Advancing Orthopedic Care Through Technology
We sat down with orthopedic surgeons Dr. Tim Kostamo and Dr. Tym Frank to talk about why they chose Burnaby Hospital, how technology is changing orthopedic care, and what the future could look like for patients in our community.
For Dr. Kostamo, who has specialized in hip and knee surgery at Burnaby Hospital for eighteen years, our hospital offered the opportunity to help grow a developing joint replacement program while working closely with a collaborative team.
“I was drawn to Burnaby Hospital as a medium-sized hospital where you can get to know your team well, as well as a hospital that was looking to develop its total joint replacement program,” says Dr. Kostamo. Now, nearly two decades later, Dr. Kostamo is using robotic-assisted technology to improve precision and planning for more complex surgeries.
“The MAKO robot has helped improve our precision and planning for more complex surgeries,” he says. “Our data shows improved implant alignment, patients who are very happy with the results, and less stress on the surgeon.”
Dr. Frank, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and upper body procedures, chose Burnaby Hospital eight years ago because it represented both opportunity and growth. “The draw for me to work at Burnaby was that it was a medium-sized hospital with the promise of a new hospital facility, a large and still-growing population, and endless career path opportunities,” says Dr. Frank.
While robotic-assisted technology is already transforming hip and knee procedures, Dr. Frank sees exciting possibilities ahead for shoulder surgery as Burnaby Hospital prepares to welcome a second surgical robot.
“There is a new version of the surgical robot that has promise for shoulder-related applications for improved surgical accuracy and patient outcomes, and I look forward to being the first in Canada to use it.”
Both surgeons say innovation is only part of what makes Burnaby Hospital special. Equally important is the trust and collaboration shared among teams throughout the hospital. In fact, both physicians recently experienced that care firsthand when Dr. Kostamo had knee surgery performed by Burnaby Hospitalís own Dr. McGuffin, assisted by Dr. Frank.
“It is indeed a powerful endorsement to have surgery at your own hospital,” says Dr. Kostamo. “I knew in my mind and heart that I would receive outstanding care, and that was certainly the case.” Dr. Frank agrees saying, “I would not hesitate to have myself or a family member operated on by any of our colleagues at Burnaby.”
As orthopedic care continues to evolve, surgeons need imaging technology at every stage of care, from surgical planning to real-time guidance in the operating room. Today, access to imaging remains one of the biggest challenges facing orthopedic care.
“Access to advanced imaging, such as CT or MRI, is still a barrier to care for some of the patients I see,” says Dr. Frank. “Any technological help to make advanced imaging easier to acquire would be an absolute game-changer.”
Dr. Kostamo also points to the urgent need for a second mobile X-ray unit in the Surgical Centre. “We often have multiple surgeries happening at once that need live X-ray guidance and as we only have one unit this can lead to delays,” he explains. “A second mobile X-ray would really help us for trauma and emergency cases, as well as certain general surgery and urology cases.”
As Burnaby Hospital expands its robotic-assisted orthopedic program, investments in imaging technology will help surgeons deliver faster diagnoses, greater precision, and exceptional care close to home.
“If you live in the community, at some point you or your family members will need care at Burnaby Hospital,” says Dr. Kostamo. “Your gift will help us make it the best possible hospital to receive that care.”
“Our community will continue to thrive if we support the delivery of care at Burnaby Hospital. Any support for improving the health of our citizens is money well spent,” adds Dr. Frank.
Burnaby Hospital is transforming orthopedic care and advancing into a new era of robotic-assisted surgery.
The next leap forward will give our surgeons the tools to see more clearly, diagnose faster, and operate with greater precision. Your support will help equip Burnaby Hospital with the imaging technology needed to advance orthopedic care for our growing community.
