Dr. Kelly Dean Johnston – Orthopedic Surgeon | Kelowna, BC

Dr. Kelly Dean Johnston is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Kelowna, BC, Dr. Johnston is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Johnston 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. Johnston 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. Kelly Dean Johnston earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of Alberta, graduating in 2001. Subsequently, Dr. Johnston completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Johnston brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Johnston's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Johnston 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. Johnston's surgical practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. Johnston provides consultations in English.

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

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): Management of acute fractures of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and axial skeleton.

Sports Injuries

• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.
• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.
• Osteoarthritis: Managing joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function caused by wear-and-tear arthritis affecting joints like the hip, knee, shoulder, hand, or spine.

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

• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Administering injections such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation), or local anesthetics into joints or soft tissues to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Comprehensive care for bone fractures, including closed reduction and casting, as well as surgical fixation with plates, screws, rods, or external fixators.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Expert review and interpretation of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds related to orthopedic conditions.

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

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Johnston with concerns about a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve an effective surgical or non-surgical treatment plan tailored to their needs, making a positive and lasting return to participating in family vacations and outings that involve walking not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Understanding the frustration trouble with their Achilles tendon making it painful to walk or run can cause, Dr. Johnston tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve successful removal or treatment of a bone or soft tissue tumor, allowing for renewed participation in activities like kneeling down or squatting without severe pain (for knee/hip issues).
• Dr. Johnston understands that dealing with their knee pain getting so bad they can barely walk or climb stairs can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition, helping patients comfortably get back to dressing themselves, including putting on socks and shoes and feeling their best.

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

Dr. Johnston's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Kelowna, is situated in the Upper Mission, Kettle Valley neighborhood of Kelowna. The clinic is conveniently located near City Park and is accessible via Kelowna Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Johnston do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Johnston 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. Johnston?

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

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Johnston 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. Johnston 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 can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Johnston 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. Johnston 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. Johnston 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. Johnston?

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

401-3320 Richter St, Okanagan Health Surgical Centre
Kelowna, BC, V1W 4V5

Phone: (250) 868-9799

Dr. Kelly Dean Johnston 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: 29101

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/328744/Johnston%2CKelly

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