Craig Loucks, MD

Dr. Craig Loucks was born in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. He studied at Queens University in Kingston obtaining a B.Sc. Hon. and M.Sc. in Anatomy and Physiology. He attended University of Calgary for Medical School and did his Orthopedic Surgery Training at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

Dr. Craig Loucks is a founding partner of Peak Orthopedics and started in private practice in Denver in 2003. He is a founding Board Member of Orthopedic Centers of Colorado (OCC). In 2004, he and his partner, Dr. Greenhow were the first surgeons in Denver to perform Anterior Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery (AMIS). He is a teaching and design surgeon for various Hip and Knee techniques and products. Since 2006, Dr. Loucks has been an invited speaker and proctor for surgeons across the US and internationally. Since 2013, he has pioneered Outpatient Total Joint Replacements in Denver. He sees patients of all ages with a variety of conditions related to hips and knees including complex joint revisions and reconstructions. Dr. Loucks is double board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery as both a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and through the American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship

Panorama Orthopedics Trauma Fellowship 2003

Orthopedic Surgery Residency

University of British Columbia School of Medicine, 1998-2003

Medical School

University of Calgary, 1995-1998

Masters of Science

Queen's University, 1993-1995

Undergraduate Bachelor of Life Sciences, with Honors

Queen's University, 1989-1993

Specialty Certification

Fellow, AO Trauma 2003
American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, 2004
Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons, 2003

Affilations

Fellow, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Member, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
Member, Canadian Orthopedic Association
Member, American Medical Association
Member, Orthopedic Trauma Association
Member, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

Hear about the minimally invasive anterior approach to hip replacement from Drs. Greenhow and Loucks as seen on Colorado & Company.

A recent article about progress in hip replacement surgery. The article features Dr Greenhow and Dr Loucks. Outpatient anterior hip replacement surgery: The future is here

Click here if you are interested in learning about a less-invasive partial knee replacement that is custom made just for you.

Please visit Dr Loucks's personal website www.craigloucksmd.com for more information.

DENVER TEAM CONTACT INFORMATION

Office phone: 303-699-7325
Office Address: 145 Inverness Drive East, Suite 220, Englewood, Colorado 80112
DR. LOUCKS Cell: 303-919-0031; email: craig.loucks@occ-ortho.com
Ricky Lotspeich, Physician Assistant: richard.lotspeich@occ-ortho.com
Angie Schack, Physician Assistant: angie.schack@occ-ortho.com
New Patient Coordinator, Jill Currie: jill.currie@occ-ortho.com
Surgery Scheduler, Lara Sisneros: lara.sisneros@occ-ortho.com
Billing Specialist, Heather Garton: heather.garton@occ-ortho.com

CANADIAN CONTACTS AND REFERENCE CENTERS

ALBERTA
- Dr. Michael Westaway Michael.westaway@lifemark.ca
- Dr. Jeff Galatiuk jwg046@mail.usask.ca
VANCOUVER and TORONTO Surgeons available upon request.

TRAVELING TO DENVER

We have been treating fellow Canadians in need of hip and knee replacement for over 15 years. The number of Canadian patients travelling to Denver has increased dramatically in the last 5 years as a result of our expertise and the growing waiting lists in Canada for elective surgery. Denver International Airport offers many direct flights from major Canadian cities. Our patients come from across Canada and all over the world!

Initial consultation is typically done remotely with Dr. Loucks. Most Canadian patients have already been diagnosed with bone-on-bone arthritis of their hip or knee. In addition, they have typically been told that they need a joint replacement and are already on a long waiting list for consultation and surgery. Canadian patients will often text or email Dr. Loucks their x-rays and relevant imaging studies and he will review and discuss over the phone with prospective patients. Once a surgical date is established, our team in Denver will ask you to obtain medical clearance (such as a routine history and physical, bloodwork, and EKG) from your family doctor at home.

