"Patella tendon rupture"

I recently fell down exterior steps at home (would that we had a support rail) and self presented to Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy A&E.

After admission to the conveniently located Orthopaedic unit under the care of Mr Walmsley and the wonderful ward staff I was advised that repair would take place the next day. I was sent home and contacted by phone that evening to confirm to present to ward the following day for the repair to be completed.

This was completed and I stayed in hospital orthopaedic ward overnight before discharge on the afternoon of the next day. Post-operative care and support was given and I attended regular outpatient and physiotherapy appointments with follow up exercises at home. All was well until I was struck from behind by two twirling Labradors (one of which was my own) tussling over a large stick and suffered extreme pain.

My wife took me to Kirkcaldy A&E again and it was determined that the first repair had been ruptured. I then waited for the second repair to be completed. This was then done and the second recuperative period started. With ongoing therapy and consultations through 2023 it unfortunately became apparent that the repair was not progressing well.

The patella location had relocated through the healing process to a higher position than acceptable and full function was unfortunately not restored. Mr Walmsley determined that a third repair should be carried out, possibly using cadaver tendon tissue and this was eventually completed within the splendid new facilities of the Orthopaedic NTC. As I write this record I am delighted with the results of this procedure. Knee functionality is gradually being fully restored and I am more and more confident that my knee will return to close to its pre-accident capabilities. 

I write this account to advise that throughout this saga I have been truly delighted with: the quality of care I have received; the level of professionalism and support exhibited by all staff regarding my care; the holistic care I have received from orthopaedic staff as well as physiotherapists; the clear communication given to me at all stages, and the positive outcome that is seemingly now being realised.

I would add that I think the Orthopaedic NTC now established is a very positive addition to the care pathway locally. My experiences as a patient were very positive (from the rare perspective of experiencing both old and new facilities).