Triumph over adversity: Malaki’s journey of resilience and determination after a knee injury

Meet Malaki Williams, an 18-year-old football enthusiast whose connection with the sport runs deep. From the tender age of four, football became more than just a game for Malaki—it became his passion, his driving force. Growing up watching his older brother play football, Malaki got hooked on the sheer intensity of the sport. It wasn't just about scoring goals or making tackles; football meant everything to him. Little did he know that his early love for the game would shape his journey in ways unimaginable.  

Despite a serious knee injury that threatened to end his athletic career, Malaki remarkably bounced back stronger than ever. Today, he is an inspiration for young athletes, showing that overcoming challenges is a true testament to inner strength. It’s not about giving up but rather taking things one step at a time.   

An unexpected knee injury 

On May 18, 2022, just like any ordinary day, Malaki participated in the spring scrimmage on the football field during his junior year at South Plaquemines High School in Buras, Louisiana. He was in the process of running the ball when two opposing players approached from the side for a tackle. In a split second, they brought Malaki down, leaving his knee planted, upper body twisted, and lower leg immobile. 

“They folded me,” recalled Malaki. “When it happened, the pain was excruciating—a sharp, burning sensation in my knee. As I lay there, I realized that my football season had come to an abrupt end.” 

Witnessing the entire incident unfold from the sidelines, Destiny Sylve, Malaki’s athletic trainer and member of the sports medicine team at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, promptly rushed to his aid. 
“I knew when Malaki didn’t get up, he was seriously injured,” explained Destiny. “Every time he would get hurt or bruised, he would tough it out and keep playing. When he didn’t get up, I knew something was clearly wrong. So, I rushed to him, got him on a table, and evaluated him using our diagnostic techniques. From what I could tell, I was pretty sure he had torn both his ACL and MCL in his knee.”  

Destiny conducted two crucial tests on Malaki to assess potential damage to his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). First, she performed an anterior drawer test, bending his knee and pulling on the lower half of the tibia. Increased joint play on the injured side suggested a possible ACL tear. Also, the knee valgus stress test revealed a significant opening of the knee, indicating an MCL injury. These tests aren't definitive without MRI confirmation but Destiny, drawing on her anatomical knowledge and experience, knew Malaki had dual ACL and MCL tears. 

“I asked Miss Destiny if I could play, and she said no. She gave me ice for my knee since I was in pain,” said Malaki. “I spent the rest of the game sitting on the bench, cheering my team from the sidelines.” 

A challenging road ahead 
 
After the incident, Destiny referred Malaki to Dr. Timothy Skalak, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, who ordered an MRI on Malaki’s knee to confirm the diagnosis. The results indicated that Malaki had a severe knee injury which included an MCL tear, ACL tear,  and a medial meniscus tear (cartilage disc between the thigh bone and shin bone at the knee). Surgical reconstruction was needed to maximize his chances to return to the sports and activities he loved. 

“I wasn’t really nervous about surgery, I was more heartbroken,” said Malaki. “My brother and two cousins had knee surgeries, and they did well. So, I thought, ‘Alright, I’ll tackle it like anything else.”  

Still, the news of missing his senior year of football hit Malaki hard. The injury not only shattered his dreams for that year, but also presented a significant challenge to his physical and mental wellbeing. 

“I’d ask myself, why did God choose me to go through this,” said Malaki. “I’ve been on the varsity team since 7th grade. I worked my way from the bench to starting on both sides of the ball. I’ve worked my whole life for this. College coaches were talking to me. I was on my hands and knees crying because I couldn’t play with my team.  My coach, Michael Powell, came up to me, patted me on my back, and I looked up at him and said, ‘Why me coach?’ He looked at me with the straightest face any man could make and said, “Why not you?” My athletic trainer, Destiny, told me, “It’s in God’s hands. Let God help you get through it. Honestly,  I could not have succeeded without the support of so many people.” 

On June 16, 2022, Malaki prepared for his reconstructive knee surgery. 

“Dr. Skalak explained everything and answered my questions,” said Malaki. “He didn’t sugarcoat it; the first time I saw him, he said I had a serious knee injury requiring complex reconstruction. I trusted him and said, ‘Let’s get me in, get me out, fix me.’ I was ready to have the surgery and take the next step.”  

