Dr. Rudzki had the privilege of training in Sports Medicine and developing his knee surgical skills at Washington University in St. Louis and the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. He has performed high caliber research on cartilage transplantation as well as ACL injury in NHL players and written articles on bioabsorbable knee implants and fracture fixation about the knee.
Dr. Rudzki has a high level of expertise in the performance of arthroscopic ligament reconstruction, cartilage restoration, complex meniscal repair, treatment of patellar instability, osteotomy and fracture treatment about the knee in a wide range of athletes from adolescents to professionals. He serves on the clinical faculty of the George Washington University School of Medicine teaching medical students and orthopaedic surgical residents. As a consultant for Arthrex and Stryker, Dr. Rudzki engages heavily in medical education to train surgeons and product specialists on emerging techniques and engages with engineers on product design teams to help develop better tools and techniques. As a member of the AAOS Evaluation Committee, he spent several years writing questions on knee injuries and surgical treatments for surgeons in practice and in training.
Chief Complaint/Chronic ACL Injury
52 year-old female former collegiate soccer player presents with functional knee instability over 25 years after an ACL tear sustained while playing soccer in need of ACL Reconstruction. This delayed ACL reconstruction for treatment of a chronic injury with chronic instability over 25 years is somewhat unique in comparison to typical, routine ACL reconstruction surgery.
Workup/Images
X-rays reveal no arthritis and MRI reveals a complete ACL tear.
Patient needs ACL Reconstruction with Arthroscopic-Assisted Hamstring Autograft Procedure.
Surgery – Delayed ACL Reconstruction
Patient undergoes a successful arthroscopic hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction.
Result of ACL Reconstruction
She is able to return to soccer, sports, and fitness activities.
“My knee is the best joint in my body (laughs). Thanks for giving me my sports life back and everything you’ve done for me — I have played another 10 years of soccer that would not have been possible without you.”