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Orthopaedic Patient Care Unit

Orthopaedics

We care for patients with bone, muscle and joint health issues. We have programs for both inpatients and outpatients, focusing on:

  • Prevention
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Surgery
  • Rehabilitation
  • Education

Joint Replacements

We are one of the largest community health centres in the province performing joint replacements. In 2009/2010, we expect to perform over 800 joint replacements. In addition, we work closely with the Emergency Department and the Operating Room in the rapid assessment and treatment of patients with hip fractures.

We perform primary and revision total joint replacements of hip, knee and shoulder joints when they are damaged by arthritis. Most of our joint replacement patients are discharged from hospital to home or the community on the 4th day after surgery.

Pre-Operative Clinic
Patients scheduled for joint replacement surgery attend our pre-operative clinic. The clinic visit is scheduled up to 2 weeks before surgery. This allows time for patient and family information and education. Anesthesia and medical consults, diagnostic tests (blood work, X-ray, cardiogram), and paperwork are also completed. As a result, patients are able to sleep at home the night before their surgery rather than being admitted the day before for tests.

Preoperative Education Classes
Hip and knee Surgery patients can sign up for our free preoperative education classes to help prepare them for their surgery.

Image of health practioners visiting a patient

Sign up for a free preoperative class and learn what you will need to know to maintain peace of mind, fitness and safety before and after your surgery, and help speed up your recovery.

Book Your Class: Contact your surgeon's office. Leave a message with your name and telephone number so we can get back to you and arrange a date for your attendance. Classes are led by an Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapist Assistant.In the pre-op class we will discuss:

  • How to prepare for your surgery
  • What to expect during your hospital stay
  • What equipment you will need to arrange
  • How to prepare for your recovery at home
  • What supports you will need during your recovery at home

Day and Time: Classes are held regularly on Thursday evenings. Class starts at 6:30pm. Expect to be there for at least two hours. Please bring your pre-op education booklets given to you in the pre-op medical clinic. If able, please bring one English-speaking family member with you.

Locations:
Mississauga Hospital, 100 Queensway West, Mississauga
in the Clinical Learning Lab on the 1st floor of the "J" Wing

Total Hip Replacement

During a total hip replacement or total hip arthroplasty, both parts of the hip joint are replaced by artificial implants or prostheses.

The femoral (or leg) implant has a stem that extends into the canal of the thigh bone; the acetabular (or hip) component is placed inside the socket, or cup-like structure, of the hip. The femoral implant then fits into the cup-like structure of the hip, this combination allows the worn out area of the hip to be replaced by an implant which restores natural movement.

A total hip replacement may include the following benefits:

  • Improved movement
  • Improved mobility and stabilization
  • Decreased joint pain
  • Increased leg strength
  • Improved quality of life – the ability to return to normal activities and hobbies

Before recommending a hip replacement, your doctor may prescribe walking aids such as a cane, medication and/or physical therapy in an effort to relieve pain and improve the function of your hip joint. Most degenerative problems will at some point require replacement of the painful hip with an artificial hip replacement.

Total Knee Replacement

More joint replacement surgeries are performed at Trillium on the knee than on any other joint. Knee replacement surgery is recommended for patients with severe knee pain and disability caused by damage to cartilage from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or trauma. It is highly successful in relieving pain and restoring the function and use of the knee.

A total knee replacement may include the following benefits:

  • Reduced joint pain
  • Increased movement and mobility
  • Increased stability
  • Improved quality of life – the ability to return to normal activities and hobbies

Post-Operative Recovery
Following surgery, inpatients are transferred from the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit to the 29-bed Orthopedic Unit (Orthopaedics 1J), Our orthopaedic team provides patient- and family-centred care.

Useful Links:

OM Fracture Clinic

In 2008, our new OM Fracture Clinic opened. This clinic provides:

  • Acute and follow-up fracture care
  • Advanced casting techniques and care by Certified Orthopaedic Technologists
  • Post-operative follow-up care for elective and non-elective patients
  • Consultations with an Orthopaedic Surgeon
  • Custom Functional Knee Bracing including assessment and measurement, fitting and follow-up care as well as off-the-shelf bracing for knees
  • Customized upper extremity fracture bracing
  • Spinal Bracing including assessment and measurement, fitting and follow-up care
  • Splinting of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions
  • Viscosupplementation program for osteoarthritis of the knee
  • Bone stimulation
  • Cold therapy
Image of a patient with a cast

Mississauga Hospital's new Fracture Clinic, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, opened in February 2008 and has already improved access and the quality of care our patients receive.

"The new clinic helps to decrease wait times, provides child-friendly spaces and improves patients' access to specialized procedures such as testing for osteoporosis," says Dr. Vir Sennik, orthopaedic surgeon and founder/ champion of the Diwali fundraising gala.

Donor and community generosity made clinic possible:
The Fracture Clinic was made possible thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our South Asian community and many Capital Campaign donors. In 2007, $555,000 was raised for the much-needed clinic at the annual Diwali gala.
More than 22,000 patients visit Mississauga Hospital's Fracture Clinic each year. Services provided include:

  • Acute and follow-up fracture care
  • Advanced casting techniques and care by Certified Orthopaedic Technologists
  • Post-operative follow-up care for elective and non-elective patients
  • Consultations with an Orthopaedic Surgeon
  • Custom Functional Knee Bracing including assessment, fitting and follow-up care as well as off-the-shelf bracing for knees
  • Customized upper extremity fracture bracing
  • Spinal Bracing including assessment, fitting and follow-up care
  • Splinting of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions
  • Viscosupplementation program for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Based on your individual needs at the time of your clinic visit, you may need additional X-Rays or procedures as determined by your orthopaedic surgeon.

Patients are seen in order of their appointment times, not arrival times, for both a consultation or cast work. Please follow the tips below to make your appointments easy as possible:

  • Bring your health card.
  • Allow up to three hours for your entire visit. Avoid booking other appointments during this time.
  • If necessary, please bring along an English Interpreter.
  • Bring a maximum of only one family member or friend to accompany you.; Space is limited.
  • If driving, patients should enter via the Main (East) Entrance. Patients being dropped-off can use the Family Care Centre (North) entrance. Route maps are available at the Main Entrance information desk.
  • Certain procedures and products are not covered by OHIP. Please be prepared to pay for these charges at time of treatment. Visa and Interac are accepted.

Fracture Health Care Team
Mississauga Hospital's Fracture Clinic health care team consists of an interdisciplinary team of Orthopaedic Surgeons, an Advanced Orthopaedic Technologist, Orthopaedic Technologists, Orthopaedic Technicians, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. A Clinical Educator and a Manager complements the team.

Drug or Latex Allergies
If you have a known or suspected drug or latex allergy, please inform us at the time of registration in the Fracture Clinic.

The Bone & Joint Health
As a member of the Bone and Joint Health Network, we collaborate with over 25 other network partners across the GTA to follow best practices and ensure patients receive the best care. Mississauga Hospital works closely with the Mississauga-Halton Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) related to the care of patients with joint replacement or those who have sustained a hip fracture.