Experts say orthopedic surgery delays lead to all-time high in backlog of patients

The Canadian Orthopedic Association (COA) estimates approximately 130,000 people are waiting for an orthopedic operation. A Mar. CIHI report showed hospitals throughout the country are playing catch-up since the early days of the pandemic. During the first 31 months of the global health crisis, 14% fewer surgeries were performed compared with before COVID-19 and the COA says waitlists for orthopedic surgeries across the country are only getting longer. The association says the delays are resulting in poorer surgical outcomes, especially in children.