Orthopaedic Surgeon & Co-Chair of HRH’s Robotics Program, Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez-Elizade, performing the first robot-assisted hip surgery using the MAKO Robotic System.

Dana’s outlook changed dramatically, thanks to the expertise of her surgeon and the , the newest addition to �������’s (Humber) suite of robotic surgical tools.

Dana was the first patient in the GTA to undergo hip replacement surgery with the MAKO and was shocked by how she felt post-surgery. “The moment that stood out was that, even the day of the surgery, I was encouraged to walk,” says Dana. “Honestly, that’s not what I expected.”

Dana had mentally prepared herself for significant discomfort and a challenging recovery, but those fears never manifested. ” Considering I had psyched myself up for severe pain, that pain level simply didn’t materialize,” Dana shares. ” I had experienced chronic pain before, and this was nothing like that.”

The MAKO’s minimally invasive approach features smaller incisions and precise movements, drastically reducing postoperative pain and accelerates patient recovery.

Yet, Dana’s experience at Humber went beyond physical healing. “The whole hospital is amazing,” she notes. “Everything is digital and streamlined, from appointment reminders to aftercare arrangements. It took away a lot of stress during my recovery because everything was so organized.”

Even Dana’s husband, Bob, benefited from the hospital’s transparent digital system, receiving real-time updates during her surgery. “He knew exactly when I went into surgery, when I was in recovery, and when he could come see me,” Dana recalls. “It eased both our anxieties significantly.”

Looking to the future, Dana is excited to enjoy the simple things in life, like spending time with her grandchildren. “Before surgery, keeping up with them was challenging. Now I’m excited to enjoy walks and be active with them again.”

Dana attributes much of her positive experience to the compassionate and professional care she received from the entire ������� team. “Everyone introduced themselves personally, which put me at ease,” Dana shares. “Knowing exactly who was caring for me gave me an extra sense of security. You just know you’re in good hands,”

Less than a month post-surgery, Dana confidently moves through her daily routines unaided. Her walker is a distant memory, occasionally replaced by a cane that she often forgets altogether. Reflecting on her recovery, Dana emphasizes, “Robotic surgery isn’t just a medical advancement, it’s genuinely life changing.”

Looking to the future, Dana is excited to enjoy the simple things in life. “I have four grandkids, aged seven, five, three, and one,” she shares. “Before surgery, keeping up with them was challenging. Now I’m excited to enjoy walks and be active with them again.”

Procedures using the MAKO are 100% donor funded and are expected to increase Humber’s same-day discharge rate for hip and knee surgeries from 87% to 90%, freeing up two additional inpatient surgical beds each day.

Dana emphasizes the importance of ongoing donor support. “If you’re able to help someone, this technology is an incredible way to do it,” she says. ” You’re giving people a sense of mobility. Instead of relying on others, you’re able to rely on yourself again, which is very motivating. ”

Expanding Robotics: The MAKO Robotic System

������� is at the forefront of surgical innovation in Canada and with donor support, our��Robotic Surgery Program��can continue to make a difference. To learn more, please contact Daniela Campoli at��dcampoli@hrh.ca

The post Reclaiming Independence with the MAKO Robotic System: Dana’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“Like many others, we believe in paying it forward, and as such, are committed to further support at �������,” says Hugo.

Megan and Hugo Sorensen first connected with ������� when Hugo realized that he needed hip surgery. “I was researching to ascertain who was the best surgeon in the Toronto area for this type of surgery says Hugo. After triangulating several references, the resounding consensus was…you must connect with Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez-Elizalde at �������.”

At the time, the Province of Ontario had significantly restricted the number of elective surgeries that could be performed, thereby unfortunately greatly increasing wait times. “We were concerned about how long I would have to wait to have the surgery, let alone the recovery time,” says Hugo. “We were looking at all options to try to get this done sooner.”

Through the assessment process it was decided that both hip joints ultimately needed to be done. Fortunately, Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde was able to accommodate Hugo’s surgical needs within a matter of weeks!

