Post Surgery Rehabilitation

The client, his wife and two children had been DIAGNOSIS CONFIDENT members for two years. They were in good health and on holiday in the Austrian Alps.

While skiing, the client sustained a complicated fracture of the ankle. At this point, Alivia was contacted to advise on an appropriate doctor and hospital to perform the surgery in Austria. Alivia researched the suggested treating doctor’s experience, reviewed the treatment recommended by the hospital and coordinated with the doctor prior to the
operation, including transfer of the client’s medical records.

The client underwent surgery with metal fixation according to the so-called AO principles. Developed by Austrian and Swiss orthopedic surgeons, the AO principles are a set of procedures for treating fractures. The method has proven superior to other methods.

Five days after surgery, the client returned home to Astana with instructions from the Austrian hospital on how the rehabilitation should be handled and to remove the fixation screws after six to eight weeks. During the course of the regular follow up with the client, Alivia spoke to several hospitals in Astana and it became apparent that many were not familiar with treating patients who had been operated using the AO principles.

Alivia identified a hospital and doctor familiar with the AO principles and communicated with the Austrian surgeon to ensure that he approved the rehabilitation. The fixation screws were removed after eight weeks and the patient started rehabilitation. The result was full strength and joint function three months after injury.

Upon completion of the rehabilitation, Alivia updated the client’s medical records as well as the Medical Risk Analysis. As part of the following scheduled annual check-up, the client’s ankle was given special attention to ensure that there would be no future adverse consequences of the incident.