Orthopedics
The Orthopedics Program was the focus of the Health Care Foundation's fundraising efforts in 2005. This medical specialty repairs and restores muscles and bones that have been injured or affected by age or disease. The demand for orthopedic services is growing each year, due in large part to our aging population and the increasing referrals for hip surgeries and other joint replacement surgeries.
Thanks to the support of Health Care Foundation donors the Orthopedic Program was able to replace aging surgical equipment and acquire new, modern technology, such as:
Arthroscopic Shoulder Instrumentation
Funding from the Health Care Foundation purchased two sets of specialized arthroscopic shoulder instrumentation. Arthroscopes are fibre-optic instruments that enable surgeons to look inside a joint. Patients with shoulder problems may now be diagnosed and treated without large incisions or extended hospital stays. Our orthopedic surgeons now have the specialized instrumentation they need to perform a broader range of surgical procedures.
Orthopedic Modular Table
The Orthopedic Modular table is very effective for trauma and spinal surgeries. It can rotate the patient so that orthopedic surgeons have front and back access to the patient during surgery. It offers superior skeletal traction during key trauma procedures. The table also enables X-rays to be taken during surgery, which is a crucial feature as most orthopedic surgery is guided by X-ray imaging.
General Orthopedic Instruments
Orthopedic surgeons are often called the carpenters of health care. And the tools they use are not unlike those required by carpentry work - just much more sophisticated and expensive! Funding from the Health Care Foundation provided several replacement sets of saws, rotors, burrs and other key surgical tools.
"The orthopedic equipment purchased by the Health Care Foundation will make huge difference for us and result in improved patient care. On behalf of my colleagues and patients, I express my gratitude to all the supporters of the Health Care Foundation."
- Dr. Peter Rockwood, Clinical Chief, Orthopedic Surgery Program
