Dr. Kirsten Leah Hickie

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Kirsten Leah Hickie 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): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.
• Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.

Sports Injuries

• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Diagnosing and treating tears of major ligaments in the knee (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), shoulder (rotator cuff, labrum), ankle, and elbow, often requiring surgical repair or reconstruction.
• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.

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

• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Reconstructive surgery for severe bone and joint injuries.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Utilizing image guidance (e.g., ultrasound) for precise injection placement when necessary.
• 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): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.
• 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.

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

• Many people seek Dr. Hickie's professional help and expertise when dealing with their knee pain getting so bad they can barely walk or climb stairs. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently feeling empowered to take an active role in their recovery and rehabilitation, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to their child running and playing with friends without limitations.
• If arthritis in their hands making it hard to grip things is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Hickie develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work.
• Are you struggling with chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments? Dr. Hickie partners with patients to target improved quality of life due to reduced pain and better physical function, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as playing their favorite sport (e.g., hockey, soccer, tennis, golf) a much more achievable reality.

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

Dr. Hickie's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Trail, is situated in a central location within the Trail neighborhood of Trail. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Hickie do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Hickie 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.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Hickie at the clinic?

Your 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. Hickie 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. Hickie 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.

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

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

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Hickie 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. Hickie 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.

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

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

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Hickie 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. Hickie 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.

305-1101 Dewdney Ave
Trail, BC, V1R 4T1

Phone: (250) 364-1599

Dr. Kirsten Leah Hickie 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: 58391

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/343503/Hickie%2CKirsten

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