Dr. Christina Pearl Bakir

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

Traumatic Injuries

• Fractures (Broken Bones): Management of acute fractures of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and axial skeleton.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Treating bone death caused by a loss of blood supply, commonly affecting the hip, knee, or shoulder, which can lead to joint collapse.
• Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.

Sports Injuries

• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.
• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
• 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.

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

• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Comprehensive care for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, from pre-operative planning to post-operative rehabilitation.
• 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.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Specialized surgical treatment for severe fractures, multiple injuries, pelvic and acetabular fractures, and post-traumatic complications like nonunions or malunions.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Surgical treatment for common bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders as per established orthopedic principles.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Bakir. 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. Christina Pearl Bakir adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

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

• For patients where difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear is a primary concern, Dr. Bakir focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in successful healing of their broken bone (fracture). This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work.
• If a bunion on their foot that's causing a lot of pain has unfortunately put participating in fitness classes or going to the gym on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Bakir works closely with patients towards attaining improved hand or foot function for daily activities, effectively helping them regain their previous level of physical function and confidence.
• Many people seek Dr. Bakir's professional help and expertise when dealing with pain and weakness after a bad fall or accident. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to throwing a ball or swinging a racket effectively.

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

Dr. Bakir's orthopedic clinic is conveniently located in the Downtown Lethbridge, South Lethbridge East neighborhood of Lethbridge. Its situation near Connects North/South makes it easily accessible via Lethbridge Transit. Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Bakir do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Bakir is a medical doctor (physician) specializing 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 conditions such as fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. Orthopedic Surgeons use both surgical (joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical (medication, injections, bracing, physiotherapy) methods. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the problem (e.g., pain, injury), its onset, aggravating/relieving factors, and impact on daily life. Dr. Bakir will review past treatments and perform a thorough physical examination, assessing range of motion, strength, and tenderness. Prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) will be reviewed. Dr. Bakir will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options (non-surgical and surgical), working with you to establish goals.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Bakir covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Bakir are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, provided you have a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging is 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 with your private insurance regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the surgery performed (e.g., arthroscopy vs. joint replacement), the joint/bone involved, your 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 for full recovery. Dr. Bakir will discuss the expected recovery timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Bakir are experts in treating 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) or external fixation (a frame outside the body). Dr. Bakir will determine the most appropriate treatment.

311 8 St S
Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2J5

Phone: (403) 394-3720

Dr. Christina Pearl Bakir is a licensed Orthopedic Surgeon in AB, regulated by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

License Number: 021087

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=986129b2-d402-4550-9ea1-2ce94a4c856c&i=129

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