurface v full hip replacement and pros' and cons of each which was very well explained and totally understandable. The severe extent of the damage to my hip and also I'm in my 50s now, the full hip replacement was the best choice for me. Also as I'd not had major surgery before he recommended I had a full check of my vascular system which was very reassuring. He completely set my mind at rest for the whole experience. The surgery itself was carried out by Damian and his very experienced team at St John's & St Elizabeth in North London, which is a very nice hospital with excellent staff. Damian put my mind at rest on the day and I was n't nervous at all. After the operation I was on my feet within an hour of waking and able to walk with crutches the next day before leaving the hospital the following day. The pain had gone completely from my hip joint, just the surgical entry point being sore as expected. To be honest the rehab has gone like clockwork and I've been careful to follow Damian's advice of not being in too much of a rush. I used crutches up to about 2 weeks and Nordic ski poles for a further 2 weeks, but after that able to walk without assistance. 10 weeks on no one would know I'd had surgery. I had a lot of soft tissue damage as well and the physio on Damian's advice has done a sterling job in loosening my hip and I've been following a routine of walking, static bike and a range of strengthening exercises on my legs. Damian also recommended getting an ice machine to help with recovery, which I have used since day 1 and still using now after exercise. I thoroughly recommend investing or hiring one. I feel like I have my life back and feel 10 years younger now. I intend to get back to most activities although will just stick to my boxing from now on! I would say you will not find a better hip surgeon in the world than Damian. His mastery and expertise of the operation itself and the follow up care from him with numerous consultations already is amazing. Aside from that he's also an extremely nice man and probably the calmest person I've ever met, which is a fantastic attribute for a surgeon!!