Megan and Hugo were very grateful to Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde for the remarkable responsiveness, attention, and care Hugo received from pre-operation to post-operation. “Every time I called, including the follow-ups that Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde would initiate, the response time was incredible! It felt like he was there for me every step of the way,” says Hugo.

Megan and Hugo’s appreciation for the care Hugo received sparked a desire to give back to Humber in a way that could help ensure others were able to get the same level of treatment. “Our family has long been of the perspective that “if you can, you must,” says Hugo.�� “We were so impressed with the care received, the speed of booking the operation, and the overall results that we felt compelled to do more.”

For Megan and Hugo, giving isn’t just about writing a cheque: it’s about ensuring their contribution makes a tangible impact. “We like to ensure that when we give, we know where the money goes,” says Hugo. “It’s one thing to give to a general fund, but we are keen to specifically and directly support Humber’s greatest priorities, particularly in areas that have been there for our family when we’ve needed them the most.”

Since Hugo’s surgery in 2017, Megan and Hugo have generously supported numerous other initiatives throughout �������, including Humber’s COVID-19 community response, and the critical work in and Robotic Surgery. Even though Hugo’s surgery was a traditional bilateral hip procedure, he has since discovered the value in supporting Robotic Surgery. “We came to learn that Robotics allows for more precise surgery, faster recovery, and increased throughput,” says Hugo. “It’s about making healthcare more efficient: more people getting a higher level of care. That makes good sense to me.”

Megan and Hugo highlight a common obstacle hindering the progress of technological advancements in healthcare. “Many of these technological advancements are available, yet they often lack funding until donors demonstrate their support and effectiveness,” says Hugo. Despite their availability, these innovations often remain underfunded until donors validate their effectiveness, prompting government support to follow suit.

Megan and Hugo have also made a commitment to Plastic Surgery thanks to the exceptional care their family received at Humber. Their son had a serious sports injury in the Netherlands and needed immediate oral maxillofacial surgery. ��, Division Head of Oral Surgery at Humber, worked closely with the Sorensens to arrange for prompt treatment upon their son’s return to Canada. “The response was absolutely incredible….our son flew back to Canada and the very next day, he had his surgery,” says Hugo.

“Dr. Ayeni was fantastic! Just a wonderful man, a champion,” says Hugo. “The concern, the professionalism and impeccable service that he gave to me and assuredly others in his care is second-to-none.”

Additionally, Hugo faced further health challenges when he encountered issues with his hands. Seeking relief, he turned to, a renowned specialist in hand surgery at Humber. “Dr. Ayeni was fantastic! Just a wonderful man, a champion,” says Hugo. “The concern, the professionalism and impeccable service that he gave to me and assuredly others in his care is second-to-none.”

Following Hugo’s positive patient experience, both Megan and Hugo were inspired to support Dr. Ayeni’s area of care through the purchase of a Mini-C-Arm. The need for a Mini C-Arm, a compact and portable device perfectly suited for tight spaces like operating rooms and clinics, was the capital need of our Plastics Surgery outpatient clinic.

The Mini C-Arm’s easy mobility allows for convenient positioning during procedures, producing a focused beam for precise imaging, which is especially beneficial for hand surgeries. Additionally, they use less radiation than standard C-Arms, ensuring greater safety for both patients and staff. Their practicality and ease of use make Mini C-Arms particularly suited for orthopedic procedures involving the hands, ankles, and feet.

It’s clear that for Megan and Hugo, giving back isn’t just a choice; it’s a way of life. “It’s actually not a long philosophical perspective on things,” says Hugo. “It’s just a practical and actual way we think.” Megan and Hugo hope that others will turn to healthcare philanthropy and become the beneficiaries of the critical work done at Humber. “If we can encourage others to support and donate, that’s great!” says Hugo. “Like many others, we believe in paying it forward, and as such, are committed to further support at �������.”

