In this engaging conversation, orthopedic surgeons Dr. Catherine Logan and Dr. Ivan Wong explore how objective measurement is revolutionizing surgical rehabilitation. Catherine, a former physical therapist, emphasizes the importance of data in patient recovery and how it redefines surgical readiness. Ivan highlights collaboration between surgeons and therapists, showcasing the role of technology in enhancing patient outcomes. They discuss the vital impact of measurable goals on patient engagement and the future of personalized rehabilitation through innovative data-driven techniques.
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insights INSIGHT
Objective Measures Transform Surgery
Videotaping surgeries provides an objective record that enhances interdisciplinary communication.
Objective strength measures evolve surgical care beyond subjective assessments.
insights INSIGHT
Objective Data Enhances Rehab
Objective data drives better rehab outcomes and keeps patients engaged.
Comparing strength side-to-side and to normative data provides clear recovery targets.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Pre-Surgery Strength Testing
We require patients to show preoperative strength improvement before surgery.
This ensures they understand the work needed post-surgery, improving recovery and satisfaction.
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“It’s not just for research anymore — every surgical patient gets tested throughout their recovery.” – Dr Catherine Logan
In this episode, orthopedic surgeons Dr Ivan Wong and Dr Catherine Logan join cohosts Mark Opar and Dylan Carmody to discuss how objective measurement is transforming patient care and surgical decision-making. With backgrounds spanning physical therapy, elite sport and orthopedic surgery, they share how data is integrated into their clinical workflows, what it takes to foster better surgeon-therapist collaboration and why objective strength metrics are redefining standards in musculoskeletal care.
They also explore the role of patient motivation, the logistics of implementing testing and the evolving future of personalized rehab through technology.
🔍 Episode Summary:
Orthopedic surgeons Dr Catherine Logan (Denver) and Dr Ivan Wong (Halifax) share how they’ve embedded objective measurement into their surgical and rehab practices.
Both use asymmetries and normative data to guide clinical decisions and monitor recovery.
Objective testing helps identify when patients are ready for surgery — or when they need further rehab first.
Post-op assessments are standardized at key time points (6 weeks, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) using force plates and dynamometry.
Clinic staff — including MAs and PTs — play an active role in data collection and interpretation, enabling efficient handoffs and real-time planning.
Measured progress keeps patients more engaged and compliant, while giving them clear goals and feedback throughout recovery.
Shared metrics and reporting create stronger collaboration between surgeons, therapists and other providers — improving communication and patient outcomes.
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