Dr. Alan John Richardson – Orthopedic Surgeon | Victoria, BC

Dr. Alan John Richardson is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Victoria, BC, Dr. Richardson is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Richardson is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of surgical practice in BC.

Dr. Richardson serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care as a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. The goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life through both surgical and non-surgical means.

Dr. Alan John Richardson earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of Alberta, graduating in 1978. Subsequently, Dr. Richardson completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Richardson brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Richardson's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Richardson is committed to ongoing professional development and staying at the forefront of orthopedic advancements to offer the best possible care to patients. Key aspects of Dr. Richardson's surgical practice philosophy include: exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate; a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care. Dr. Richardson provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Alan John Richardson diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.
• Osteoarthritis: Managing joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function caused by wear-and-tear arthritis affecting joints like the hip, knee, shoulder, hand, or spine.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.

Sports Injuries

• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction.
• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.

This list provides examples of conditions commonly managed. A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan, which may be surgical or non-surgical, are always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Richardson, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Comprehensive care for bone fractures, including closed reduction and casting, as well as surgical fixation with plates, screws, rods, or external fixators.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Offering operative solutions for orthopedic problems when conservative measures are insufficient.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Surgical reconstruction of the hip joint, including total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty, for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Thorough assessment of musculoskeletal conditions, including detailed history, physical examination, review of imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and discussion of treatment options.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Comprehensive care for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, from pre-operative planning to post-operative rehabilitation.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Richardson. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any procedure or treatment depends on individual assessment and referral. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific medical needs, please schedule a consultation.

All surgical and non-surgical treatments by Dr. Alan John Richardson adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in BC and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

At Dr. Alan John Richardson's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Richardson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by their knee pain getting so bad they can barely walk or climb stairs, Dr. Richardson provides solutions that lead to feeling more confident in their physical abilities. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up.
• If having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful is preventing you from fully enjoying enjoying hobbies that require fine motor skills or physical activity or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Richardson offers expert orthopedic solutions. The primary aim is to achieve learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition through comprehensive and personalized care.
• Dr. Richardson provides dedicated support for patients going through a recent ankle sprain that isn't getting better, always aiming for positive outcomes like alleviation of back or neck pain after appropriate intervention, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as hiking, running, or cycling again.

Your personalized treatment plan, whether surgical or non-surgical, developed in consultation with Dr. Richardson, will be carefully designed to help you achieve your specific musculoskeletal goals. Dr. Richardson is committed to providing expert orthopedic care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

Dr. Richardson's practice, which is an orthopedic clinic in Victoria, is situated in a well-regarded orthopedic clinic in Victoria neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near Antique Row and is accessible via Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Richardson at the clinic?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the specific problem (e.g., pain, injury, loss of function), how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily activities and quality of life. Dr. Richardson will review any previous treatments and perform a thorough physical examination, assessing range of motion, strength, stability, and tenderness. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Richardson will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options (non-surgical and surgical), working with you to establish goals.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Richardson recommend it?

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, replaces damaged or arthritic parts of a joint (hip, knee, shoulder) with artificial components (prostheses). Dr. Richardson might recommend it if you have severe joint pain and loss of function due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or significant injury, and non-surgical treatments haven't provided adequate relief. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Richardson covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Richardson are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging is also usually covered. However, some items like certain braces, custom orthotics, or advanced biologic injections may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check your private insurance for coverage.

How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Richardson?

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the type of surgery, the joint or bone involved, your age and health, and your adherence to the post-operative rehabilitation plan. Some minor procedures may take a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months. Dr. Richardson will discuss the expected recovery timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Richardson do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Richardson is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves). They manage fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities using both surgical and non-surgical methods. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

How does Dr. Richardson treat broken bones (fractures)?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, its location, and your overall health. Non-surgical treatment may involve realigning the bone (reduction) and immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace. Surgical treatment might be necessary for complex fractures, open fractures, or fractures unlikely to heal well with casting alone. Surgical options include internal fixation (plates, screws, rods, pins) or external fixation (a frame outside the body connected to pins in the bone). Dr. Richardson will determine the most appropriate treatment.

4987 Cordova Bay Rd
Victoria, BC, V8Y 2K1

Phone: (250) 549-0722

Dr. Alan John Richardson is a licensed Orthopedic Surgeon in BC, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

License Number: 6428

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/303586/Richardson%2CAlan

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required to see Dr. Richardson. Dr. Richardson and the team are dedicated to providing expert orthopedic care. If you have a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911.