The post “If you can, you must!” A Perspective on Giving with Grateful Donors Megan and Hugo Sorensen appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“We found that robotic surgery with the ROSA® Knee System could give me more years out of my knee replacement,” says Georgios. “When it came to deciding where to go, my family doctor recommended I see Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez-Elizalde at �������.”

Georgios’ journey to ������� began with a pre-existing knee condition that plagued him for over two decades.

“In 2001, I had arthroscopic surgery on my right knee due to an injury from playing professional soccer,” says Georgios. Unfortunately, the surgery led to a staph infection, resulting in eight follow-up surgeries and the removal of his meniscus and cartilage.

During this time, Georgios spent one month in the hospital, and was given a significant amount of morphine. Shortly after, Georgios became addicted to it and was subsequently put on oxycodone.

Georgios mentioned at the peak of his substance abuse, he was taking approximately 30 – 35 Percocet’s within three hours on a daily basis for over a year. It had come to the point in his substance abuse journey where Georgios’ needed to make a change.

After completely cutting off his substance use, Georgios went through severe withdrawals. “My stomach was cramping,” says Georgios. “I was shaking, I was sweating, and I would wake up in the middle of the night. It was like I was going through hell.” Although he overcame his substance abuse, his knee condition worsened.

Georgios and his wife began researching potential solutions. They discovered the benefits of robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery, which promised a longer-lasting solution than traditional methods.

Georgios learned that at �������, the majority of our knee replacement procedures use the ROSA® Knee System. By using 3D imaging and real-time data, the ROSA® Knee System allows surgeons to tailor procedures to each patient’s unique anatomy, ensuring optimal alignment and��placement of the knee implant. This innovative approach not only reduces the likelihood of complications but also enhances the overall patient experience.

“If anyone needs knee or hip surgery, ������� is the place to be,” says Georgios.

“We found that robotic surgery could give me more years out of my knee replacement,” says Georgios. “When it came to deciding where to go, my family doctor recommended I see at �������.”

On the day of his surgery, Georgios was both anxious and hopeful. He arrived at the hospital early in the morning, underwent preparation, and met the surgical team. “I was surprised at how quickly everything went. The surgery itself took about an hour and a half,” says Georgios.

Despite his initial concerns about infection, Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde reassured Georgios that being home would be more comfortable than staying in the hospital. By mid-afternoon, Georgios was on his way home, ready to start his recovery.

Georgios believes the customized knee replacement procedure using the ROSA® Knee System has contributed to his successful recovery. The personalized approach and quicker recovery time were significant factors in his decision to opt for robotic-assisted surgery.

“My recovery has been remarkable,” says Georgios. “Eighty to ninety per cent of my pain is gone!” Just three months post-surgery, he is already experiencing significant improvements.

While he still has some swelling and minor pain, Georgios’ is optimistic about his future mobility. His dedication to his physical therapy and exercises has played a crucial role in his recovery.

One of the most impactful aspects of Georgios’ experience was the personal care he received from Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde and the hospital staff. “I never felt like a number. Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde and his team made me feel like family,” says Georgios. This personal touch, combined with the high level of professionalism, left a lasting impression on Georgios.

Georgios is forever grateful to Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde and the Orthopaedic team at Humber for the support he received throughout his journey, from enduring chronic pain to embracing a new lease on life. “If anyone needs knee or hip surgery, ������� is the place to be,” says Georgios.

Expanding Robotic Surgery: ROSA® Knee System

������� is at the forefront of surgical innovation in Canada and with donor support, our��Robotic Surgery Program��can continue to make a difference. To learn more, please contact Caterina Magisano at��cmagisano@hrh.ca

The post Conquering Chronic Pain with the ROSA® Knee System: Georgios’ Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“I’m confident that I made the right choice,” says Miriam. “�������’s use of the ROSA® Knee System, matched with the mymobility® app and the overall care I received—that made all the difference in the success of my recovery.”

