Performing specialized orthopedic surgeries at Richmond Hospital
It’s something many of us take for granted until crippling pain strikes: our own mobility.
Walking, running or the simple ability to move can become impossible. Dr. Fay Leung is a Richmond Hospital-based orthopedic surgeon, who performs highly specialized minimally invasive procedures for shoulders, knees and, in particular, hips. Some of these procedures she performed at UBC Hospital due to the availability of specialized surgical equipment. Dr. Leung is one of only four surgeons in the province providing these super-specialized surgeries to treat pre-arthritic hip conditions to improve mobility and prevent disability.
Because of a reduction in available OR time at UBC Hospital, Richmond Hospital Foundation is undertaking fundraising for new orthopedic surgical equipment so Dr. Leung can perform these procedures here, at home, at Richmond Hospital.
Hailing from Kamloops, Dr. Leung is originally a physiotherapist who took an interest in sports medicine and chose to pursue medicine at UBC. She completed her residency 2009, followed by a fellowship in 2010 and has been here, at Richmond Hospital, ever since, working with our other orthopedic surgeons. She is a talented and passionate surgeon who is dedicated to helping patients maintain their mobility and live pain-free.
In Dr. Leung’s own words
“One of the greatest things about my job is being able to see people function again. The hip patients I see are generally active and range from people who are in their 20s and 30s to people who are older and working.
Many people are born with an anatomic difference in the shape of their hip joint. Sometimes a ball-socket mismatch in the hip can cause pain and wear and tear in the hip. Some people may have had a traumatic injury while some people have a disorder that causes the condition.
One patient of mine was a woman with a ball-socket mismatch. Within the space of a year she went from having some mild hip pain to being virtually unable to walk.The first time she came into my office, she was using crutches to walk because she was in so much pain. I was really worried about her.
But two weeks after her surgery, she was already walking without any assistance and without a limp. She went on to bike, hike and even do some running. It was a dramatic change.
The surgery I perform is very technically challenging and demanding. It requires lots of skill and the right medical equipment. But when I see people able to get back to life and carry on, it’s very gratifying. I’m grateful to donors for helping to fund much needed equipment for the procedures I perform.”
Can you help?
If you are inspired to help support expert orthopedic care at Richmond Hospital, please contact Richmond Hospital Foundation at (604) 244-5252.