We had the opportunity to meet and interview Dr. Azael Calderon from Arthros Centro de Ortopedia y Traumatología. Located on Avenida 30 between 34 and 38, Arthros is home to orthopedic surgeons Dr. Calderon and Dr. Ernesto Delgado. Together with their kinesthesiologist, Carol, they treat everything from trauma related injuries to joint replacement and physical therapy (both surgical and non-surgical). They like to say that, as a team, they can treat the whole person from the beginning right through the very end of their treatment.
Dr. Calderon attended university in his home city of Monterrey. After practicing there for a year, he decided to move to Playa del Carmen where he opened a private clinic. He then went to Merida to complete an arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement fellowship. He then returned to Playa where he established Arthros.
Why did you choose orthopedics?
It´s a great area. If you have a broken bone or torn meniscus, I can fix it. The satisfaction to help people who are suffering from chronic pain, for example, someone suffering from knee pain for ten years and I can do a knee replacement and now they can live pain-free. That’s very satisfying.
Do you have training or associations outside Mexico?
I did rotations in Spain in a knee unit and have taken courses in Los Angeles. I am a member of the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons. I am part of the Mexican Association of Joint Reconstruction and Arthroscopic society.
Do you participate with area hospitals?
Yes, we work with local hospitals in the area, like CostaMed to perform our surgeries. We also have agreements with hospitals in Cancun, Merida, and Cozumel where three years ago we did the first knee replacement on the island.
What type of patients do you see?
Playa has a very young population, and we see a lot of trauma. Fractures, torn meniscus, torn ligaments, shoulder issues, rotator cuffs. Then, we have another population, the older population with degenerative pathologies like arthrosis of knee and hip, rotator cuff and spinal issues like herniated discs and arthrosis. We see a range of patients here, but most of our patients are here due to sports-related traumas.I have many foreign patients in Playa, Puerto Av., Tulum.
We can do x rays on site and when necessary, we work with specialists. For example, if we have a complex foot issue, we will bring in a foot surgeon.
The main focus for orthopedics are the implants. We only use implants that are FDA approved. We won´t use cheap implants. This is a valid concern for patients. They want to be sure they are receiving the same quality of care they would receive in their home country. I would never use a product that I wouldn’t use on myself or my family. We use implants that are age proof.
If you are interested in finding out more information, please visit Facebook/Arthros – Centro de Ortopedia y Traumatología or www.arthros.com.mx.
