The latest news from our Mission in Quito

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

Day Four of surgeries for the Week Two Team

Today the CAMTA Team will perform four adult hip replacements, and one hip replacement hardware removal. They will also perform surgeries on two young children, to correct hip dysplasia, and painful tendon contractures.

Better quality of life

Juana Zoila Masaquiza Jerez, 43, had a right total hip replacement on Thursday.

In this photo, taken during her clinic assessment, Zoila is wearing the traditional clothing common among the Salasaca community.

She lives in a different province and the drive to Quito takes three hours.

Zoila began to experience pain in her hip about ten years ago. She worked as a farmer and stay-at-home mother.

The pain had become so acute over the last two years that she had to stop working. The pain also greatly affected her mobility.

She and her husband Jose Luis are both hoping for a better quality of life for their family as a result of her surgery, and improved mobility.

Pain free movement

Jerssy Steven Largo Cuasatar had lower leg surgery Thursday.

The 11-year old has cerebral palsy and had been experiencing painful contractures in his left leg.

Jerssy has only been able to walk for about 30 minutes before he would stop because of pain.

He had two surgeries with CAMTA that will improve his foot position and walking, as well as relieve the pain.

Hip repair, hip replacement

Clemencia Diolita Ermencia Salazar Espinoza

had hip replacement surgery on her left side two years ago.

Over the past year, she began experiencing pain in that hip. At the same time, she was also feeling pain in her right hip. The 62-year old was working in a restaurant but had to quit. Ermencia could only walk using crutches.

CAMTA surgeons determined there was an infection in Ermencia's left hip and the hardware from her previous surgery had failed. They removed the hardware and cleaned out the area. A cement spacer was then put in as a temporary measure until the infection clears up. Ermencia will need to have another total hip replacement on that side.

CAMTA doctors were able to complete a total hip replacement on Ermencia's right side. Ermencia said she's "pretty happy and thankful" now that she will be pain free.

Ermencia is doing post-surgery exercises with physiotherapist Dave Henderson.

Brighter future for toddler

Aitana Yarel Aguas Rublez is still a little sleepy after her surgery Thursday.

The 18-month old had developmental hip dysplasia with hip dislocation. The surgeon fixed the joint so the hip will develop normally.

Having the surgery now, when she's so young, will avoid hip replacement or other invasive surgeries as she grows.

Aitana with her father Fernando

A tough little cookie

Ailyn Aleisa Sulca Chicaiza, 3, had multiple surgeries on Wednesday.

Her surgeries included a pelvic osteotomy. Essentially, the surgery involved several steps to put the hip back in joint so it will grow properly.

Ailyn will have to wear her spica cast for at least six weeks.

Ailyn was uncomfortable but not in pain the day following her surgery.

She is getting comfort from her mother Madelaine.

CAMTA Faces

Hollye Campbell

Lay Person

Rachel Ontko

Translator

Ryan Wright

Family Physician

Karen Calhoun

Lay Team Lead

Cheryl Holt

Adult OR Nurse

Ellen Coristine

Adult OR Tech

Jessica Mayer

Lay Person

Mariah Letts

Pediatric OR Nurse

Sofie Hooft Toomey

Student

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