Father and son both treated by King’s orthopaedic specialist
03 April 2025 - Martin Bailey had an unexpected reunion with Mr Om Lahoti, 23 years after he came to King’s for treatment
A father from Kent has had a surprise meeting with the surgeon who helped him walk again in 2002. Martin Bailey, 52, suffered a badly broken leg during a game of football when he was in his early twenties, and was referred to Mr Om Lahoti, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at King’s College Hospital, to help a complex fracture heal properly. Martin explained: “I played a lot of football when I was young, and I’m no stranger to a broken leg. But when I was in my late twenties, I managed to break my tibia and fibular, and one of my bones began growing out of line.
“I was pretty terrified, but Mr Lahoti and his team were amazing. He explained I would need an external frame around my leg to help the bone repair properly. I remember so clearly how reassuring he and nurse Debbie were, and they made the whole process a lot easier.”
Martin went on to make a full recovery, and over 20 years later, regularly takes part in half marathons. However, in February 2024, Martin’s 10-year-old son Fletcher needed specialist treatment for a bone spur – a bony growth – on his heel.
Martin explained: “When Fletcher and I were waiting for his appointment, I knew the name Mr.Lahoti rang a bell, but it wasn’t until I bumped into Debbie Bond, the senior limb reconstruction specialist nurse who looked after me, that the penny dropped! It was a complete shock but an absolute joy to see them. While it obviously reminded me of quite a bad leg break, it was genuinely lovely to see Mr Lahoti and Debbie. Once I knew my son was going to be looked after by the King’s Dream Team, I knew he couldn’t be in better hands.”
Mr Om Lahoti, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at King’s College Hospital, said: “I was pleased to see Martin after 20 years. I remember his case well, not only because of its complexity but also because he was one of our first patients who benefitted from computer software to help guide the placement of the frame around his leg. We were all delighted to see Martin doing well so many years after he had corrective surgery, and hopefully we can help his son Fletcher get back on his feet again.”
Martin added: “King’s has a special place in my heart; not only did they help me walk, but they made it possible for me to smile again. Three years ago, me and my son were attacked by an American Bulldog. Thankfully, Fletcher was unharmed in the incident, but I was badly injured and ended up needing around 30 stitches from the King’s oral and maxillofacial surgery team. The work they did in stitching me back up was truly amazing. I have a completely different outlook on life now, I’m just happy that my boy is fine and I can literally smile. It could’ve been so much worse.”