Dr. Denise Ann Mackey

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

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.

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.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.
• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.
• 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. Mackey, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Exploring all appropriate non-operative avenues before considering surgery.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Expert evaluation to diagnose injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Reconstructive surgery for severe bone and joint injuries.
• 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.

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

• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Mackey when they first notice their spine being curved (like scoliosis). Through personalized orthopedic care, the goal is to achieve improved hand or foot function for daily activities, enabling them to once again enjoy opening jars or turning doorknobs without difficulty (for hand issues) without hesitation.
• Effectively addressing pain and weakness after a bad fall or accident with Dr. Mackey's comprehensive orthopedic approach often leads to the desired outcome of reduced or eliminated numbness and tingling from nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel), enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in participating in family vacations and outings that involve walking and social interactions.
• The journey from difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear to wellness often involves Dr. Mackey's dedicated care. The milestone is their child's musculoskeletal condition being successfully managed or corrected, which opens the door back to activities such as gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work.

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

Dr. Mackey's orthopedic clinic in Calgary is situated in the SE: Inglewood, Ramsay, Beltline East neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near WinSport Canada Olympic Park (Ski jumps, Bobsleigh) and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

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

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

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Mackey 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. Mackey 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 is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Mackey 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. Mackey 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 does Dr. Mackey treat broken bones (fractures)?

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

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Mackey 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. Mackey 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. Mackey 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.

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

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. Mackey 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. Mackey 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 does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Mackey do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Mackey 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 are some common conditions an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Mackey treats?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Mackey 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.

300-3916 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary, AB, T2G 2C5

Phone: (587) 355-3090

Dr. Denise Ann Mackey 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: 034630

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=a5946a70-9534-4254-a6a9-c8ca87778c78&i=906

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