Miriam was searching for the best hospitals and surgeons for her first knee replacement surgery. Initially, she faced challenges with other surgeons and facilities. “Dealing with many of the doctors was like dealing with a black hole—no responses, no progress,” says Miriam.

After extensive research, she came to discover that she wanted her surgery to be performed by Dr. Justin Chang and his team at using the ROSA® Knee System.

As one of the leading innovations showcased in the Murphy & Helen Hull Robotics Centre, the ROSA® Knee System is used to robotically guide surgeons during total knee replacement surgeries, allowing for far greater accuracy in positioning when compared to traditional knee replacement procedures.

“My first knee surgery went very well! I had absolutely no problems with the surgery and the recovery,” says Miriam. “My recovery was better than I expected! Within one month, I was able to achieve close to their maximum requirements in physio.” This quick recovery allowed Miriam to travel just six weeks after her surgery.

One of the key components that Miriam credits to her positive experience at Humber is the mymobility® app: a digital, interactive care plan for hip and knee patients. Using this app helps patients to prepare for and recover from surgery, while allowing surgeons to keep track of their patients’ progress.

“I love the mymobility® app!,” says Miriam. “You don’t need to go anywhere; you can do everything you need in the comfort of your own home, all while staying connected to your surgeon.”

“My recovery was better than I expected! Within one month, I was able to achieve close to their maximum requirements in physio,” says Miriam.

Miriam found support and exceptional care when working with Dr. Chang and his team from Humber’s Robotic Surgery Program.

“Dr. Chang is professional and caring. He made me feel comfortable, and his support staff were wonderful,” says Miriam. “The organization at Humber is impressive, from pre-op to post-op.”

After the success of her first surgery, Miriam knew she wanted her second knee replacement surgery performed at Humber with Dr. Chang and his team. Despite the differences in her two surgeries, Miriam remains optimistic in her recovery.

“Each knee is different, but Dr. Chang did an excellent job on my second knee,” says Miriam. “My recovery feels even better this time!”

Miriam’s knee replacement journey highlights the value of preparation, choosing the right medical team, and utilizing cutting-edge systems for optimal recovery.

“I’m confident that I made the right choice,” says Miriam. “�������’s use of the ROSA® Knee System, matched with the mymobility® app and the overall care I received—that made all the difference in the success of my recovery.”

Expanding Robotic Surgery: ROSA® Knee System

������� is at the forefront of surgical innovation in Canada and with donor support, our��Robotic Surgery Program��can continue to make a difference. To learn more, please contact Caterina Magisano at��cmagisano@hrh.ca

The post Transforming Knee Replacements with the ROSA® Knee System: Miriam’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Hello, I’m Dr. Justin Chang, and I’m an Orthopaedic Surgeon at �������, specialized in robotic hip and knee surgeries.

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How did you get into robotic surgery?

As we move into the future, robotic surgery is going to become more and more commonplace. After my residency, I knew I wanted to learn the new techniques our colleagues overseas are using, which is how I ended up in my robotics fellowship in the UK. I was able to work with a surgeon who was pioneering robotics in London with the goal of bringing my new skills back home.

“Knee replacements were traditionally performed by trying to align everything perfectly straight. But we’ve learned that we get the best results by recreating people’s unique anatomy. ROSA allows us to do that accurately.” says Dr. Chang.

What sets Humber’s Robotic Surgery Program apart from other hospitals?

We believe in innovation and we are willing to try new technologies with the goal of improving patient outcomes. This is only made possible thanks to the strong support of our donors and our administration.

Humber was the first in Toronto to acquire the ROSA Knee System – and now we have two, which has doubled our robotic knee capacity! Introducing Intellijoint HIP in 2022 was another first in Canada.

These technologies allow us to try to optimize patient outcomes. Most of our robotic hip and knee patients go home same day.

How has the ROSA Knee System revolutionized Total Knee Replacement?

I use the ROSA Knee System to personalize the total knee replacement plan for each patient and execute that plan precisely.