Most Canadian patients will fly into Denver with a friend or loved one on the weekend prior to their Monday or Tuesday surgery date. Our office will recommend a few local hotels based on proximity to our office and surgical center. Typically, these surgeries are done at one of our world-class Outpatient Surgery Centers. Often patients will be discharge to the hotel a few hours after completion of the surgery and see Dr. Loucks and his team on Wednesday in the office before flying home to Canada on Thursday or Friday.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND FOLLOW-UP

DIRECT communication with Dr. Loucks via cell, text, and email.
World-class, cutting-edge techniques with outstanding results.
Outpatient, same-day minimally invasive hip and knee replacement surgery.
Remote follow-up with Dr. Loucks upon return to Canada.

We use cutting edge surgical and anesthesia protocols and techniques to minimize pain, improve function and reduce the need for oral narcotics. Often, a combination of spinal anesthesia, nerve blocks and local anesthesia will allow early ambulation and very manageable pain levels. We use Tylenol, Advil, compression, and ice to assist with post-operative swelling and pain. In addition, we will prescribe a narcotic analgesic here in Denver that can be picked up at a local pharmacy.

All of our surgical incisions are closed with a special “plastic surgery” type stitch which DOES NOT require ANY suture removal. We use a buried, absorbable stitch and then apply a “skin glue and mesh” along with a waterproof dressing that stays on the surgical incision for 2 weeks. You simply keep your incision/bandage covered, clean and dry (apply extra plastic covering when showering) for 2 weeks. You DO NOT need a physician to remove the dressing.

Physical Therapy: TOTAL HIPS will not usually require formal physical therapy back home. We give you some simple stretches and exercises in your post-op instructions. TOTAL KNEES should start physical therapy as soon as you return home to Canada. We recommend going to therapy 1-2 times per week for 6-8 weeks.

Follow-Up: We recommend you meet with Dr. Loucks before you travel home so he can make sure you are doing well ahead of your travels. He is in the office on Wednesdays. If you do not have this scheduled, please call our office to set up the appointment. At that appointment, we will give you all the information you need for the next phase of recovery. You will receive:

Operative Report
Instructions for removing your bandage and steri-strip bandages
Letter for traveling home, if needed
Goals and additional information for 2- and 6-week recovery stages

2 Weeks After Surgery: Follow the instructions and simply peel off the dressing, take a photo of the incision with your phone and then apply skin closure strips (Steri-strips) approximately 1 cm apart along the length of the incision. Take ANOTHER PHOTO after applying the skin closure strips and then TEXT BOTH PHOTOS TO DR. LOUCKS CELL PHONE. He will call you for follow-up after receiving the photos.

6 Weeks After Surgery: TOTAL HIPS require an x-ray (AP PELVIS and LATERAL of the replaced hip) and ideally you should immediately take a photo of the x-ray screen and text the picture of the x-ray directly to Dr. Loucks cell phone. TOTAL KNEES DO NOT require any additional follow-up x-rays since your implant is cemented in place.

FAQ's

How much does it cost? Currently and for many years, we have done our best keep the price at $25,000 USD. This includes the surgery center fee, cost of implants, surgical team fee, anesthesia team fee and a bag of disposable medical goods (cooling packs, braces, and portable rechargeable calf compressors). It DOES NOT include travel, hotel, meals, or any other incidental costs. In addition, there is an optional insurance policy (see below) that can be purchased for 2- year coverage for an additional fee.

How quickly can I get my surgery done? We have reserved spots held for international patients. Our normal waiting list is typically many months long, however, we anticipate the number of Canadian patients and leave slots open for these patients. We can usually get surgery scheduled within 6 weeks from the time the commitment is made to have the surgery in Denver.

What happens if I have a problem or complication? Fortunately, complications in our hands are INCREDIBLY RARE. If a complication were to occur during surgery, we would simply go ahead and fix the issue immediately without ANY additional charge. Many of our Canadian patients will have additional travel insurance for when they travel to the US. Since ALL of these total joints are being done at an outpatient surgical center, after you are discharged, if you were to develop a medical issue while in the US, in THEORY your standard travel insurance should kick in and cover any unexpected hospital or emergent care. As an additional safeguard, we now offer an optional insurance program that we created in collaboration with an insurance company. Effectively, it provides up to $50,000 USD coverage for 2 years for absolutely anything that could be related to the joint replacement surgery. For many years, Canadians have been coming to Denver without any issues and without this additional coverage. However, in an effort to reduce any residual anxiety about coming to the US for surgical treatment, we created this additional, optional, layer of protection.

