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PAs in Orthopaedic Surgery
Featuring:
Brittany Belair, CCPA, PA in Orthopaedic Surgery - Ortho Tumour/Oncology
Brittany Belair was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She spent her summers in the US with her family where she first became familiar with the PA role. She received a bachelor of science in nursing from Dalhousie University in 2009; working in Orthopaedic surgery in both a staff nurse and later, charge nurse role. In 2014 she attended the PA program at University of Toronto and then worked in Internal Medicine/Critical Care before moving back into Orthopaedic surgery at Toronto Western Hospital. In 2020, Brittany accepted a pilot project position within Nova Scotia Health Orthopaedic Surgery. Her current role is in Orthopaedic Tumor/oncology. Aside from this she is also a clinical skills instructor with Dalhousie University Medical School. She looks forward to taking PA students in Halifax in the near future. In her spare time she enjoys being active outdoors with her family/friends and traveling.
Erin Sephton, CCPA, PA in Orthopaedic Surgery - Arthroplasty & Revision Arthroplasty
Erin Sephton was born in Charlottetown PEI, and raised throughout the Maritimes. She received a Bachelor of Science in 2008 from St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia. She then pursued a career as a Primary Care Paramedic, working in rural Nova Scotia and the city of Halifax. She then was accepted into the Physician Assistant Program at McMaster University, graduating in 2013. She worked in both Family Medicine and Emergency medicine in Ontario from 2013-2020 until accepting a position in the Nova Scotia Health Orthopaedics pilot project in 2020. She is currently working in the division of Orthopaedics with a focus in Arthroplasty and Revision Arthroplasty, in Halifax Nova Scotia. She also teaches in the clinical skills lab for the Dalhousie Medical School program in her spare time. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family, and raising her two puppies, Stevie & Gerrard.
Laurel MacInnis, CCPA, PA in Orthopaedic Surgery - Arthroplasty & Trauma
Laurel MacInnis was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is a graduate of Saint Francis Xavier University. She obtained her degree and certification as a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant at University of Toronto. Laurel has over three years of experience working in the Markham Stouffville Hospital Emergency Department. She moved home to the Maritimes in 2019 for the opportunity to work as one of three PAs on the Orthopaedic Surgery Service in the Nova Scotia PA Pilot Project. Currently she works with both the Arthroplasty and Trauma subspecialties. In her personal time, Laurel enjoys relaxing with friends and family, running, and sailing with her husband.
What is the specialty of Orthopaedic Surgery?
Orthopaedic surgery is a specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of injuries and diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system. This system includes bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves. Orthopaedic surgeons use both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital disorders.
Key Areas of Orthopaedic Surgery
Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Involves replacing a damaged joint, such as a hip or knee, with an artificial implant. This procedure is commonly performed to relieve arthritis pain and improve joint function.
Sports Medicine: Focuses on treating and preventing sports-related injuries and improving athletic performance. Treatments can include surgery, physiotherapy, and other rehabilitative techniques.
Trauma Surgery: Deals with injuries caused by external forces, such as fractures, dislocations, and severe soft tissue injuries. Orthopaedic trauma surgeons are skilled in reassembling and stabilizing complex fractures and rehabilitating severe injuries.
Spine Surgery: Involves the diagnosis and treatment of spinal disorders, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and spinal fractures. Treatment can range from minimally invasive procedures to major reconstructive surgeries.
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery: Focuses on disorders and injuries of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Surgeons in this area treat conditions ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome to shoulder arthritis and complex fractures.
Foot and Ankle Surgery: Addresses conditions affecting the foot and ankle, such as bunions, Achilles tendon injuries, and ankle arthritis. Treatment can involve both surgical and non-surgical methods.
Pediatric Orthopaedics: Specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems in children, including congenital deformities, growth abnormalities, and fractures.
Musculoskeletal Oncology: Involves the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant tumors of the bones and soft tissues.
The PA Role in Orthopaedic Surgery
Physician Assistants (PAs) play a significant and versatile role in orthopaedic surgery, working closely with orthopaedic surgeons to provide comprehensive care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Their responsibilities span the entire continuum of patient care, from the initial assessment and diagnosis through to surgical assist, postoperative management, and rehabilitation.
Here's an overview of the roles and duties of PAs in orthopaedic surgery:
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
Patient Evaluation: PAs perform thorough histories and physical examinations, focusing on musculoskeletal complaints. They assess joint function, check for abnormalities, and evaluate the severity of injuries or conditions.
Diagnostic Testing: They order and interpret diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and lab tests to help diagnose conditions and plan treatment.
Treatment Planning and Management
Non-surgical Treatment: PAs often manage the nonsurgical treatment of orthopaedic conditions. This includes prescribing medications, recommending physicotherapy and administering injections (e.g., corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid).
Preoperative Care: They prepare patients for surgery, which may involve explaining procedures, obtaining informed consent, and ensuring that preoperative evaluations and tests are completed.
Surgical Assist
Intraoperative Support: PAs assist orthopaedic surgeons in the operating room by helping with surgical exposure, suturing, and managing tissues. They are adept at using surgical instruments and are familiar with the procedures and techniques specific to orthopaedic surgery.
Postoperative Care: After surgery, PAs manage wound care, remove sutures or staples, and monitor for signs of infection or complications. They play a key role in ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home.
Rehabilitation and Follow-up
Patient Education and Support: They educate patients and their families about postoperative care, rehabilitation exercises, and strategies to prevent future injuries or complications.
Follow-up Assessments: PAs conduct follow-up visits to monitor patients' recovery, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and make adjustments to care plans as needed.
Specialty Areas
Within orthopaedic surgery, PAs may specialize in specific areas such as sports medicine, pediatric orthopaedics, spine, hand surgery, or total joint replacement, depending on their interests and the needs of their practice.
PAs in orthopaedic surgery must possess a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system, surgical principles, and rehabilitation techniques. Their role requires not only clinical and surgical skills but also the ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary healthcare team. By providing high-quality, patient-centered care, PAs significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of orthopaedic practices.
