About
Dr. Kenneth Charles Thomas is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Alberta Spine Foundation - Foothills Hospital in Calgary, AB, Dr. Thomas is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Thomas 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. Thomas 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. Kenneth Charles Thomas earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from Queen'S University, graduating in 1997. Subsequently, Dr. Thomas completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Thomas brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Thomas's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. In addition to core qualifications in Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgeon may hold or have completed further certifications/training such as: LMCC. Dr. Thomas 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. Thomas'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. Thomas provides consultations in English.
As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Charles Thomas diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:
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.
- 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.
Bone Joint Disorders General
- Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Operative treatment to remove infected bone and tissue.
- Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).
- Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
Traumatic Injuries
- Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.
- Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.
- Fractures (Broken Bones): Management of acute fractures of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and axial skeleton.
- Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
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: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).
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. Thomas, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.
- Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
- Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Performing primary and revision hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgeries to relieve pain and restore function in patients with advanced arthritis or joint damage.
- Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.
- 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. Thomas. 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. Kenneth Charles Thomas adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).
At Alberta Spine Foundation - Foothills Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Thomas frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful, Dr. Thomas 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 dressing themselves, including putting on socks and shoes.
- When chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to playing their favorite sport (e.g., hockey, soccer, tennis, golf), Dr. Thomas and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their child's musculoskeletal condition being successfully managed or corrected and a return to comfort and confidence in their movement.
- For those affected by their hip hurting all the time, making it hard to sleep or get around, Dr. Thomas provides solutions that lead to improved hand or foot function for daily activities. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to participating in fitness classes or going to the gym.
Your personalized treatment plan, whether surgical or non-surgical, developed in consultation with Dr. Thomas, will be carefully designed to help you achieve your specific musculoskeletal goals. Dr. Thomas is committed to providing expert orthopedic care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.
Dr. Thomas practices at Alberta Spine Foundation - Foothills Hospital, situated in the NW: Hillhurst, Westmount, Sunnyside (Kensington) neighborhood of Calgary. The clinic is conveniently located near Peter Lougheed Centre and is accessible via Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.
- How is an Orthopedic Surgeon different from a Rheumatologist or a Physiatrist?
- Orthopedic Surgeons, like Dr. Thomas, are surgical specialists focusing on musculoskeletal problems, using both surgical and non-surgical methods. Rheumatologists primarily manage non-surgical inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting joints, muscles, and bones, often using medications. Physiatrists (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialists) focus on optimizing function and quality of life through primarily non-surgical means and rehabilitation planning.
- How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Thomas?
- Recovery time varies greatly depending on the type of surgery, the specific joint or bone, the patient's age and health, and their adherence to the post-operative rehabilitation plan. Minor procedures may take a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months. Dr. Thomas will discuss the expected timeline during the pre-operative consultation.
- Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Thomas 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. Thomas 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 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 best to inquire with Alberta Spine Foundation - Foothills Hospital about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with private insurance, if applicable.
- Do I typically need a referral to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Thomas?
- Yes, in AB, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Thomas for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This ensures the consultation is appropriate and Dr. Thomas has the necessary background information. Speak with your primary care physician if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.
- What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Thomas recommend it?
- Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, replaces damaged or arthritic parts of a joint with artificial components. Dr. Thomas might recommend it if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or significant injury, and non-surgical treatments are inadequate. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.
- What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Thomas at Alberta Spine Foundation - Foothills Hospital?
- The first visit involves a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment, including a detailed discussion of your medical history, the problem, and its impact on daily life. Dr. Thomas will perform a physical examination, review any prior imaging, discuss diagnostic impressions, recommend further investigations if needed, and outline potential treatment options.
- What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Thomas do?
- An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Thomas specializes in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. They manage a wide range of conditions using both surgical and non-surgical methods to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.
- How does Dr. Thomas treat broken bones (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 and immobilizing it. Surgical treatment might be necessary for more complex fractures, using internal or external fixation. Dr. Thomas will determine the most appropriate treatment.
Alberta Spine Foundation - Foothills Hospital
1403 29 St NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9
Phone: (403) 944-3070 | Website: http://albertaspine.org/
Dr. Kenneth Charles Thomas 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: 13145
Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=b707abf1-31fd-4872-82d1-bdda7936c369&i=1439
A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required to see Dr. Thomas. Dr. Thomas 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.