Knee replacements were traditionally performed by trying to align everything perfectly straight. But we’ve learned that we get the best results by recreating people’s unique anatomy. ROSA allows us to do that accurately.

We begin the surgery by putting trackers into the femur and tibia. The robot knows exactly where the knee is spatially, and tracks exactly where cuts should be, so we’re minimizing soft tissue dissection and insuring accurate positioning.

ROSA provides us with invaluable intraoperative data that allows us to optimize the position of the components for each patient. I’m grateful we get to do this, and that ongoing support is ensuring we can continue to operate our program.

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“ROSA provides us with invaluable intraoperative data that allows us to optimize the position of the components for each patient,” says Dr. Chang. “I’m grateful we get to do this, and that ongoing support is ensuring we can continue to operate our program.”

How do you use Intellijoing HIP in Hip Replacement Surgeries?

Just like with knee replacements, placing a hip implant in the correct position personalized to an individual patient’s anatomy is very important in getting the very best results for our patients, and Intellijoint allows us to do that.

We use Intellijoint by attaching a camera to the patient and a tracker to the insertion handle, so that when we are placing an implant in the hip socket, we can measure the exact angles.

We are also able to use Intellijoint to map out a plan using the X-rays taken before an operation, which replaces routine X-ray use during the operation, helping us reduce radiation for both the patient and the team.

What do you love about your job?

I love that I can make a tangible difference to someone’s quality of life. We’re not only helping people return to walking pain free but to the activities they love – skiing, swimming, sports. Our patients are living younger and remaining active later in life. It means a lot to me that I get to help people achieve those goals.

Expanding Robotic Surgery

Humber River Hospital is at the forefront of surgical innovation in Canada and with donor support, our Robotic Surgery Program can continue to make a difference. To learn more, please contact Caterina Magisano at cmagisano@hrh.ca

The post Interview: Dr. Justin Chang, Orthopaedic & Robotic Surgeon appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Decades later, that sprained ankle came back in full force. By his sixties, Tom had remained active but suffered from a debilitating, near-constant sprain.

During Tom’s total ankle replacement surgery, Dr. Desai reconstructed his entire damaged ankle joint using a custom guide.

“My GP recommended I see Dr. Sagar Desai at Humber River Hospital, who I learned was well known for his innovative approach to ankle surgeries,” says Tom.

“Dr. Desai told me I was ready for a total ankle replacement, which I had never heard of before,” he says. “I started doing my research and panicked when I saw everything my surgery would entail. I called him back and told him I couldn’t go through with it.”

During the months that followed, the constant pain and inflammation in Tom’s ankle became unbearable.

“A year later by the fall of 2022, the pain was killing me,” he remembers. “I went back to Dr. Desai and we scheduled my total ankle replacement surgery. I was very nervous – I even tried to back out the night before my surgery but he talked me down.”

When Tom arrived the morning of his surgery, he expected the worst.

“I had been reading about how brutal our healthcare system is in Ontario,” says Tom. “But the whole process was spectacular, really smooth and methodical. I felt like I was at a hotel.”

During Tom’s total ankle replacement surgery, Dr. Desai reconstructed his entire damaged ankle joint with an artificial implant – an approach that would leave Tom pain-free and with his full range of motion.

“My ankle felt great right away,” says Tom, who took this photo the afternoon of his surgery at his cottage.

“With our new Prophecy Infinity ankle replacement, we are able create custom guides specifically for each patient like Tom based on their 3D CT scan,” says Dr. Desai. “This technology allows us to complete the surgery with a smaller incision, shorter operative time, more precision, and less pain.”

Tom woke up from his surgery after an hour and a half at 10:40am and by 1:30pm he was riding in the passenger seat on his way to his cottage.

“My ankle felt great right away but I didn’t want to jinx it,” says Tom. “I waited three, four, five weeks and it kept feeling good. Two months later, I was in Florida riding my bike and playing golf. Now I’m six months out and I never experienced any pain.”