Do I need to come to Denver for a consultation prior to surgery? NO. In fact, with modern technology we can share information and communicate remotely. Most patients from Canada frequently communicate with Dr. Loucks remotely leading up to surgery and often will not meet Dr. Loucks in person until the surgery day. On RARE occasions, patients will make 2 separate trips to Denver for independent consultation and subsequent surgery.

Do I need to see my doctor in Canada prior to surgery? We require medical clearance to be completed within 30 days of your surgery date. This includes a note from your doctor that includes your medical history and physical exam findings plus comments on your health status and fitness for surgery. We also request that you have bloodwork drawn (CBC and metabolic panel), a urinalysis and copy of your EKG tracing. Please fax this to 303-699-5486 and bring a copy with you to surgery.

When will I find out where/when my surgery is? What time do I arrive before surgery? Lara, our surgery scheduler will send you the name and address of the surgery center with further instructions for completing their online health questionnaire. The surgery center will contact you a few days prior to your surgery to let you know what time you need to arrive at the facility.

What can I expect for post-operative pain? Pain is expected and common after surgery but is different for everyone. We find that staggering medications works extremely well to manage pain. Commonly we use the following combination:

Tylenol/acetaminophen 650mg every 6 hours
Advil/ibuprofen 400mg every 4 hours
Oxycodone 5mg 1-2 pills every 4-6 hours if needed

We will review this is more detail with you the day of surgery. Your pain regimen may be further customized should you have allergies or other requirements for pain management.

How do I prevent blood clots after surgery? Blood clots are rare, and we do as much as possible to prevent them from occurring after surgery. Having joint replacement surgery puts you at a high risk for developing a blood clot for a month after surgery. Traveling home via plane or car puts you at even higher risk. We routinely use Aspirin 81mg twice daily for 30 days after surgery to thin your blood. We also give you compression socks to wear on both legs for 3 weeks, calf compressors to use and ask you to pump your feet like a gas pedal periodically every hour to keep the blood flowing in your legs.

Please let us know if you have a history of blood clot/DVT, pulmonary embolism or bleeding disorder. We will use a different blood thinner in this case. Typically, we use Xarelto 10mg once daily for 30 days.

How do I get the cooling and compression kit? Is it necessary? We do recommend you use a cool/ice pack and compression for 2-3 weeks following surgery. The Manamed kit includes 2 cooling gel packs that you freeze and place over your wound. There is also a compressive wrap and calf compressors to keep the blood flowing in your extremities. All these combined greatly reduce swelling and inflammation around the incision, helps reduce pain and aid in recovery.

You should plan to stop by Dr. Loucks office to pick up your kit. Office hours are 8am-5pm MST Monday thru Friday. If you are not able to stop by the office to pick up your kit, please let us know a few days before surgery. The cost of the kit is included in your payment for surgery.

Hip replacement patients should wear compression shorts (bike shorts/Spanx/spandex) for 2 weeks immediately following surgery. This will greatly reduce the swelling around your hip and thigh.

ALL patients will receive one pair of thigh-high compression socks that you should wear for 3 weeks after surgery. These are important to wear as they help reduce the risk of post-operative blood clot and minimizes swelling in your legs. The surgery center will provide these socks.

Is there a risk for developing infection following surgery? Infection is rare as we take several measures to minimize your risk. We recommend you use a special nasal ointment and body wash for 5 days prior to surgery to reduce the number of bacteria in your nose and on your skin. See the instructions at the end of this document “Decreasing Your Risk of Infection.” The nasal ointment is a prescription, but the body wash is over the counter.

Please let our team know if you have ever had a severe infection on your body that required IV antibiotics for any length of time.

