Dr. David John Stockton

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

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• 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.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Comprehensive care for broken bones, ensuring proper alignment, healing, and restoration of function.

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

• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Performing primary and revision hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgeries to relieve pain and restore function in patients with advanced arthritis or joint damage.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Surgical replacement of the knee joint, including total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement, for severe arthritis or injury.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
• 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.

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

• When patients discuss needing a joint replacement because of severe arthritis, Dr. Stockton outlines a path to improved quality of life due to reduced pain and better physical function, aiming to restore not just musculoskeletal health but also the ability to comfortably reaching overhead or behind their back comfortably (for shoulder issues).
• If breaking their arm/leg/hip and needing it fixed is preventing you from fully enjoying getting in and out of a car or chair without difficulty or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Stockton offers expert orthopedic solutions. The primary aim is to achieve a clear diagnosis and understanding of their musculoskeletal condition through comprehensive and personalized care.
• Through Dr. Stockton's skilled guidance and modern surgical techniques, patients suffering from chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments often find they can readily achieve learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like standing for longer periods without discomfort.

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

Dr. Stockton's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Vancouver, is situated in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Cambie Village and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

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

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

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

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Stockton do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Stockton 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.

3rd Floor - 2775 Laurel St., Orthopaedic Trauma Office
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-5809

Dr. David John Stockton 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: 58135

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/340875/Stockton%2CDavid

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