Problem: ACL tear of the right knee
Treatment: ACL Surgery
Result: Cleared to play soccer, swim and now looking forward to a two-year mission trip following high school graduation.
Robert has spent most of his life being active and involved.
Since he was five years old, he had spent most days playing soccer and swimming. He had never had a serious injury until his junior year of high school. While at soccer practice participating in a drill called “keep away,” Robert reached for the ball. As he turned, he twisted his right knee and immediately knew something was not right.
Robert’s mother, Angie, took him to see his pediatrician. He recommended that Robert see Dr. Matt Smith, a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon at TOC, because of his expertise in knee-related injuries and conditions. Angie scheduled an appointment with Dr. Smith the following week, at which point Dr. Smith ordered an MRI. It confirmed that Robert did indeed have an ACL tear in his right knee.
Dr. Smith explained to Robert what the MRI had revealed and that he would need surgery to repair the torn ligament. On June 11th, 2020, Robert had ACL surgery. “It was a straightforward process, and Dr. Smith and his team were great! They thoroughly explained and guided us through the process,” said Angie, Robert’s mom.
Despite being nervous about his sports future, Robert was comfortable with Dr. Smith from the beginning. The family loved how Dr. Smith and his team were so great, every step of the way. The team made themselves available to answer any questions or concerns the family had during Robert’s recovery journey.
Now, a little over three months later, Robert has been cleared to swim and play soccer.
He just swam in his first meet since his surgery, completing his first 100-yard butterfly event. He did great and is back to swimming with no pain. He’s expected to be cleared for his senior year of soccer in the spring of 2021.
“We would unquestionably recommend TOC – The Orthopaedic Center to anyone facing any orthopaedic issue,” says Angie.
Robert is a senior this year at Albertville High School, and plans to go on a two-year mission trip once he graduates high school.
Dr. Matthew Smith is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon with TOC – The Orthopaedic Center who completed his undergraduate studies at the University of South Alabama and then attended medical school at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Afterwards, he completed his internship and residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Botsford General Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan. His interests include sports medicine and joint replacement. During his training he participated in the care of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and Detroit Red Wings players. He currently is involved with several local high school and community college athletic departments.