Mountain rescuer thanks teams who helped him return to the hills

30 June 2026

A volunteer mountain rescuer who feared a serious leg injury could end his ability to respond to rescues in the mountains has praised the specialist teams who helped him make a full recovery and return to active duty.

Phil Britton, a member of Aberdyfi Mountain Rescue Team, injured his right leg in July 2025 after awkwardly stepping backwards in his garden.

He said: “I felt an intense pain in my thigh and fell backwards. At first, I thought it was a muscle strain, but I knew something wasn’t right.”

Following initial assessment, Phil was referred to the Trauma and Orthopaedics team at Ysbyty Gwynedd, where clinicians suspected he had sustained a rare injury known as quadriceps delamination injury.

Mr Khong Wee Lee, Speciality Doctor in Trauma and Orthopaedics at Ysbyty Gwynedd, said: “A quadriceps delamination injury occurs when the deeper layers of the quadriceps tendon tear while the outer layer remains intact. Because the tendon is not completely torn, the injury can be difficult to recognise, but it can cause significant functional limitations, particularly in active individuals.”

After further investigations, including ultrasound and MRI scans, Phil met with the orthopaedic team to discuss his treatment options.

“We considered not only the nature of Phil’s injury, but also his overall fitness and his role as an active mountain rescuer,” added Mr Lee.

On 9 October 2025, Phil underwent reconstructive surgery at Ysbyty Gwynedd. Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Ashok Goel and his registrar, Mr Lee repaired the torn deeper layers of the quadriceps tendon and secured them to the kneecap using specialised sutures. Following the operation, Phil then embarked on a structured rehabilitation programme with the Physiotherapy team.

Phil said: “Recovery required commitment and patience, but the support I received throughout was excellent.

“The physiotherapists were brilliant and helped me regain strength and confidence in my leg. Being able to return to mountain rescue duties was always my goal.”

Within the last couple of months, Phil is now back carrying out his duties with Aberdyfi Mountain Rescue Team and he has returned to the active lifestyle he enjoys.

Mr Goel said: “Delamination injury of the quadriceps tendon is uncommon and not readily recognised. However, it can be significantly functionally restricting, particularly in very active individuals such as Phil.

“We are delighted with his recovery and to see him return to mountain rescue activities.”

Phil’s case has also helped clinicians develop a greater understanding of this uncommon injury.

Mr Goel added: “Historically, many patients with similar injuries were initially treated without surgery. While they were often able to walk and manage everyday activities, many never fully trusted their leg when returning to higher levels of activity and some ultimately required surgery at a later stage.

“Phil was able to avoid that prolonged period of uncertainty because we recognised the injury and were able to offer surgical treatment earlier. His outcome highlights the importance of improving awareness and understanding of these injuries amongst clinicians to maximise patients’ recovery and long-term function.

“We have treated a number of similar cases over recent years, which has significantly increased our understanding of partial quadriceps injuries. We are now working on publishing our experience to help improve recognition and management of these injuries for patients in the future.”

For Phil, the outcome speaks for itself.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone involved in my care. Getting back to mountain rescue was hugely important to me and I’m pleased to be back doing what I love,” he said.