What is the Acute Knee Injury Clinic?

Knees are one of the most commonly injured joints. The majority of injuries are to the soft tissues in and around the knee (ligaments, tendons, menisci and articular cartilage). Most injuries are minor without (known) long-term consequences. However, some injuries are more serious and would benefit from an early intervention and care.

The AKIC was established to quickly and accurately evaluate and diagnose knee injuries that may need further treatment, management, diagnostic testing or surgical intervention.

Benefits include:

  • improved access to appropriate diagnosis to determine treatment
  • improved access to surgery for those who need it
  • fewer unnecessary MRIs for soft tissue knee injuries

The AKIC uses a web-based screening tool to help identify patients who need to be seen in a timely manner.

 

How to access the Acute Knee Injury Clinic

You do not need a doctor’s referral to access the clinic. But you do need the following to qualify:

  • must be 5 years of age or older
  • must have suffered a traumatic knee injury within the past 6 weeks
  • must fill out an online screening questionnaire (you will receive an email indicating the next steps within 5 business days)

Please note: The Acute Knee Injury Clinic does not see work-related injuries (WCB) or injuries that are the result of a motor vehicle accident (MVA).

Is There a Cost for Visits?

There is no direct cost for patients to access AKIC for the initial assessment and for follow-up appointments. Provincial health care covers the cost of all necessary diagnostic imaging.

Although there is no cost for your assessment or follow-up visits, your treatment plan may include fees (including bracing and physiotherapy).

First AKIC Appointment

First, you must complete the online application to be considered for an appointment at the Acute Knee Injury Clinic

Arrive on Time

Please arrive on time and check in at the front desk of the University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre.

Map and Parking

Bring Your Healthcare Card

Please bring your Alberta Healthcare Card or health insurance information.

Bring a pair of shorts

Please bring a pair of shorts or pants that can be rolled up past your knees.

Be Prepared

Be prepared for your appointment to last approximately 60-90 minutes.

 

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

If you have filled out the online forms and we can help you, we will email you instructions on how to book your appointment.

At your first appointment:

You will be seen by two knee experts: a non-physician expert and a sport medicine physician.

Your initial appointment will take 60 to 90 minutes and will include a thorough history and physical examination.

Once your exam is complete, we will provide you with a management plan. If necessary, we will refer you for rehabilitation, bracing, imaging or to an orthopedic surgeon.

We do not perform treatments or surgery, but we will refer you to to the right place for your injury.


New Patient

Fill out the online application to request an appointment.

You will receive an email with further instructions within 5 business days of completing your online application.

Apply Online

Follow-Up Patient

Our online follow-up appointment booking system is no longer available.  If you need information about your follow-up appointment or need to cancel or reschedule your appointment please email akic@ucalgary.ca or call 403-220-4687.


Questions?

Email us at akic@ucalgary.ca

or

Call us at 403-220-4687

University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre Location and Parking

Contact Us

Sport Medicine Physicians:  403-220-8518

Physiotherapy: 403-220-8232

Orthopedic Surgeons: 403-220-5077

Contact Us