2023-05-17 10:01:49
Coordinator of the outpatient clinic trauma surgeon Taco Blokhuis, together with colleagues Jan Geurts, orthopedic surgeon, and Shan Shan Qiu Shao, plastic surgeon, look back on the past period. “When we started the non-union outpatient clinic at the beginning of 2020, we thought that the patients who come there were in bad shape. We now know that this is much worse than expected. The quality of life is lower than that of patients with colon or lung cancer and lower than that of people who have just been resuscitated. We know this because we started measuring quality of life from the start of this outpatient clinic, as part of the care we provide to this complex group of patients.”
Improving quality of life
“Fortunately, we now also know that the quality of life improves substantially through our care. Our approach is complex and unique, but fortunately the results are also there. We not only see an improvement in the quality of life, but also a success rate that is much higher than described so far. This is due to the multidisciplinary approach and the use of new technology. We use state-of-the-art treatments for infections and stimulating bone formation, and that works.”
100th patient
“Today we welcomed our 100th patient. Patients come from all over the country and almost all have already undergone multiple surgical treatments for their non-healing fracture. The majority have a non-union in the upper or lower leg, and all patients experience pain, reduced mobility, and problems with general daily activities and work. The treatment in the referring hospital has not been successful and often both the patient and the referring specialist are looking for a good solution. Because we work in a multidisciplinary manner and use new techniques, we can advise and often offer that solution.”
Research
“The data of patients who visit our clinic are accurately recorded. We do this mainly to measure the effectiveness of our treatment strategy; where can we improve, what can we do differently? In addition, the data is used to conduct scientific research. We recently submitted our first article for publication. This article describes the poor quality of life in our patients. This is essential to get the word out because it raises awareness among colleagues of the seriousness of a non-union and hopefully helps identify and refer non-unions sooner.”
Also read Harry Keijzer’s previously published story about the heavy aftermath of a complex break here
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