COVID-19 and Hip and Knee patients
PART II: How can I manage my hip and knee pain at home while I wait?
For those awaiting surgery, the pain management options during the time of social distancing and mass closures has changed the way we deal with arthritic pain. The main ways of dealing with arthritic hip and knee pain involve the following:
Continue reading “COVID-19 and Hip and Knee patients”
COVID-19 and Hip and Knee patients
PART I: What’s going on?
COVID-19 has brought many sudden changes to the hospital system, and subsequently in the way we interact with, prepare and treat patients. While some of these changes are temporary, some will likely continue well into future as our “New Normal”.
Continue reading “COVID-19 and Hip and Knee patients”
How old is too old?
While it seems lately a lot of focus is on younger patients and the increasing demands of active people, we sometimes forget that the vast majority of those who need hip and knee replacements are the elderly.
Continue reading “How old is too old?”
Pre-Hab… The new REHAB
When planning for elective total hip or knee surgery, one of the most common questions I get is: What about the Phyiso and rehab after surgery? While post-operative Physio is key in your rehabilitation after surgery, I personally believe the work done prior to surgery is far more important. Continue reading “Pre-Hab… The new REHAB”
CAMTA
The Canadian Association of Medical Teams Abroad (CAMTA) was established in 2001 by a small group of Edmonton-based health care practitioners and lay people who had been on two previous medical missions to Ecuador. The focus was to provide orthopaedic surgery to pediatric and adult patients and to provide continuing education on detection and treatment practices for medical personnel in Ecuador.
CAMTA has now sent 15 “teams” on medical missions to Ecuador
CAMTA provides orthopedic surgeries at Un Canto a la Vida Hospital in Quito. The group does not charge the patients or their families, but patients do have to pay something to the hospital. Potential patients are screened by a local orthopaedic surgeon for surgical suitability. People travel from across the country to be seen in the hope of having life-changing surgery. The CAMTA team then spends the first day in clinic reviewing all the cases and determining who can benefit from surgery.
CAMTA provides orthopedic surgeries at Un Canto a la Vida Hospital in Quito. The group does not charge the patients or their families, but patients do have to pay something to the hospital. Potential patients are screened by a local orthopaedic surgeon for surgical suitability. People travel from across the country to be seen in the hope of having life-changing surgery. The CAMTA team then spends the first day in clinic reviewing all the cases and determining who can benefit from surgery.
Currently CAMTA performs as many as 80 surgeries in a two week period. This includes between 20-25 adult hip replacements in a week. Often, the cases include dysplastic or “malformed” hips. These cases are more complex and affect patients younger than those typically needing hip replacements in Canada. CAMTA provides all the surgical supplies, orthopaedic implants and post-operative medications.
Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde has been part of the 4 surgeon adult team that has visited Ecuador in each of the last 2 years. It has been an extremely rewarding experience and has allowed him to give back to some of those that need help the most. Due to family commitments, he is not attending the 2017 mission, but looks forward to going again in 2018.
If you would like to support the CAMTA group, which continues to be a leader in Canadian Orthopaedic surgical philanthropy, please click here. You can even volunteer for a Mission if interested!
Hip and Knee Rehab Protocols added!
Physiotherapy is an integral part of the recovery process after Hip and Knee replacement surgery. Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde has worked with several therapists to help create a detailed recovery plan for you. Remember that recovery begins well before surgery, and that the stronger, fitter and more range of motion you have before surgery, the easier the process after.
These protocols can be downloaded, printed and given to your therapist.
Finding a good physiotherapist is important. Government funding will cover 6-8 home visits organized by the CCAC (Home Care) to provide “in-home” therapy. While well meaning, this is often limited and not enough for a full recovery. Your outpatient physiotherapy can continue at Humber Hospital, an OHIP funded clinic, or any private rehabilitation facility.
DOWNLOAD HIP RECOVERY PROTOCOL
DOWNLOAD KNEE RECOVERY PROTOCOL