By Lucy Ashton
A young firefighter has been able to return to the frontline after undergoing specialist knee surgery at Glasgow’s New Victoria ACH.
Gordon Archibald, 31, sustained a tear to his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). The ACL is a crucial part of the leg which joins the thigh and shin bone. Without a functioning ACL, surgery is usually always required. Gordon’s injury left him concerned his knee could buckle at any moment.
Luckily, thanks to orthopaedic specialists at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the firefighter, based at Cowcaddens, is back climbing ladders and putting out fires following a successful knee surgery usually reserved for athletes.
The special procedure means that alongside using a hamstring graft, which takes on the role of the ACL, additional support is provided via the IT band which normally runs down the side of the leg. In Gordon’s case, a piece of the IT band has been directly attached to his knee – meaning that his knee will be more stable and able to stand up to the physical demands of being a firefighter.
Gordon initially came through the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) at the New Victoria ACH in August 2020 following an injury at the gym. He received immediate treatment from a team of advanced nurse practitioners before being referred to the orthopaedic team at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for further consultation ahead of the surgery which went ahead in March.
Since receiving the same-day turnaround surgery, Gordon has undergone bouts of intensive rehabilitation with the NHS, as well as through the Fire Fighters Charity, which supports firefighters in a range of ways including through injury. He now has full use of his leg again, and his knee is stronger than it has ever been. Gordon continues to rehabilitate his knee, constantly improving flexibility with the help from NHSGGC physios.
It is safe to say, Gordon, who will marry fiancé Lauren in May this year, will be walking – rather than hobbling – down the aisle.
Gordon said: “I have had trouble with my ACL for a few years now and I’ve been able to keep my leg stable thanks to the gym. However, when the gyms closed due to lockdown, I wasn’t able to follow the same regime which meant that finally when I got back to working out, my knee buckled at the first sign of stress.
“I knew something had to be done before it got any worse. It was particularly worrying as being a firefighter means I need to be pretty mobile and fit and having a dodgy knee wouldn’t have been an option.
“The full team – from the nurses at the New Victoria MIU who first looked after me, through to the surgeons and physios who helped me rehab – have been amazing. I can’t thank them enough for allowing me to get back to the job I love and to be able to walk down the aisle with my wife-to-be, Lauren.”
France McLinden, director for the South Sector, which includes the New Victoria ACH, said:
“Hearing stories like Gordon’s reminds us of why we work in healthcare. He’s one of the thousands of patients who come through our doors for treatment which has a real positive impact on each of their lives and it’s a privilege to work with the staff who deliver this type of care daily.”
Pictured: New Victoria ACH in Glasgow