How do I follow-up back home in Canada? Do I need to see a doctor for follow-up? We have made this very easy for our Canadian patients. There are NO stitches to remove but we do ask that you take pictures of your wound and text them directly to Dr. Loucks 2 weeks after surgery. You typically DO NOT need to see any physician for follow-up. However, we DO require a 6-week post-op x-ray for ALL TOTAL HIPS and this needs to be requested by your physician back home. Simply take a picture of your 6-week x-ray and text the picture directly to Dr. Loucks’ cell phone and he will follow-up with you.

IN SUMMARY, here is your shopping list for ALL the things you need for your surgery:

Over the Counter Medications:
- Hibiclens body wash
- Tylenol/acetaminophen 650mg
- Advil/ibuprofen 200mg
- Aspirin 81mg
Prescription Medications: Ask your doctor in Canada to prescribe these for you.
- Mupirocin/Bactroban 2% Apply small amount to each nostril for 5 days prior to surgery, 22gm tube
- Oxycodone 5mg 1-2 pills every 4-6 hours as needed for pain, Qty #40
- If you cannot get the prescriptions in Canada, let us know and we can prescribe them to a local pharmacy here in Colorado. There is a Walgreens conveniently located 1 mile from our office.
Glad Press N Seal/Saran Wrap to cover your bandage when showering.
Front-wheeled walker and cane (can purchase in Denver if easier).
Hip Replacement patients – compression/bike shorts

What else should I bring with me?

Friend or family member to assist.
Passport and ID.
Prescription medications.
Copy of medical clearance, list of medications, allergies, and health history.
Vaccine and COVID testing as required.
Loose comfortable clothing. Hip patients should bring bike shorts/compression shorts.
Large water bottle to promote adequate hydration.
Safe footwear: flat, comfortable non-slip.

EDUCATIONAL VIDEO LINKS AND PATIENT RESOURCES

For additional information please refer to our education videos at the following links. We have Vimeo Video links as well as a YouTube channel dedicated to patient education. In addition, our website www.craigloucksmd.com is a great source of information.

YouTube Channel Link: https://youtube.com/channel/UC9V_t8SeAKG0FjPCdjltOQw

In compliment to the videos, our very informative Patient Resource Guide answers a lot of questions about how to get ready for surgery and what to expect. It is found online at www.craigloucksmd.com

Dr. Loucks Patient Education Videos:

Total Hip Replacement

Click on the links to view our educational videos:

Additional Helpful Videos:

Total Knee Replacement

Click on the links to view our educational videos:

Additional Helpful Videos:

OPTIONAL INSURANCE PROGRAM FOR CANADIANS

MPOWER™ PROTECTION PLAN

Welcome to the MPower Protection Plan! Your provider is a MPower certified surgeon who has received specialized training on procedures using implants that are in full market release in the USA and have gone through the M.O.R.E. Excellence Clinical Program. As a result, you are eligible to have certain expenses covered that may arise from a complication with your procedure. This plan is administered by MPower Protection ("MPower") and is subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:

What is covered?

Symptoms following your procedure that are diagnosed and determined to be a complication set forth on Schedule A are Covered Complications.

If you experience a Covered Complication, you will not be required to pay any of the following expenses incurred as a result of the Covered Complication Expenses until the first to occur of (i) the date the Covered Complication no longer requires further hospitalization or the date the Covered Complication no longer requires follow-up physician services; (ii) the date the maximum benefit amount of $50,000 USD is reached; or (iii) the expiration of the maximum number of days set forth on Schedule A:

Professional Service Expenses

Services of the surgeon who performed your original procedure;
Services of registered nurses;
Anesthetics and the administration thereof;
Laboratory tests, but limited only to diagnostic tests;
Radiological procedures and interventional radiological procedures;
Services of medical specialists required due to the nature of the Covered Complication, such as pulmonary, cardiovascular, etc., but only when referred by the surgeon who performed your original procedure;
Ancillary services, such as physical therapy;

Other medical expenses directly related to the Covered Complication, as directed by your provider.

