Dr. Jennifer Hunter – Orthopedic Surgeon | Canmore, AB

Dr. Jennifer Hunter is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Canmore, AB, Dr. Hunter is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Hunter is licensed by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of surgical practice in AB.

Dr. Hunter 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. Jennifer Hunter earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2016. Subsequently, Dr. Hunter completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Hunter brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Hunter's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Hunter 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. Hunter's surgical practice philosophy include: a focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible; a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient's goals and lifestyle in mind; providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey. Dr. Hunter provides consultations in English.

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

Sports Injuries

• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.
• Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.

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

• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: In-depth consultation to determine the cause of musculoskeletal pain, instability, or dysfunction and to develop a personalized care plan.
• 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.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.
• 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. Hunter. 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. Jennifer Hunter 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. Jennifer Hunter's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Hunter frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A key objective when treating having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful at Dr. Hunter's welcoming clinic is achieving reduced or eliminated numbness and tingling from nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel). This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like kneeling down or squatting without severe pain (for knee/hip issues).
• Dr. Hunter's comprehensive care for their child being born with a clubfoot or hip problems is meticulously designed to result in a safe return to work after an injury. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as climbing stairs easily and without holding on for dear life without musculoskeletal worries.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing, Dr. Hunter offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach an effective surgical or non-surgical treatment plan tailored to their needs. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of carrying a backpack or handbag without shoulder or back pain.

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

Dr. Hunter's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Canmore, is situated in a central location within the Canmore neighborhood of Canmore. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Hunter 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. Hunter 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. Hunter treat broken bones (fractures)?

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

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

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

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Hunter 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. Hunter 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 should I bring to my orthopedic appointment with Dr. Hunter?

Bring your provincial health card (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Hunter 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. Hunter 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. Hunter will discuss her 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.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Hunter do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Hunter 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. Hunter?

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. Hunter 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. Hunter has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

213-300 Old Canmore Rd
Canmore, AB, T1W 0L5

Phone: (403) 760-2897

Dr. Jennifer Hunter 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: 036046

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=277747b5-c730-4ace-9143-7a35d3714d82&i=651

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