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Patient Stories

Power to transform outcomes
beyond the operating room

Chris Connell

“I’ve experienced the impact
of PJI first-hand, and it reinforced
my commitment to helping patients
regain confidence, independence,
and quality of life.”

Chris is the Market Development Manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland and has worked for Biocomposites over 10 years, working closely with Orthopaedic teams and advocating for our infection management solutions.

Based just outside Glasgow, Chris led an active lifestyle playing golf, rugby, snowboarding, and keeping up with family life. In July 2023, after noticing an abnormal gait, an x-ray revealed significant deterioration of his right femoral head, leading to a hip replacement. Nine weeks after surgery, complications emerged. Chris developed redness, warmth, and soreness around the surgical site, followed by fever and nausea. Recognising the signs, his surgeon quickly intervened and after a few tests Chris was diagnosed with a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), that required urgent revision surgery.

The procedure involved removal of the infected implant, extensive debridement of the affected tissue, and implantation of a new hip prosthesis. As part of the surgical management plan, the surgeon also used STIMULAN® beads loaded with a combination of Gram-positive and Gram-negative antibiotics, in this case vancomycin and gentamicin.1

Recovery following a serious infection and major orthopaedic surgery can vary significantly from patient to patient, with each individual facing their own clinical challenges and rehabilitation journey. In Chris’s case, recovery was complex and required an extended period of inpatient care, including time in the intensive care unit. His rehabilitation was gradual and involved both physical and emotional challenges. Through ongoing rehabilitation and the support of his family and care team, he progressively regained his strength, mobility, and confidence before returning to his everyday activities.

This experience profoundly reshaped Chris’s perspective. Now speaking not only as a professional but also as a patient, bringing a deeper sense of empathy and authenticity to every interaction in the field.

Reflecting on his journey, Chris said:

“I understand first-hand the uncertainty and impact that PJI can have, not just clinically, but on every aspect of daily life. This experience has strengthened my commitment to supporting approaches that help manage infection effectively and give patients the best possible chance of regaining their independence, confidence, and quality of life as quickly as possible.”

Reference: 1. Biocomposites, STIMULAN Instructions for Use (EU).

This patient story is based on the specific healthcare context, regulations, and approved treatments available within the UK and EU. The experiences, clinical pathways, and treatment outcomes described are unique to this individual patient.

©2026, Biocomposites, STIMULAN, Power to Transform Outcomes are trademarks/registered trademarks of Biocomposites Ltd. All rights reserved. No unauthorised copying, reproduction, distributing or republication is allowed unless prior written permission is granted by the owner, Biocomposites Ltd. MA0594R1