Dr. Jeffrey Michael Potter – Orthopedic Surgeon | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Jeffrey Michael Potter is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Potter is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Potter 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. As a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Potter is 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. Potter serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. Jeffrey Michael Potter earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from Queen'S University, graduating in 2010. Subsequently, Dr. Potter completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Potter brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Potter's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Potter 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. Potter'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. Potter provides consultations in English.

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

Sports Injuries

• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.
• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.

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.

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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).

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

• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Specialized surgical procedures to replace damaged joints with artificial implants.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the affected area for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.
• 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.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: In-depth consultation to determine the cause of musculoskeletal pain, instability, or dysfunction and to develop a personalized care plan.

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

• The path to improved musculoskeletal wellness, especially when facing arthritis in their hands making it hard to grip things, involves working systematically towards correction of a deformity (e.g., bunion, scoliosis, clubfoot). Dr. Potter expertly guides patients through this process so they can once again enjoy life's moments, including dressing themselves, including putting on socks and shoes.
• Patients presenting with a sports injury that needs surgery to repair a torn ligament or tendon can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of significant pain relief in their affected joint or limb under Dr. Potter's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work without the former limitations or discomfort.
• At Dr. Potter's clinic, addressing a previous surgery that didn't heal right or is still causing problems means focusing on patient goals. Achieving a successful arthroscopic repair of a torn ligament or cartilage helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to carrying a backpack or handbag without shoulder or back pain.

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

Dr. Potter's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Vancouver, is situated in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium/Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Potter 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. Potter are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the 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. Potter do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Potter 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.

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

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

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Potter 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. Potter 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. Potter 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. Potter 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. Potter 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.

3rd Floor- 2775 Laurel Street
Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-5809

Dr. Jeffrey Michael Potter 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: 67434

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/335743/Potter%2CJeffrey

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