ACUTE KNEE CLINIC

Rapid Response. Expert Insight. Streamlined Recovery.

What is the ORKA Acute Knee Clinic?

Acute knee injuries are among the most common — and most impactful — injuries in sport. They often involve soft tissue structures such as the ligaments, menisci, tendons, or cartilage. While not all knee injuries are severe, early identification and appropriate management can be the difference between a short-term issue and a long-term setback.

At ORKA, we recognize that these injuries often occur in high-risk, high-performance sports — like soccer, basketball, football, rugby, and others that demand rapid changes in direction or twisting movements. These mechanisms frequently result in injuries that require timely, coordinated care.

That’s where the ORKA Acute Knee Clinic comes in. We provide rapid access to expert assessment, early diagnosis, and fast-tracked triage, ensuring you get the right care without unnecessary delays. Whether the injury leads to surgical intervention or is managed conservatively, the earlier your care starts, the better your outcome.

Who is eligible vs who is not eligible

Orka ACUTE KNEE CLINIC

You May Be Eligible for the ORKA Acute Knee Clinic If:

You’ve sustained a knee injury within the past 6 weeks
> 5 years of age or older.

Who is Not Eligible for the ORKA Acute Knee Clinic if:

Please seek care at your nearest Urgent Care or Emergency Department if you are experiencing any of the following:

A visibly deformed fracture
A dislocated knee joint that has not been seen by the Emergency Department
Ongoing or uncontrolled bleeding

The ORKA Acute Knee Clinic is not able to accept clients with:

Workplace injuries covered under Workers’ Compensation (WCB)
Motor vehicle accident claims (MVA)
Who’s injury has been longer than 6 weeks (see Sports Medicine/Physiatry Tab for alternative services)
Who have active medicolegal claims

Why early care matters

Recovery from acute knee injuries, even when managed non-surgically, can extend from 6 to 12 months depending on severity.

Reinjury rates are significant, with some studies showing up to 15% recurrence — often due to rushed rehab or missed deficits in strength, balance, or movement control.

A criteria-based rehab model, guided by objective testing, helps ensure each phase of recovery is completed before progressing — from walking to cutting to full return to play.

Why Choose the ORKA Acute Knee Clinic?

Immediate access to experienced clinicians
Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis
Technology-guided return-to-sport testing
Streamlined referrals for imaging or surgical consults
Integrated team approach, from rehab to performance

Acute Knee Consultations

What to expect from your first appointment.

Apply Online

The screening form confirms your fit for the ORKA Acute Knee Clinic and gives the Sports Medicine Physician key info for accurate diagnosis.

Call from ORKA’s Athlete Experience Team

Your referral will be triaged by the Athlete Experience Team, and you will be contacted with your appointment time and date.

Clinical Assessment

A 60-minute visit covered by Alberta Health. Bring your health card. Imaging is included unless you opt to fast-track advanced scans (e.g. MRI), with private options available.

Appropriate Triage

Our sports medicine physician will facilitate the necessary pathways for your acute injury, whether that be to see a surgical specialist, a rehabilitation team, or other.

An Overview Of Orka sports medicine's medical pathways

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What injuries are NOT accepted for ORKA Acute Knee Clinic Consultations?

Ⓧ Pediatric cases of individuals <5 years of age

Ⓧ Clients whose injury has been longer than 6 weeks (see Sports Medicine and Physiatry Tab for alternative services)

Ⓧ A visibly deformed fracture

Ⓧ A dislocated knee joint that has not been seen by the Emergency Department

Ⓧ Ongoing or uncontrolled bleeding

Ⓧ Workers Compensation Board injuries (WCB)

Ⓧ Motor Vehicle Collisions (MVC)

Ⓧ Active medicolegal claims

Ⓧ Individuals who have already seen a Physiatrist for this injury

Do I need a referral from my family doctor?

No. This is a self-referral program.

Will my referring provider receive communication after my assessment?

ORKA Physicians will always send a consultation report inclusive of working diagnosis and recommendations to providers to ensure all dots are connected in your integrated plan of care.

Is there a cost to the appointment?

No, all Sports Medicine Consultations and Physiatry (PM&R) Consultations are covered by Alberta Health Services as well as any imaging/labs that they order (x-ray, MSK Ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, Bone scan, blood work), so there are no direct costs to the athlete for this aspect of their ORKA Medical and/or Rehabilitation pathway.

As part of your rehabilitation plan, the Physician may prescribe medication, bracing/health products or other interventions to aid in pain modulation and in your plan of care. Note that some of these are not directly covered by Alberta Health Care and are fee for service, but may be covered by extended health benefit plans (ie. Bluecross, Sunlife, Manulife, Greenshield etc…).