Tom has been reflecting on his ankle a lot lately. For the past few weeks, he has been recovering from surgery on his opposite knee (done at another Toronto hospital) and his ankle has been bearing a lot of weight. In awe and appreciation for everything his ankle has done for him, Tom decided now was the perfect time to make a Gift of Gratitude donation in honour of Dr. Desai.

“Dr. Desai is a rocket scientist or a brain surgeon working on the other end,” says Tom. “His whole team there is fantastic. I even enjoyed seeing everyone at my follow up visits. I am very grateful for the care I have received here.”

The post Decades of Pain Ended by Total Ankle Replacement: Tom’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Six Humber surgeons are now fully trained to operate with the robot – and with donor support we now have a second ROSA robot, which has allowed us to double our capacity for robotic knee surgeries!

On April 3^rd 2023, Humber River Hospital celebrated an exciting milestone as our surgeons completed their 1000th successful case with the life-changing ROSA Knee System! Through donor support, Humber was the first Hospital in Ontario to acquire ROSA in 2020. Ever since Dr. Sebastian Rodriguez-Elizalde’s first case with the surgical robot that year, ROSA has been helping us revolutionizing orthopaedic surgery, restoring mobility and hope for many patients.

In addition to helping us deliver even better knee-replacement outcomes, ROSA has created efficiencies that have helped the Hospital address surgical backlogs. Six Humber surgeons are now fully trained to operate with the robot – and with donor support we now have a second ROSA robot, which has allowed us to double our capacity for robotic knee surgeries!

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Claude’s Milestone Knee

Once a passionate outdoorsman, Claude’s world had become painfully limited due to severe joint pain and swelling. Learning about ROSA’s capabilities from a friend who underwent a hip surgery, Claude was inspired by the promise of a more active and fulfilling life. He was particularly captivated by the robot’s precision, personalization, and the potential for a swift recovery.

ROSA robotically guides surgeons during total knee replacements like Claude’s, allowing for greater accuracy in positioning. “It was 100% a good experience! I am very happy to have made this decision.” says Claude, who marked our 1000th

ROSA robotically guides surgeons during total knee replacements like Claude’s, allowing for greater accuracy in positioning. It adapts to surgeon workflow, and provides data-driven intelligence during the surgery. The ROSA knee implant also comes in standard and narrow sizes to match various patient ethnicities, genders, and statures.

Under the skilled hands of Dr. Rodriguez-Elizalde and Humber’s exceptional surgical team, Claude’s surgery was a resounding success. Within hours, he was able to walk without pain and envision a future of hunting, fishing, and tending to his property once again.

Claude’s experience exemplifies the profound impact that leading-edge technology, coupled with compassionate care, can have on patients’ lives.

“Everyone communicated very well and explained everything to me thoroughly,” says Claude. “It was 100% a good experience! I am very happy to have made this decision.”

Expanding Robotic Surgery: ROSA Knee System

Humber River Hospital is at the forefront of surgical innovation in Canada and with donor support, our Robotic Surgery Program can continue to make a difference. To learn more, please contact Caterina Magisano at cmagisano@hrh.ca

The post Humber Celebrates 1000th Case with ROSA Knee System: Claude’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“I immediately knew I was in trouble,” says Domenic. “I was rushed to Humber River Hospital’s Apotex Emergency Department in an ambulance from my job site.”

Eleven months after his accident, after five surgeries, having pins placed in his foot, and months wearing a boot, Domenic is walking and working out again.

Dr. Andrew Marsh, an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Foot & Ankle Specialist, assessed Domenic after he arrived at the hospital. Because of Dr. Marsh’s expertise in this area, he knew surgery had to be done right away. That decision likely saved Domenic’s foot.

“Dr. Marsh and the team at Humber basically rebuilt my foot then and there,” says Domenic. “There was a high likelihood that I would lose my foot, and he was very straight forward about the severity of my injury and the potential outcomes. There was so much going on, but I felt comfortable with Dr. Marsh.”

