A retired ski instructor has returned to the slopes just four months after a knee replacement surgery.
Richard Eklof, 62, from Usk, had his second knee replaced in mid-November.
This was after 40 years of playing rugby and 50 years of skiing took a toll on his knees.
He credits his speedy recovery to his rehabilitation team, his wife, and the skills of his surgeon, Andrew Miller, at Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals.
Mr Eklof, a former software engineering business owner, had both knees replaced within two years.
He was particularly pleased with the “speed and comfort” of his second surgery, which was minimally invasive.
This allowed him to recover and return to skiing much quicker than expected.
Mr Eklof said: “I really struggled with my knees for five or six years before I underwent surgery.
“I tried various other options, including knee bracing and injections, but the knee replacements have been the answer.”
He added: “It was four months to the date that I had my second knee replacement when I successfully returned to skiing.”
Dr Miller, said: “Mr Eklof is a great example of how minimally invasive robotic surgery combined with early enhanced physiotherapy and a driven patient can lead to excellent outcomes.
“He made a very speedy recovery and return to skiing.”
Mr Eklof was full of praise for his care team at the Vale hospital, where more than 350 Mako robotic joint replacements have been performed.
He said: “I would like to thank the whole care team for my short stay at the Vale hospital, which is just a superb place.
“The care and aftercare have been tremendous – a dedicated total team effort.
“My advice: don’t put on weight and look after your knees.”