Dr. James Moore Dunwoody – Orthopedic Surgeon | Burnaby, BC

Dr. James Moore Dunwoody is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Lions Gate Hospital in Burnaby, BC, Dr. Dunwoody is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Dunwoody 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. Dunwoody 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. James Moore Dunwoody earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from Queen's University, graduating in 1991. Subsequently, Dr. Dunwoody completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Dunwoody brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Dunwoody's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Dunwoody 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. Dunwoody'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; a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care. Dr. Dunwoody provides consultations in English.

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

Traumatic Injuries

• Fractures (Broken Bones): Comprehensive care for broken bones, ensuring proper alignment, healing, and restoration of function.
• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.

Sports Injuries

• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction.
• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• 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.

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

• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Exploring all appropriate non-operative avenues before considering surgery.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Dunwoody. 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. James Moore Dunwoody 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 Lions Gate Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Dunwoody frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Dunwoody's skilled guidance and modern surgical techniques, patients suffering from difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear often find they can readily achieve increased stability in an unstable joint and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like performing personal hygiene tasks independently.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Dunwoody about chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments is to attain successful removal or treatment of a bone or soft tissue tumor. This success not only improves musculoskeletal health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like walking without a limp or significant pain.
• Patients presenting with numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel) 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. Dunwoody's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume standing for longer periods without discomfort without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Dr. Dunwoody's practice is located at Lions Gate Hospital in the Metrotown Area, Burnaby South neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near Metropolis at Metrotown and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

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

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Dunwoody 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. Dunwoody 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. Dunwoody do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dunwoody 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.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dunwoody 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. Dunwoody 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 Lions Gate Hospital about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Dunwoody 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. Dunwoody 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. Dunwoody at Lions Gate Hospital?

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. Dunwoody 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. Dunwoody 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. Dunwoody?

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. Dunwoody 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. Dunwoody has the necessary background medical information. Advise patients to speak with their primary care physician or referring doctor if they believe they need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

Lions Gate Hospital
106-3825 Sunset St
Burnaby, BC, V5G 1T4

Phone: (604) 437-9600 | Website: http://www.vch.ca/locations-and-services/find-locations/find-locations?site_id=95

Dr. James Moore Dunwoody 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: 25263

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/308310/Dunwoody%2CJames

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