Carson Lees, a two-year-old boy from Marfleet, is recovering from surgery after spending a year living with a broken leg due to a rare bone condition. He was diagnosed with Congenital Pseudarthrosis (CPT), which causes weakened bones highly susceptible to fractures.
Diagnosis and Initial Treatment
Shortly after birth, Carson developed an unstable 'false joint,' making a break inevitable. Initially, doctors thought he had a positional birth defect correctable through movement and physiotherapy. But in June 2025, his parents, Carter and Courtney, were woken by agonised screams. His leg had fractured. After numerous tests, he received a CPT diagnosis.
Courtney Lees said: 'He would've been about 14 months old and we woke up and he was absolutely screaming in pain, so we ran into his bedroom. You could clearly see his leg was visibly broken. We rushed him to A&E and they didn't really know how to deal with it. The doctor in A&E said we'll put a cast on it.'
She added: 'We got home and thought everything was fine, it would heal within 6 weeks. The consultant who had been seeing Carson phoned and said they'd heard Carson has been in A&E, and they think it's what they call an impending fracture. It basically confirms that it was CPT.'
Year-Long Wait for Surgery
The operation could not be performed until Carson turned two. He spent the preceding year in a clamshell cast that required regular updating as he grew. The limb reconstruction procedure lasted over five hours. Even after surgery, there is no certainty his leg will fully recover.
Courtney described her son as a cheerful boy who finds his own ways to move, despite occasional disappointment that he cannot do what his nursery friends can. 'He had to wait for the surgery when he turned two. He had a broken leg for a year on the day of his surgery. But he is literally not bothered, he finds his little ways to get around, he bum shuffles and walks on his knees. He's really resilient.'
Future Uncertainties
Courtney said: 'It may break again, and we could try surgery again, but with that comes more risks. It could pose more risk to the leg. If we don't choose to get the surgery again we are possibly looking at amputation. Fingers crossed it heals.'
Carson is currently recuperating from surgery and enjoying activities like bowling in his wheelchair. During his stay at Sheffield Children's Hospital, he cherished getting a babycino from the hospital café.
Fundraising Efforts
Courtney and Carter are grateful to Sheffield Children's Hospital and the British Limb Reconstruction Society. They will participate in fundraising events throughout the summer. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Carson's journey.
