Dr. Andrew Robert Anderson is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, BC, Dr. Anderson is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Anderson 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. Anderson 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. Andrew Robert Anderson earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of Calgary, graduating in 1982. Subsequently, Dr. Anderson completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Anderson brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Anderson's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Anderson 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. Anderson's surgical practice philosophy include: providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey; a focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. Anderson provides consultations in English.
As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Andrew Robert Anderson diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:
Sports Injuries
- Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.
- Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Diagnosing and treating tears of major ligaments in the knee (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), shoulder (rotator cuff, labrum), ankle, and elbow, often requiring surgical repair or reconstruction.
- Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.
Bone Joint Disorders General
- Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Operative treatment to remove infected bone and tissue.
- Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
- Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).
Degenerative Joint Diseases
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
- Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.
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. Anderson, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.
- Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
- Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Exploring all appropriate non-operative avenues before considering surgery.
- 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.
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
- Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Anderson. 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 Robert Anderson 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 Cowichan District Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Anderson frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- When breaking their arm/leg/hip and needing it fixed starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to opening jars or turning doorknobs without difficulty (for hand issues), Dr. Anderson and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by being able to return to sports or recreational activities they enjoy and a return to comfort and confidence in their movement.
- Patients experiencing their child being born with a clubfoot or hip problems often express a desire to improve their physical function and reduce pain. At Dr. Anderson's practice, a key objective is feeling more confident in their physical abilities, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in participating in fitness classes or going to the gym.
- For patients where difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear is a primary concern, Dr. Anderson focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in their fracture healing in the correct alignment. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully walking without a limp or significant pain.
Your personalized treatment plan, whether surgical or non-surgical, developed in consultation with Dr. Anderson, will be carefully designed to help you achieve your specific musculoskeletal goals. Dr. Anderson is committed to providing expert orthopedic care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.
Dr. Anderson's practice is located at Cowichan District Hospital, situated in a central location within the Duncan neighborhood of Duncan. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.
- Do I typically need a referral to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Anderson?
- In British Columbia, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist (e.g., sports medicine physician, rheumatologist) is generally required to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Anderson for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Anderson has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.
- What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Anderson at Cowichan District Hospital?
- 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. Anderson 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, Dr. Anderson will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options (surgical and non-surgical), working with you to establish goals.
- How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Anderson?
- Recovery time varies greatly depending on the type of surgery (e.g., arthroscopy vs. joint replacement), the specific joint or bone, the patient's age and health, and 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. Anderson will discuss the expected timeline during the pre-operative consultation.
- How does Dr. Anderson treat broken bones (fractures)?
- Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Anderson treat 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 and immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace. Surgical treatment (internal or external fixation) might be necessary for complex fractures or those unlikely to heal well with casting alone. Dr. Anderson will determine the most appropriate treatment.
- What is the policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations at Cowichan District Hospital for Dr. Anderson?
- We understand unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 72 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Anderson. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled with less than 72 hours' notice, or missed without notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please inquire about the specific fee.
- Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Anderson covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC)?
- Most consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Anderson are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC, provided the patient has a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging 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. Inquire with Cowichan District Hospital about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.
- What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Anderson recommend it?
- Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, replaces damaged or arthritic parts of a joint (like the hip, knee, or shoulder) with artificial components (prostheses). Dr. Anderson might recommend it if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a significant injury, and non-surgical treatments are inadequate. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.
- What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Anderson do?
- An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Anderson is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system (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, using both surgical and non-surgical methods. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.
Cowichan District Hospital
1662 Stamps Rd
Duncan, BC, V9L 5W2
Phone: (250) 246-0552
Dr. Andrew Robert Anderson 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: 9901
Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/303616/Anderson%2CAndrew
A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required to see Dr. Anderson. Dr. Anderson 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.