Dr. Erasmus Jacobus Smith

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Erasmus Jacobus Smith 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): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.

Sports Injuries

• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.
• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.

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. Smith, 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.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the affected area for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Expert treatment of broken bones in adults and children, aiming for optimal healing and functional recovery.

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

• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Smith to see patients who were troubled by their child being born with a clubfoot or hip problems successfully achieve reduced or eliminated numbness and tingling from nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel). This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like typing, writing, or using tools without hand or wrist pain.
• If pain and weakness after a bad fall or accident has unfortunately put standing for longer periods without discomfort on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Smith works closely with patients towards attaining improved hand or foot function for daily activities, effectively helping them regain their previous level of physical function and confidence.
• Patients experiencing chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments often express a desire to improve their physical function and reduce pain. At Dr. Smith's practice, a key objective is a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in returning to their job, especially if it's physically demanding.

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

Dr. Smith's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Nanaimo, is situated in the Central Nanaimo, Departure Bay neighborhood of Nanaimo. The clinic is conveniently located near Brooks Landing Shopping Centre and is accessible via Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

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

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

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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 does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Smith do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Smith 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 should I bring to my orthopedic appointment with Dr. Smith?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC card), the referral letter, a list of all current medications (including dosage and frequency), copies of relevant medical records, imaging reports AND the actual images if on a CD/USB (X-ray, MRI, CT scans – images are very important for orthopedic review), and any pertinent test results. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy examination of the affected body part(s) (e.g., shorts for a knee problem). If you use any braces, splints, or assistive devices, bring those as well.

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

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. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith 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. 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 can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Smith 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. Smith 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. Smith 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.

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

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

301-1515 Dufferin Cres
Nanaimo, BC, V9S 5H6

Phone: (250) 754-9244

Dr. Erasmus Jacobus Smith 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: 29377

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/331651/Smith%2CErasmus

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