Dr. David Walter Cruickshank – Orthopedic Surgeon | Kamloops, BC

Dr. David Walter Cruickshank is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Kamloops, BC, Dr. Cruickshank is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Cruickshank 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. Cruickshank 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. David Walter Cruickshank earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2011. Subsequently, Dr. Cruickshank completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Cruickshank brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Cruickshank's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Cruickshank 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. Cruickshank's surgical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient's goals and lifestyle in mind; exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate. Dr. Cruickshank provides consultations in English.

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

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.

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): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

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

Traumatic Injuries

• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.
• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.

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. Cruickshank, 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.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Administering injections such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation), or local anesthetics into joints or soft tissues to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Comprehensive non-surgical management strategies to alleviate pain, improve function, and promote healing.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Reconstructive surgery for severe bone and joint injuries.
• 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. Cruickshank. 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 Walter Cruickshank 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 Walter Cruickshank's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Cruickshank frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Cruickshank expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by the ability to participate more fully in family and social life, means they can happily and comfortably get back to confidently navigating uneven surfaces or terrain.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Cruickshank about breaking their arm/leg/hip and needing it fixed is to attain feeling empowered to take an active role in their recovery and rehabilitation. This success not only improves musculoskeletal health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up.
• For patients where numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel) is a primary concern, Dr. Cruickshank focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition. 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. Cruickshank, will be carefully designed to help you achieve your specific musculoskeletal goals. Dr. Cruickshank is committed to providing expert orthopedic care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.

Dr. Cruickshank's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Kamloops, is situated in the Downtown Kamloops, South Shore East (Valleyview) neighborhood of Kamloops. The clinic is conveniently located near Sandman Centre (Arena) and is accessible via Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Cruickshank 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. Cruickshank 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. Cruickshank?

In BC, 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. Cruickshank for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Cruickshank has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

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

The first visit will typically 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. Cruickshank 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. Cruickshank will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical, working with you to establish goals.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Cruickshank 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. Cruickshank are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC, provided you have 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. Inquire with the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Cruickshank 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. Cruickshank might recommend joint replacement if you have 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. Cruickshank?

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Cruickshank do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Cruickshank 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.

#200 - 300 Columbia St.
Kamloops, BC, V2C 6L1

Phone: (778) 910-0037

Dr. David Walter Cruickshank 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: 62681

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332321/Cruickshank%2CDavid

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