Dr. Christine Marie Alvarez – Orthopedic Surgeon | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Christine Marie Alvarez is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Alvarez is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Alvarez 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. Alvarez 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. Christine Marie Alvarez earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 1993. Subsequently, Dr. Alvarez completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Alvarez brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Alvarez's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Alvarez 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. Alvarez's surgical practice philosophy include: providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey; a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care; a focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible. Dr. Alvarez provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Christine Marie Alvarez 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.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.
• Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.

Traumatic Injuries

• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Comprehensive care for broken bones, ensuring proper alignment, healing, and restoration of function.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).

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

• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Offering operative solutions for orthopedic problems when conservative measures are insufficient.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Alvarez. 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. Christine Marie Alvarez 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 BC Children's Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Alvarez frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Understanding the frustration numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel) can cause, Dr. Alvarez tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve their fracture healing in the correct alignment, allowing for renewed participation in activities like opening jars or turning doorknobs without difficulty (for hand issues).
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a previous surgery that didn't heal right or is still causing problems at Dr. Alvarez's practice is consistently achieving successful healing of their broken bone (fracture). This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as lifting groceries, a child, or other everyday objects.
• If their hip hurting all the time, making it hard to sleep or get around is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Alvarez develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at a successful arthroscopic repair of a torn ligament or cartilage. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy getting in and out of a car or chair without difficulty.

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

Dr. Alvarez practices at BC Children's Hospital, located in the Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Entertainment District and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a procedure where damaged or arthritic parts of a joint (like the hip, knee, or shoulder) are removed and replaced with artificial components (prostheses) made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. Dr. Alvarez might recommend joint replacement if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function, typically due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a significant injury, and non-surgical treatments (like medication, injections, physiotherapy) are no longer providing adequate relief. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

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

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. Alvarez will discuss the expected recovery timeline for a specific procedure during the pre-operative consultation.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Alvarez do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Alvarez 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. Alvarez at BC Children's Hospital?

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. Alvarez 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. Alvarez 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. Alvarez 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. Alvarez are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, 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 BC Children's Hospital about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Alvarez 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. Alvarez will determine the most appropriate treatment to ensure the bone heals correctly and function is restored.

BC Children's Hospital
4480 Oak St, BC Children's Hospital, Room D163
Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V4

Phone: (604) 875-2178

Dr. Christine Marie Alvarez 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: 25676

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/323926/Alvarez%2CChristine

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