Musculoskeletal health involves the structure and function of bones, muscles and skin. Conditions affecting these tissues can be debilitating and painful, having a serious impact on physical activities and movement.

Disorders of the musculoskeletal system are more common than any other long-term health problem.

“Our renowned program successfully integrates excellence in the areas of patient care, research and education to provide a complete spectrum of care - from primary prevention to quaternary care.”

- Dr. Nizar Mahomed, Medical Director, MHA

Over 20 per cent of Canadians report having musculoskeletal health problems such as arthritis, rheumatism, osteoporosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and fibromyalgia. Work-related injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome can also affect musculoskeletal systems.

UHN's Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis Program (MHA)
Our MHA program takes a multidisciplinary approach to caring for patients and families. We provide a complete spectrum of care, from disease prevention to the treatment of complex disorders. With more than 2,000 inpatients and 125,000 outpatients treated in 2001, our MHA Program is a provincial and national leader in arthritis (Canada's largest comprehensive program), rheumatology (Canada's largest division, internationally renowned for excellence in clinical care, clinical investigation and basic research), hip/knee replacement (regional leader in complex joint reconstruction and minimally invasive surgery techniques) and hand (province-wide leader in upper extremity replant procedures).

MHA Care Areas

• Arthritis and Related Disorders (includes the Centre for Prognostic Studies)
• Arthroplasty
• Sports Medicine
• General Orthopaedics
• Hand & Plastic Surgery
• Rehabilitation Solutions
• Osteoporosis

Collaborating to provide complete care
To meet the diverse needs of our patients, our program elements bring together a network of surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, dieticians, kinesiologists and others. Our programs provide linked services, connecting inpatient wards, clinics and community care access centres.

MHA Links

• Hand Program