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) 2023-01-06 Person 5 5 0

I was referred to Prof Damian Griffin by another specialist, after doctors tried to find the cause for my 'groin pain' over the period of 9 months and were trying to address it. I am not a professional sportsman, but a physically very active person with dedication when it comes to strength and endurance, and Martial Arts. First observation, Prof Griffin was listening carefully, asked questions that even sound beyond usual, trying to understand one's background, lifestyle, habits, and physical activities and limitations in particular. On our first appointment he then did some mobility 'tests' and had immediately an idea. - Unlike some other doctors, he did not jump to a conclusion, but explained his hypothesis and what diagnostic approach he is suggesting to either confirm or to refute it. Several scans, X-ray, MRI, CT, were conducted, which gave him an idea. But a final, very specific examination undertaken by injecting local anaesthetic into the area of suspicion – right before and right after a physiotherapist conducted mobility and triggering exercises and manipulations to reproduce the sharp ‘groin pain’. Since after the local anaesthetic the very same exercises did not cause any pain, it was for both Prof Griffin and me, the patient, clear the location has been confirmed. It turned out to be the hip joint and not the groin. Prof Griffin outlined the surgery, we discussed the trade-offs in terms of risk assessment of doing or not doing the surgery, what it would mean for both, my lifestyle, my sports activities, and at some point, my ageing some decades down the line. At almost every conversation I had the impression that Prof Griffin had the answer just before I even asked the question. This gave me more confidence that I have not only an expert, but also an experienced expert in front of me. Given my level of higher education I also found very helpful that Prof Griffin was adjusting his way of explanation. It was always intellectually demanding and yet understandable for me, not being a medical doctor. Furthermore, reassuring was the fact to understand that the surgery is one element, another one the physiotherapy to come after. Though it was another thing to experience the aftermath, the first days, weeks and then months in real, he gave me a good outlook what to expect in terms limitations, but also progress, and that I can contribute to my healing and rehabilitation. After the successful hip arthroscopy, I was matched by Prof Griffin with a great physiotherapist, Remi Mobed, based in Royal Leamington Spa. The latter conducted a pre-op assessment, and we were working so far greatly together. While the first 2-4 weeks – 10-12 days on crutches – are very much focused on healing and slowly mobilising my hip, my musculoskeletal system, and thus me, I had to be patient. And both, Prof Griffin and Remi were working hand in hand, and I was following their advises. Next months were around the rehabilitation, activating certain muscles in my legs and around the hip, gradually stepping up the range of movement, difficulty of exercises, and stretching. Having had the outlook before the surgery and then seeing the continuous progress – as promised and as said, “me contributing and thus influencing the progress” – was a continuous motivator. Day by day, week by week, getting the advises, following them religiously and seeing the progress. Again, a proof that one is in professional hands, when things happen as forecasted. I have both a mindset that is always up for a challenge and I had and still have the strong desire to do better than myself yesterday. About three months post-surgery, I am sure that I will not only return to athletic skills before surgery but even before the issue came up in the first place. The combined team of Prof Damian Griffin and Remi Mobed gave and are giving me the confidence that this is possible.