Great Britain & Ireland Challenge
Told by Miles Dawson, Patient of the Droitwich Knee Clinic
Figure 1: ‘Non-united
upper tibial osteotomy’
using conventional plate
and screw internal
fixation techniques.
I am 35 yrs old and married to Sarah, with two boys Oliver & William. I was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans at 13 years of age, and for the last 15 years I have undergone, to date, 26 surgical procedures. These include: high tibial osteotomy, external fixator, corrective plastic surgery, OATS , bone grafting, multiple arthroscopies. Unfortunately following the High Tibial Osteotomy
I developed a non-union, which led to two further fibular osteotomies and two attempts at internal fixation including a stint in plaster. I was again unfortunate to then go on to develop compartment syndrome following one of the procedures and faced the possibility of losing the use of my leg permanently. Just under a year after the initial osteotomy it was felt that we should try an external fixator. This was duly fitted, but again complications followed, an area of my old scar would not heal, leaving an open wound. This then led to the requirement for plastic surgery to correct the defect.
The whole experience put massive pressure on my family, my work and not to mention my morale. It was during a low period that I decided I needed a long term focus, something to aim towards that would need a return to fitness and also be a big enough challenge to test me physically, emotionally & physiologically. I had seen the BT Global Challenge on the TV when I was younger, and had always fancied a go at it but thought it was never going to happen.
Figure 2: Skin breakdown at line of
intersection of previous open incisions.
About four weeks after the frame was removed I decided this was just what I needed. I followed through on the idea with Challenge Business, the company who organise the Global Challenge. The next race was going to be called the Round Britain & Ireland Challenge and it would start in October 2005, enough time for me to get fit and raise the finances required to participate.
I approached my family and my work to see how they would feel about the idea, bearing in mind I hadn’t been fully at work for 18 months, that my wife had also been through a rough time looking after me and the kids for 18 months and I would potentially need to re-mortgage the house to fund the trip! I thought the reception may have been rather cool, but to my surprise I was met from both parties with nothing but encouragement.
The Challenge
Leaving the Solent, the fleet races 2000 miles around Great Britain & Ireland in a clockwise direction. Once in the English Channel the fleet race along the English coastline, before crossing the Irish Sea towards the notorious Fastnet Rock. Once around the Rock, the fleet face the full force of the Atlantic Ocean as they head up toward St Kilda, one of the most western outposts of the UK, then on to Muckle Flugga on the northern most tip of the Shetland Islands, at almost 61° north. From there it's south again passing between the numerous oil rigs stationed in the North Sea. Once around East Anglia the fleet hug the coast as they pass the Thames Estuary and then make their way in to the English Channel, tacking as they work their way between the coast and one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. So that was it, I filled in the application form, convinced their medical panel and myself I could be fully fit by the time the boat departed and sent off the deposit. I should also point out that I had no sailing experience at all…….!
My connection with The Knee Foundation: My medical insurance cover ran out about halfway through the treatment and the Knee Foundation was able to give me a grant to cover ongoing costs of my treatment through its Patient Fund. What an experience: I have learnt to sail, proved my return to fitness and made a lot of strong friendships. I am lucky, and was able to see a successful outcome to my treatment and participate in one of life’s greatest challenges, however I also feel I was able to give something back, therefore I was proud to raise in excess of £1000 for the Knee Foundation alongside completing the challenge.
Figure 3 (right): Perfect leg alignment and full healing of skin and bone at end of treatment using the Sheffield Ring Fixator.
