Adelaide have confirmed they will investigate a radical new knee reconstruction technique for star forward Brett Burton.

Burton is out for the rest of the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Saturday's 32-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG.

The dreaded "reco" normally puts a player out of action for at least nine months.

But Sydney's Nick Malceski was able to return in just three months thanks to the new form of surgery, which uses a synthetic fibre to help repair the ligament damage.

"It's a consideration, but that's all I can say at this stage," said Crows football manager John Reid.

"First, we've got to get all the details about this new operation.

"Secondly, there's a fair bit of what Brett wants to do."

Burton is 30, meaning he can ill afford a lengthy spell out of the game.

Adding to the Crows' woes, fellow in-form goalkicker Jason Porplyzia suffered another dislocated shoulder early in the match.

He will see a specialist on Monday, with the Crows uncertain whether Porplyzia can put off surgery until the end of the season.

Adelaide have lost their last four games and are none out of six this year against the current top-eight sides.

They will play Port Adelaide on Sunday in their local Showdown.

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