Facility Expenses

100% of Medicare (At Cost when Medicare unavailable)

Hospital room and board for a semi-private room or ICU/Trauma (when required), and hospital ancillary services, including, but not limited to, use of the operating room and hospital-based physicians and nurses; Emergency Room; Non-hospital medical facility (medical office, surgery center, etc.); Laboratory tests, including technician services; Oxygen and its administration; Blood and blood derivatives that are not donated or replaced, and administration thereof; Radiological procedures and interventional radiological procedures; Prescription drugs prescribed and administered during the hospitalization.

Expenses that otherwise would be covered and that were previously, or are subsequently, paid by any other source or method are not subject to coverage.

Proof that an expense has been incurred at the time it is reported may be required.

What is not covered?

You will not have coverage under the following circumstances:

Where the otherwise Covered Complication arises due to your ingestion of illegal or legal drugs, unless such legal drugs were taken under the direction of, and as specified by, a licensed physician and reported by you to your surgeon prior to the performance of your procedure or prescribed or otherwise approved in writing by your surgeon following your procedure;
Where the otherwise Covered Complication arises due to you being under the influence of intoxicants while operating any vehicle or other means of transportation or conveyance or in violation of physician orders;
Where the otherwise Covered Complication arises due to your engaging in any physical activity in violation of physician orders;
Where the otherwise Covered Complication arises due to you undergoing any experimental or investigative treatments or procedures;
Where the medical expenses are a result of your dissatisfaction with the cosmetic results of your original procedure, including any additional surgery to improve the cosmetic appearance of the affected area when not the result of a Covered Complication; or

Any treatment for mental disorders.

You will not have coverage for any expense for procedures, services or supplies that :

Are not medically necessary;
Are for the treatment of mental illness; or

Exceed the usual and customary expense for the same medical procedures, services or supplies as determined by MPower in its sole discretion.

You will not have coverage for any loss or expense incurred as a result of, or at any time after, a revision of your original procedure, whether performed by your initial surgeon or any other physician, except when the result of a Covered Complication.

Any subsequent revision of your procedure must utilize an implant that has been approved by the M.O.R.E Excellence Program when reasonably available and clinically relevant.

How do I make a claim?

You should contact the surgeon who performed your procedure to report any symptoms resulting from your procedure, including any symptoms that could result in a Covered Complication.

You may submit a claim by contacting the surgeon who performed your procedure or by notifying at: claims@mpowerprotection.com.

In order to be eligible for coverage, the first reported date of your symptoms must be within the claim period set forth on Schedule A.

MPower retains the right to have a physician of its choice examine you or your medical records at MPower’s expense when and as often as it may reasonably require.

What if there is dispute regarding my claim?

All disputes shall be resolved by arbitration pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) then pertaining. The arbitration proceedings shall be held in Nashville, Tennessee. The parties may, if they are able to do so, agree upon one arbitrator. If the parties cannot select an arbitrator within fifteen (15) days, then AAA shall select such arbitrator. No one shall serve as arbitrator who is in any way financially interested in the affairs of either party. The decision of the arbitrator shall be in writing and shall be entered as a final judgment, and shall be final, nonappealable, binding and compensable. In the event that an attorney is employed by either party with regard to any arbitration, then the prevailing party in such arbitration, and in addition to any other relief to which it may be granted, shall be entitled to recover from the other party all costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees incurred in bringing such arbitration, and in enforcing any judgment granted therein, whether or not such action is prosecuted to judgment.

Any judgment or order entered in such matter shall contain a specific provision providing for the recovery of attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses incurred in enforcing such judgment by the prevailing party. Delaware law shall govern. You hereby waive your right to a jury trial in connection with any suit, action or proceeding in connection with any matter hereunder.

Please use this checklist to help you keep track!

	Morning Nasal Ointment	Evening Nasal Ointment	Bathe with Hibiclens Soap
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6/Day of Surgery	Surgery Day! Bathe with your usual soap (not Hibiclens) Do not put any lotions, perfumes, powders or deodorant on your skin the day of surgery.

HIP & KNEE REPLACEMENT

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Locations & Directions

Peak Orthopedics @ Renewal Medical Center