Discovering Comprehensive Knee Care for the Whole Family
When Sarah Del Degan's son ruptured his ACL and MCL playing high school basketball, she was pleased to have been referred to Dr. Camille Clinton, one of the few female, fellowship-trained orthopedic and sports medicine physicians in the Pacific Northwest. Developing a care plan together, her son's injury fully healed (with surgery) – but it wasn't just the clinical outcome that impressed Sarah.
"The whole experience was positive all the way around. Dr. Clinton and everyone on staff were great," she said.
That's why a few years later, after a series of skiing injuries starting with a meniscus tear and ending with a ruptured ACL, Sarah found herself back in Dr. Clinton's office, this time as a patient herself.
"Whenever I went to see Dr. Clinton, she always asked me about my son, how he was doing, and was extremely kind and thoughtful. She really listened to me and was so supportive in helping me make the right decision for me. I am very active, biking, tennis, skiing… so to undergo surgery was a big deal and I was worried about the recovery time," said Sarah.
Prepped for ACL reconstruction surgery, Sarah was waiting in preop, ready to undergo surgery in minutes, when Dr. Clinton came in unexpectedly to check on her and make sure she wanted to move forward, one last time.
"I was surprised," said Sarah "usually surgeons are quick to want to operate, but Dr. Clinton really took the time to make sure it's what I wanted and was the best option for my long-term health and mobility."
"Everyone's body is different. Everyone has different lifestyle goals and activity levels. It's imperative to me that my patients are equal partners in making healthcare decisions. I want them to feel fully confident and comfortable before we move forward with treatment options. We're a team," said Dr. Clinton.
Not all patients with ACL tears need to have surgery said Dr. Clinton. Whether surgery if the best option for a patient depends on multiple factors such as other injuries including meniscus or additional ligament injuries to the knee, age, and activity profile/goals. Additionally, specifics of surgery, like graft choice, are also dependent on patients' unique characteristics, goals and preferences. Dr. Clinton takes the time to evaluate and understand these factors prior to deciding on the final treatment plan together, alongside her patients.
"Sarah is very active" said Dr. Clinton, "…the kinds of activities she enjoys, like hiking, skiing, tennis – are activities that require pivoting, twisting and lateral movements. Given her desire to return to activities without limitations and to resolve her instability symptoms, she decided to move forward with ACL surgery."
Today, Sarah is pain-free and recovering exceptionally well, planning skiing trips with friends and family, and getting back to the activities she loves.
"I felt completely seen, heard and understood throughout the whole process. I am so grateful for Dr. Clinton," she said.
