Fast-jet pilot Ian Davis, 42, who works in the Middle East, returned to Cardiff for surgery when he injured his knee. His rapid return to the Royal Saudi Air Force fast-jet cockpit was made possible by the hands of Mr Chris Wilson, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals.

As a result of a rugby injury in Dubai, Ian Davis underwent revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, medial meniscal repair and medial condyle micro fracture surgery at the Nuffield Health Vale Hospital and describes his rapid return to work in the Middle East.

“When I arrived back in Saudi, the Air Force medics informed me that I would be grounded for six months. After discussing options, I was referred for assessment to a Sudanese orthopaedic surgeon who works at the local military hospital. He was amazed at the level of flexion I had after eight weeks and was very interested with my limited recall of the technique Mr Wilson used. Together with his report and the recommendation from an ex RAF aero medical qualified flight doctor, I managed to get back into a cockpit 8 weeks post-surgery!”

“I felt thoroughly happy at this stage to start flying again and had already tested my knee several times in the simulator. The photo below shows my first mission back with an RSAF Instructor colleague just after we climbed out of the jet. I look absolutely shattered because I truly am. Two hours of flying in 45 degrees, 90% humidity after 12 weeks off is no fun. Fortunately, being used to flying in the Middle East, we acclimatise quickly! ”

“I would like to extend my thanks to Mr Chris Wilson for the highly efficient and professional service I received since I first made contact. I certainly feel that I would be hard pressed to experience better treatment anywhere else in the UK and for that I am truly thankful.”