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By: Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Communications Team
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) achieved a significant milestone with the completion of its first total ankle replacement on February 25, 2022.
“It went very smooth; I was very impressed with the staff who handled it – from the nurses right through to the physio," said Rick Houston, patient.
Rick bestows the title of the first patient to receive a total ankle replacement at CKHA. Rick retired a number of years ago and enjoys keeping fit by walking up to 10 kilometres a day while also taking part in aqua fit classes. About three years ago, he began to notice problems with his ankle that got progressively worse over time. After seeing various doctors without receiving a concrete solution, Rick's Rheumatologist recommended he see an Orthopaedic Surgeon. This suggestion lead Rick to Dr. Hans Hundt, Orthopaedic Surgeon at CKHA.
Dr. Hundt has practiced at CKHA for over a decade with a sub-specialty in foot and ankle procedures.
“Whenever there is a complicated foot or ankle case it tends to come to me, and that's where my expertise lies. I'm starting to expand that by introducing an ankle replacement program at CKHA," said Dr. Hundt.
The total ankle replacement procedure at CKHA currently takes about one to two hours in the Operating Room with the patient spending a single night in hospital on the surgical floor for initial recovery. Following this, patients wear a cast or partial cast for one to two weeks – this allows the ankle to be immobilized for optimum healing. Shortly after, patients may be placed in a walking boot or may even start physiotherapy without a walking aid depending on their progress.
“A lot of my colleagues are doing this procedure as a day surgery. It's my hope that as I get a few more of these under my belt and a little more comfortable, that if patients' fit the criteria, they would be able to go home the same day. Certainly a lot of my other large foot and ankle procedures are being sent home the same day with great success," said Dr. Hundt.
Numerous departments played a role to make this procedure possible from physicians, nurses and Operating Room staff, to pre-surgical screening, physiotherapy, diagnostic imaging and the patient appointment office.
“The team work was huge during this first total ankle replacement at CKHA because without everyone there we would not have been able to do it," said Laura Martin, Registered Practical Nurse. She continued, “Everyone had their specific role and with everyone coming together so well it just made the day flow so smoothly."
Rick is looking forward to getting back out on the various trails in Kent and Essex counties once his ankle is fully recovered.
“There are a lot of great trails… Point Pelee and Rondeau Provincial Park, places like that. I'll be out there putting a lot of kilometres on," said Rick. He concluded, “Thank you to everybody at the hospital for all the wonderful care."
CKHA is pleased to bring this service to the local community, offering care close to home for patients and their families.