Specialist Referral Clinic, Vancouver, BC Practitioners

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  Dr. Nancy Van Laeken

  MD, FRCSC

  Plastic Surgeon

  Vancouver, BC

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  Who is Eligible for a Lap Band Procedure

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  The Breast Reconstruction Procedure " Susan a 45-year-old mother of two children "

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  Dr. Bassam Masri

  MD, FRCSC

  Orthopaedic Surgeon

  Vancouver, BC

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  Diagnosing Who Needs Hip Replacement

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  Dr. Patrick Chin

  MD, MBA, FRCSC,

  Orthopaedic Surgeon

  Vancouver, BC

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  What Are Commonly Used Shoulder Replacement Materials

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  Dr. Ramesh Sahjpaul

  MD, MSc, FRCSC

  Neurosurgeon

  Vancouver, BC

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  What is Lumbar Discectomy and Laminectomy?

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  Dr. Ramesh Sahjpaul

  , Neurosurgeon, at Specialist Referral Clinic, Vancouver, BC in Vancouver, BC commented on: Managing Lower Back Pain With Lifestyle Changes " John a 53-year-old business man ".
  
  

  Losing Weight is the number one way to help yourself in this situation.

  See the whole conversation: Managing Lower Back Pain With Lifestyle Changes " John a 53-year-old business man "

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  Dr. Ramesh Sahjpaul

  , Neurosurgeon, at Specialist Referral Clinic, Vancouver, BC in Vancouver, BC commented on: Lower and Upper Back Pain " Irena a 22 year old women involved in a rear-end MVA ".
  
  

  Well, understanding that most causes of back pain are fairly self-limited, and the pain resolves on its own within days to weeks. However, there are some situations in which a patient should see their family doctor if the back pain is persisting for more than a few weeks, if the pain is waking them up at nighttime, or if the back pain is associated with other symptoms, then definitely patients should consult their family physician.

  See the whole conversation: Lower and Upper Back Pain " Irena a 22 year old women involved in a rear-end MVA "

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  Dr. Alastair Younger

  MB, Ch.B, M.Sc, Ch.M, F.R.C.S.(C), Foot and Ankle

  Orthopaedic Surgeon

  Vancouver, BC

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  Achilles Tendon Repair - Non-Surgical Techniques

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  Dr. Richard Kendall

  Orthopaedic Surgeon

  Richmond, BC

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  Dr. Brian Day

  Orthopaedic Surgeon

  Vancouver, BC

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  Dr. Bertrand Perey

  MD, FSRC

  Orthopaedic Surgeon

  New Westminster, BC

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  What causes trigger finger

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  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome " Sheila a 52-year-old woman visits her family doctor "

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  Dr. Bertrand Perey

  , Orthopaedic Surgeon, at Specialist Referral Clinic, Vancouver, BC in New Westminster, BC commented on: Patellofemoral Syndrome - Knee Pain " Brooke is a 15-year-old female volleyball player ".
  
  

  The unhappy triad is a significant knee injury that often occurs in contact sports or motor vehicle accidents. It involves a force applied to the knee, resulting in simultaneous damage to three key structures: the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the medial and lateral meniscus, and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). To illustrate the injury, imagine this knee model. The front of the kneecap is here, the outside of the knee is on this side, and the inside of the knee is here. Symptoms of the unhappy triad may include hearing a popping sound at the time of the injury, intense pain, and swelling. There might be difficulty straightening or bending the leg, and the knee may feel unstable. A torn meniscus can cause sensations of catching or locking in the knee while walking, and putting weight on the knee can be challenging, especially when standing up from a seated position. Treatment for the unhappy triad often involves surgical intervention, particularly for the ACL and the meniscus. The MCL may be managed with non-operative treatment in some cases. Regardless of the treatment approach, a comprehensive rehabilitation process with physical therapy is crucial. Physical therapy focuses on controlling pain and swelling immediately after the injury, as well as regaining range of motion and facilitating proper tissue healing. Knee braces may be prescribed to aid in daily activities and support the rehabilitation process, helping to increase strength, range of motion, and overall function for a quicker return to normal activities. If you suspect that you have a knee injury resembling the unhappy triad, it is essential to consult with your physician or physiotherapist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention and proper rehabilitation are vital to optimize recovery and get you back to work or sports activities as soon as possible.

