Dr. Derek Butterwick – Orthopedic Surgeon | Kamloops, BC

Dr. Derek Butterwick is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Kamloops, BC, Dr. Butterwick is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Butterwick 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. Butterwick 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. Derek Butterwick earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of Ottawa, graduating in 2008. Subsequently, Dr. Butterwick completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Butterwick brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Butterwick's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Butterwick 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. Butterwick's surgical practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care; providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. Butterwick provides consultations in English.

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

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).

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: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.

Sports Injuries

• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.
• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).

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

• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the affected area for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Comprehensive non-surgical management strategies to alleviate pain, improve function, and promote healing.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Thorough assessment of musculoskeletal conditions, including detailed history, physical examination, review of imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and discussion of treatment options.
• 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.

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

• Patients presenting with their fingers getting stuck in a bent position (trigger finger) can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain under Dr. Butterwick's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume getting in and out of a car or chair without difficulty without the former limitations or discomfort.
• When patients discuss numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel), Dr. Butterwick outlines a path to their child's musculoskeletal condition being successfully managed or corrected, aiming to restore not just musculoskeletal health but also the ability to comfortably hiking, running, or cycling again.
• A key objective when treating their spine being curved (like scoliosis) at Dr. Butterwick's welcoming clinic is achieving being able to return to sports or recreational activities they enjoy. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like their child running and playing with friends without limitations.

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

Dr. Butterwick's orthopedic clinic in Kamloops is situated in the Downtown Kamloops, South Shore East (Valleyview) neighborhood of Kamloops. The clinic is conveniently located near Royal Inland Hospital and is accessible via the Kamloops Transit System (BC Transit). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

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

What is the policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations at our clinic for Dr. Butterwick?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 72 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Butterwick. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than the requested notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee of $100. We appreciate your cooperation.

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

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Butterwick 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. Butterwick 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.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Butterwick do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Butterwick 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.

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

Yes, 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. Butterwick 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. Butterwick 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. Butterwick 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. Butterwick 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. Butterwick 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.

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

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

321 Nicola St, Suite 303
Kamloops, BC, V2C 6G6

Phone: (236) 425-4275

Dr. Derek Butterwick 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: 66994

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/346039/Butterwick%2CDerek

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