According to Dr. Marsh, “Domenic’s foot was severely damaged. There was a huge open wound on the inside surface of his foot, from his big toe to his ankle, and multiple bones were broken or dislocated. The wound needed to be cleaned immediately. When that was done, we put all of the bones back into place with pins. We restored blood flow to Domenic’s foot, which was essential for his recovery.”

Following his emergency surgery, Domenic was admitted to the Hospital. He stayed at Humber for a month, during which time he had multiple surgeries with Dr. Marsh and Dr. Sagar Desai. Dr. Buki Ayeni, a Humber Plastic Surgeon, was also involved in Domenic’s care.

“We worked on Domenic quite a bit while he stayed at Humber,” says Dr. Marsh. “His foot was so badly damaged that we had to make sure it was healing properly. It took several months for the wound on the inside of his foot to fully heal.”

“I was pretty immobile and the nurses during my stay were so great helping me with anything I needed,” says Domenic. “I also got to know Dr. Marsh really well. He probably ended up working with me more than any other patient – and I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up being one of the most severe injuries he will see in his career. He would visit me after his shifts every day, which was incredible of him.”

Eleven months after his accident, after five surgeries, having pins placed in his foot, and months wearing a boot, Domenic is back on his feet. He is walking, working out, and doing physiotherapy with the high likelihood that one day he’ll return to some of his favourite activities like golf and hockey. He also hopes to return to working in construction, in an office role.

“It’s nothing short of a miracle,” says Domenic. “I have come so far from my accident that day. I am very grateful to Dr. Marsh and the team at Humber River Hospital.”

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The post After a Horrible Workplace Accident, Domenic is Back on His Feet appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“None of this would have been possible before my hip surgeries,” says Martin. “This was one of my greatest accomplishments, and without Dr. Heller it wouldn’t have been possible.”

Martin will never forget the terrible bone-on-bone feeling in his left hip before his first hip replacement in 2017.

“Before my operation, the pain in my hip was getting progressively worse,” remembers Martin. “I felt so much better after my hip replacement surgery with Dr. Martin Heller. It was a huge success.”

A few years later Martin and his wife travelled to Kenya, where Martin remembers having a photo taken of himself with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.

“We were so close to the mountain I had always dreamed of climbing,” says Martin. “I told myself that I was definitely going to do it one day if given the opportunity. That opportunity came three years later.”

By then, Martin’s right hip had started acting up, eventually approaching the same bone-on-bone feeling he had experienced on his left side.

“I had my right hip replaced by Dr. Heller in September 2021 and was released the same day without any problem,” says Martin. “Just like the first time, my recovery was excellent – I have absolutely no complaints.”

The next time he saw Dr. Heller, Martin announced he was going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

“Great! Send me a picture!” Dr. Heller told him with a grin.

Kilimanjaro

Martin was curious about how the climb would feel on his hips but he never encountered any pain.

With Dr. Heller’s go-ahead, Martin officially proposed the idea of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to his sons Justin and Peter, who jumped at the opportunity. Martin excitedly began planning every aspect of their trip, including the logistics of their ascent and how they would combat altitude sickness.

“I worked my way up to walking 10,000 to 20,000 steps a day,” says Martin. “I would walk for hours through Toronto parks. Whenever I saw stairs, I would go up and down a few times. And I was going to the gym a few times a week – that was my training. I kept waiting for my hips to start hurting but they were fine.”

Finally, less than a year after his right hip replacement, Martin, his sons, and their support crew climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. At 75 years old, Martin was older than anyone else they encountered on the mountain. Each day, they woke up around 6:00am and climbed until the afternoon. Martin was curious about how the climb would feel on his hips but he never encountered any pain. At night they would look up and see the Milky Way. The sights were incredible and Martin knew they were making memories they would never forget.