  See the whole conversation: Patellofemoral Syndrome - Knee Pain " Brooke is a 15-year-old female volleyball player "

  Latest Health Talk Comment

  Dr. Bertrand Perey

  , Orthopaedic Surgeon, at Specialist Referral Clinic, Vancouver, BC in New Westminster, BC commented on: Living With and Treating Thumb Arthritis " Anna a 59-year-old woman with pain at the base of her right thumb ".
  
  

  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that may worsen over time if left untreated. As people age, the flexor tendons in the wrist can naturally increase in size, putting more pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Non-surgical treatments can help slow down the progression of symptoms, but they may not completely stop it. Using a brace or splint at night to keep the wrist in a neutral position can reduce pressure on the nerve. Wearing a splint during the daytime can also be beneficial to avoid extreme wrist positions. Modifying job or recreational activities that may contribute to CTS can also help slow down the condition. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections may offer temporary relief from pain and inflammation associated with CTS, but they rarely lead to a permanent resolution of symptoms. If symptoms of CTS occur on a daily basis and non-surgical treatments have failed, surgery may be recommended. Ideally, surgery should be performed before constant numbness occurs in the hands, as this may indicate permanent nerve damage. The surgical procedure for CTS is called a Carpal Tunnel Release. It involves cutting the transverse retinacular ligament to release the pressure within the carpal tunnel. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes less than 15 minutes. Most patients do not require narcotic pain medication after surgery, and the wound is usually closed with sutures. Recovery from surgery involves avoiding soaking the wound and engaging in light washing for the first 10 to 14 days. Patients are encouraged to move their fingers actively to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness. Most patients can resume light activities within 3 weeks and heavier activities within 6 weeks. The surgical site may remain tender for several months, and deep massage is recommended after 2 weeks to accelerate scar softening. Grip and pinch strength usually return within 3 to 6 months after surgery, and intermittent symptoms of numbness typically resolve rapidly. However, if constant numbness was present before surgery, it may not completely resolve over time. Infection at the surgical site is a possible complication, but it can be treated with oral antibiotics if detected early. Any concerns should be discussed with the surgeon or a healthcare provider promptly.

  See the whole conversation: Living With and Treating Thumb Arthritis " Anna a 59-year-old woman with pain at the base of her right thumb "

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  Dr. Owen Reid

  MD, FRCSC

  Plastic Surgeon

  Richmond, BC

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  Who Is A Candidate For Post Weight Loss Body Contouring?

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  Post Weight Loss Body Contouring " Sunita is a 38 year old woman who has lost more than half her body weight "

  Latest Health Talk Comment

  Dr. Owen Reid

  , Plastic Surgeon, at Specialist Referral Clinic, Vancouver, BC in Richmond, BC commented on: Post Weight Loss Body Contouring " Sunita is a 38 year old woman who has lost more than half her body weight ".
  
  

  Iron deficiency anemia is not uncommon in massive weight loss patients who have had bariatric surgery. A series of pre-operative iron transfusions will correct the anemia and greatly reduce the risk of requiring a post-operative transfusion (which is rarely needed). Normalizing hemoglobin levels pre-operatively will also assist with the recovery phase by improving patients energy, reducing episodes of light-headedness and enhancing tissue perfusion and wound healing.

  See the whole conversation: Post Weight Loss Body Contouring " Sunita is a 38 year old woman who has lost more than half her body weight "

  Latest Health Talk Comment

  Dr. Owen Reid

  , Plastic Surgeon, at Specialist Referral Clinic, Vancouver, BC in Richmond, BC commented on: Post Weight Loss Body Contouring " Sunita is a 38 year old woman who has lost more than half her body weight ".
  
  

  Body contouring after weight loss (also known as Post-bariatric Body Contouring) is not a benefit of our provincial health insurance plan.

  See the whole conversation: Post Weight Loss Body Contouring " Sunita is a 38 year old woman who has lost more than half her body weight "