Orthopedic surgeon Randall Schulz, MD, is continuing to postpone elective surgeries despite Texas Gov. Greg Abbott loosening restrictions on nonemergent procedures in late April, Community Impact Newspaper reports.
Due to patient safety concerns, Dr. Schulz ceased performing elective surgeries at Texas Orthopedics Austin before they were prohibited by the governor March 22.
Over the past nine weeks, he estimates that he has suspended 80 to 100 hip and knee replacements.
"I haven't pulled the trigger quite yet," Dr. Schulz told Community Impact Newspaper. "I have concerns about the majority of my patient group; they're a vulnerable population."
He is particularly concerned that older patients awaiting joint replacements may develop other health conditions that increase the risk of complications during surgery.
Dr. Schulz is preparing to reschedule younger and healthier surgical patients first and hopes that safety concerns can be mitigated for older patients soon.