“On the sixth and final day of our ascent we started our trek with headlights on,” says Martin. “You have to start in the middle of the night to get to the summit for sunrise. When we passed Stella Point two hours from the peak, I knew we were going to make it. I’ll never forget the feeling of getting to the top at 7:22am. We were so happy.”

Martin and his sons Justin and Peter at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Martin is holding a sign that says “Hello Dr. Heller, September 5, 2022”

Martin and his sons enjoyed the summit for less than twenty minutes – the recommended amount of time you can safely be at that altitude. They celebrated with the other climbers, took in the view, snapped some photos (including one for Dr. Heller!), and started their descent.

“None of this would have been possible before my hip surgeries,” says Martin. “This was one of my greatest accomplishments, and without Dr. Heller it wouldn’t have been possible. In a way it’s his accomplishment too.”

The post After Hip Replacement, 75 Year Old Martin Summits Mount Kilimanjaro appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

““Before my surgery my knee was holding me back from life,” says Wendy. “A week after my surgery I could walk with my dog for 45 minutes every day, bend over to garden, do my housework, and ride my bike.”

Six weeks prior, Wendy had her right knee replaced at Humber River Hospital by Dr. Martin Heller. Her husband dropped her off in the morning for her 9:00am surgery and she met with Dr. Eric Wong, her Anaesthesiologist, who walked her through SKiP, the innovative approach to pain management used in Humber’s Same-Day Knee Replacement Program.

“Dr. Wong is a fantastic Anaesthesiologist,” says Wendy. “He explained everything that he was doing and showed me how the bottle attached to the catheter in my thigh would block pain for the next three days.”

When Wendy arrived in the operating room, Dr. Heller showed her “his new assistant”, the ROSA Knee System. During her operation, Dr. Heller used ROSA to robotically-guide his measurements, allowing him to more accurately position Wendy’s knee implant.

“At 10:20am I opened my eyes and I wasn’t in any pain,” says Wendy. “I was moved to recovery where I had a ginger ale, and not long after that my physiotherapist had me up and walking. We even did stairs! I was so amazed that my knee was working and it wasn’t even hurting.”

At 1:30pm that same day, Wendy’s husband picked her up.

The ROSA Knee System robotically guides surgeons during total knee replacements, allowing far greater accuracy in positioning.

By the next morning, Wendy was walking with a cane. She did the laundry and played with her dog. Dr. Wong called her every day to check on her SKiP catheter, which was still working to block pain sensation. On the second day, Wendy was feeling confident about her pain levels and asked her husband to help remove her catheter following Dr. Wong’s instructions. She felt great!

“Before my surgery I would walk the dog and my knee would sometimes lock up, freezing me in my tracks. It was excruciating. My knee was holding me back from life,” says Wendy. “A week after my surgery I could walk with my dog for 45 minutes every day, bend over to garden, do my housework, and ride my bike.”

By the time Wendy arrived at the cottage with her family six weeks later, she was feeling very strong. Watching her son and grandkids swimming and tubing, Wendy knew what she wanted to do.

“When I announced I wanted to ski, my son said ‘No way!’ but I knew I could do it,” says Wendy. “I said ‘hit it!’ and away we went. The water felt great on my legs – I’ll never forget how proud and happy I felt getting to enjoy that moment with them.”

“I’ll never forget how proud and happy I felt getting to enjoy that moment with them.” says Wendy.

How Surgical Innovation is Getting Patients Back to their Lives Faster

This wasn’t Wendy’s first knee replacement. In 2017, Wendy had her left knee replaced with Dr. Heller at Humber River Hospital, before the arrival of the ROSA Knee System, and before the SKiP nerve block was available. It was the same hospital, the same surgeon, and a completely different experience.

“After my first knee replacement, I stayed at the Hospital for a few nights and came home in a brace,” remembers Wendy. “I knew I would eventually need my right knee replaced but I was nervous and kept putting it off. But I was so amazed at how quickly I felt better after my robotic surgery this time.”

The post The ROSA Knee System – Wendy’s Story appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.