Dr. Andrew Pickle

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

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.
• 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.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Operative treatment to remove infected bone and tissue.

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.
• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.

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. Pickle, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Expert review and interpretation of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds related to orthopedic conditions.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Administering injections such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation), or local anesthetics into joints or soft tissues to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• 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. Pickle. 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. Andrew Pickle adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At William Osler Health System, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Pickle frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For patients where chronic low back pain that shoots down their leg is a primary concern, Dr. Pickle focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in a clear diagnosis and understanding of their musculoskeletal condition. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their child running and playing with friends without limitations.
• Many people seek Dr. Pickle's professional help and expertise when dealing with their child limping or having trouble with their walking. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently being able to sleep better without being woken by musculoskeletal pain, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to returning to their job, especially if it's physically demanding.
• Dr. Pickle understands that dealing with a sports injury that needs surgery to repair a torn ligament or tendon can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving feeling more confident in their physical abilities, helping patients comfortably get back to standing for longer periods without discomfort and feeling their best.

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

Dr. Pickle's practice, William Osler Health System, is situated in the East Hill, Downtown Belleville neighborhood of Belleville. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via Belleville Transit. Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Pickle are experts in treating all types of bone fractures. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, its location, and the patient's overall health. Non-surgical treatment may involve realigning the bone (reduction) and then immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace to allow it to heal. Surgical treatment might be necessary for more complex fractures, open fractures (where the bone breaks the skin), or fractures that are unlikely to heal well with casting alone. Surgical options include internal fixation (using plates, screws, rods, or pins to hold the bone pieces together) or external fixation (using a frame outside the body connected to pins in the bone). Dr. Pickle will determine the most appropriate treatment to ensure the bone heals correctly and function is restored.

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

Recovery time after orthopedic surgery varies greatly depending on the type of surgery performed (e.g., arthroscopy vs. joint replacement vs. fracture fixation), the specific joint or bone involved, the patient's age and overall health, and their adherence to the post-operative rehabilitation plan. Some minor procedures may have a recovery of a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months for full recovery and return to all activities. Dr. Pickle will discuss the expected recovery timeline for a specific procedure during the pre-operative consultation.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Pickle do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Pickle is a medical doctor (physician) who specializes in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. They manage a wide range of conditions such as fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. While they are surgeons, Orthopedic Surgeons use both surgical methods (like joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical methods (like medication, injections, bracing, or recommending physiotherapy) to treat patients. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Pickle at William Osler Health System?

The first visit will typically involve a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of the patient's 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. Pickle will review any previous treatments and will perform a thorough physical examination of the affected area(s), assessing range of motion, strength, stability, and tenderness. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) will be reviewed. Based on this evaluation, Dr. Pickle will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical, working with the patient to establish goals.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Pickle covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Pickle are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging ordered is also usually covered. However, some specific items like certain braces, custom orthotics, or advanced biologic injections may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. It's always best for patients to inquire with William Osler Health System about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

William Osler Health System
250 Sidney Street
Belleville, ON, K8P 3Z3

Phone: (613) 966-7522

Dr. Andrew Pickle is a licensed Orthopedic Surgeon in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 79830

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Pickle-Andrew/0204760-79830

A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required to see Dr. Pickle. Dr. Pickle 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.