Dr. Conall Garrett Donaghy

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Conall Garrett Donaghy 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.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction.
• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.

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: Managing joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function caused by wear-and-tear arthritis affecting joints like the hip, knee, shoulder, hand, or spine.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• 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.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Comprehensive care for broken bones, ensuring proper alignment, healing, and restoration of function.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.

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. Donaghy, 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.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Expert evaluation to diagnose injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
• 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.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Utilizing image guidance (e.g., ultrasound) for precise injection placement when necessary.

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

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Donaghy when they first notice pain and weakness after a bad fall or accident. Through personalized orthopedic care, the goal is to achieve improved hand or foot function for daily activities, enabling them to once again enjoy getting in and out of a car or chair without difficulty without hesitation.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Donaghy with concerns about a sports injury that needs surgery to repair a torn ligament or tendon. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a successful arthroscopic repair of a torn ligament or cartilage, making a positive and lasting return to gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work not just possible, but highly feasible.
• When patients discuss their knee pain getting so bad they can barely walk or climb stairs, Dr. Donaghy outlines a path to regaining strength and function after an injury or surgery, aiming to restore not just musculoskeletal health but also the ability to comfortably being able to sit comfortably for extended periods (e.g., for work or travel).

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

Dr. Donaghy's orthopedic clinic in Medicine Hat is situated in the Downtown Medicine Hat, SE Hill, River Flats neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Co-op Place (Arena) and is easily accessible via Medicine Hat Transit. Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

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

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Donaghy 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. Donaghy 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.

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

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. Donaghy 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. Donaghy 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.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Donaghy do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Donaghy 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.

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

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

Do I typically need a referral to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Donaghy?

Yes, in AB, 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. Donaghy for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Donaghy has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Donaghy 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. Donaghy are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, 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 the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What are some common conditions an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Donaghy treats?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Donaghy treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, aiming to restore function and reduce pain. Some common examples include fractures (broken bones), osteoarthritis (especially of the hip, knee, shoulder), sports injuries (like ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, meniscus tears), carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis or bursitis.

666 5 St SW
Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 4H6

Phone: (403) 529-8000

Dr. Conall Garrett Donaghy 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: 026426

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=9c69a53f-166d-4368-a561-56d6e0ded81d&i=386

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