Because of multiple injuries and Malaki’s desire to return to high-level sports, Dr. Skalak and his team leveraged advanced techniques for the complex knee reconstruction, aiming to optimize his outcomes.  

Dr. Skalak and his team performed ACL reconstruction using a small segment of the quadriceps muscle tendon to create a new ACL. The surgery also involved repair work on the MCL and medial meniscus. The team used a state-of-the-art technique known as lateral extraarticular tendodesis (LET), designed to enhance the stability and durability of ACL reconstruction, particularly in high-level athletes like Malaki.  

After surgery, Malaki was in a knee brace with non-weight-bearing instructions for almost six weeks. Destiny, his athletic trainer, played a crucial role in his recovery, providing wound care. Unfortunately, complications arose during a follow-up, leading to infections and subsequent debridement surgeries. In his extended recovery, Malaki underwent a wound vacuum-assisted closure (wound vac), applying negative pressure to promote healing by removing excess fluids and enhancing tissue regeneration. 

“After the infection healed, I began therapy to regain strength and get back in the game,” said Malaki. 

Road to a remarkable recovery 

Malaki’s path to recovery involved intensive physical therapy, strength training, and a strong mindset. Despite his challenges, he worked hard with Destiny and a physical therapist at a clinic near his home.  

“He underwent physical therapy at the clinic twice a week, but he was doing therapy with me as well,” said Destiny. “I supported him every day and accompanied him throughout the entire process. Whatever he needed, I was there for him. While he spent eight weeks on clinic-based physical therapy, he began strength training with me at the three-month mark. It’s crucial to understand physical therapy focuses on restoring daily activities, while strength training helped Malaki prepare for his return to contact sports.” 

“I trained every day with Miss Destiny after school, while my football team was practicing,” said Malaki. “Miss Destiny told me how important it was to build my strength promptly to prevent long-term challenges from scar tissue. Mr. Johnny, my physical therapist, acknowledged the effectiveness of Destiny’s program, attributing it to my swift recovery. Her top-tier approach played a crucial role in my return to football.” 

During strength training sessions, Destiny prioritized lower body strength, core exercises, extensive range of motion routines, and ample stretching. In addition to this, Malaki did a lot on his own because he was driven to play at the next level. He wanted to reach that next level regardless of the challenges he faced.  

“My older brother is a certified athletic coach,” said Malaki. “So, I did a lot of weight lifting with him too.” 

Returning to the field 

On August 18, 2023, Malaki made a triumphant comeback to the football field, marking a moment of both fear and gratitude. He emerged as a star football player, excelling in his position at Mississippi Prep. Remarkably, despite not playing a single game during his senior year at high school, he achieved something extraordinary – earning a full scholarship.  

Reflecting on the experience, Malaki said, “It brought me to tears in my first game back. Part of me was scared, and part of me was grateful. However, it was truly amazing for me to return to the field and perform even better than before I got injured. I played the post-grad season with Mississippi Prep, but unfortunately, we had to leave early due to issues with our living situation. I am set to join Southeastern Louisiana University in January, aiming for a walk-on spot. Healthwise, my legs feel better than ever.” 

Malaki’s amazing journey from a devastating knee injury to a triumphant return to the football field is a testament to the power of resilience, a positive mindset, and the collaborative efforts of a dedicated health care team. Dr. Skalak said, “It’s the team-based approach here at Children’s Hospital that made this even possible. Drs. Tony Gonzales and Dominic Gargiulo from Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Mohammed Mousomy in Plastic Surgery, along with the exceptional skills of our nurses, OR staff, physical therapists, and athletic trainers — including Destiny— played crucial roles in helping Malaki return to the game.  

"He faced a tough battle, especially dealing with the psychological impact of his injury," said Destiny "Yet, he proves to be an exceptionally courageous and resilient individual. Being a part of Malaki’s journey has been genuinely rewarding. Regardless of the obstacles, Malaki consistently finds a way to overcome.” 

Without Malaki’s own tenacity and determination, no surgery can ensure the desired outcome,” added Skalak. “Malaki worked tirelessly to recover, and there is nothing more gratifying for our sports medicine team than witnessing a young person like Malaki passionately engaged in sports and activities he loves.” 

For more information about the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Team at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, visit: Sports Medicine | Children's Hospital New Orleans (chnola.org)