ACUTE KNEE INJURY CLINIC (AKIC)

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)

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).