Seven times Welsh Judo Champion Stephen Abberley, 27, originally from Llandrindod Wells, and now living in Cardiff, has returned from injury and medal winning just five months after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

Following surgery at the Vale hospital to repair the damaged ligament, Stephen was back to the mat after just four months of recuperation, which included a further hamstring injury.

One of the most common knee injuries is sprain or tear to the ACL. It is most frequent in athletes who compete in high impact sports, particularly football and netball.

Chris Wilson regularly performs the surgery required to repair ACLs; often a patient a week comes to see him with this injury but not all return as quickly as Stephen.

In October 2013, Stephen was competing in Serbia in the European Cup when he heard the familiar pop as his “knee exploded”, leaving him with no power in his leg.

Two years prior to that, the same injury had occurred in the other knee, so Stephen was almost sure what it was.

As he was not due to travel home immediately with Sports Wales, he had to treat himself with ice, rest and elevation before returning home for a scan and consultation with Mr Wilson, of Nuffield Health Cardiff and Vale Hospitals, alongside his physio Dan Grinstead.

Within a week of that appointment, Stephen underwent ACL reconstruction surgery and hasn’t looked back.

He said:“After Mr Wilson treated me in 2011, that knee is like new and this knee has recovered even more quickly and it feels good. He has done a great job and it means I am back competing at the top level and can be considered for selection for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.”

Mr Wilson said:“Stephen is highly motivated and has strengthened his leg quickly after the injury and reconstruction surgery, which is demonstrated in his rapid return. It is satisfying to see him return to full time training and coaching the Welsh national team. We wish him all the best for his upcoming competitions.”

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health/rapid-return-judo-champion-competitor-6939437