Problem: As senior year playing basketball for the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Dalton’s season was cut short by a serious knee injury.
Treatment: Surgery to repair a torn ligament
Result: Recovery was amazing, allowing Dalton to complete his degree and start his new job.
It was a cold February evening earlier this year when Dalton Barkley had a game he would never forget.
He was in his senior year playing basketball for the University of Alabama in Huntsville when his season was cut short by a serious knee injury. UAH was on the road in Memphis, and toward the end of the first half, Dalton went up for a rebound. He and the opponent jumped for the ball at the same time and collided. The opposing player hit the outside of Dalton’s knee, causing his kneecap to pop out and then back into place. Dalton was in so much pain. “I was panicking. I came off the court to the sideline. I was scared.” The Athletic Trainers wrapped ice around his knee and Dalton rode the bus home. Dalton’s mom was familiar with the reputation Dr. Patrick Boyett had established and didn’t hesitate to make an appointment, as soon as possible.
When Dalton saw Dr. Boyett, an MRI revealed he had torn his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his left knee and suffered a bone bruise. The game-plan? Rest, then surgery to repair the torn ligament in his knee.
Dr. Boyett and his team waited a month before scheduling Dalton’s surgery, in order to allow the bone bruise to heal. Unfortunately, the COVID 19 pandemic hit, and surgery was postponed until May 7th. “It was a blessing in disguise. I was able to exercise for quad strength, etc. prior to surgery.” Dalton’s Athletic Trainer gave him exercises to help prepare him and make him stronger for surgery. “Because of the time I was able to focus on my strength. My recovery process was amazing. The way Dr. Boyett performed my surgery was amazing. I had minimal swelling. I am really happy with how everything turned out.” Dalton highly recommends Dr. Boyett for injury treatment and surgery—he had a wonderful experience from start to finish.
“Dr. Boyett is friendly, outgoing, and confident. He made me feel a lot better about the entire process – especially after finding out that the knee was torn. He explained to me what the timeline looked like and was very detail-oriented. This is the first time I’ve had surgery besides my wisdom teeth; I was anxious and nervous, and Dr. Boyett calmed my nerves,” says Dalton.
Dalton graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) in May with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is currently working for Noah Basketball.
Dr. Patrick Boyett is a member of the Athens TOC Sports Medicine team and is the team physician for many schools across Limestone County and Athens City. He also specializes in the treatment of Hip, Knee and Shoulder conditions. Dr. Boyett brings his expertise and care to the TOC Athens location.