Dr. Konstantinos Peter Panagiotopoulos – Orthopedic Surgeon | North Vancouver, BC

Dr. Konstantinos Peter Panagiotopoulos is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in North Vancouver, BC, Dr. Panagiotopoulos is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Panagiotopoulos 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. Panagiotopoulos 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. Konstantinos Peter Panagiotopoulos earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1997. Subsequently, Dr. Panagiotopoulos completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Panagiotopoulos brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Panagiotopoulos's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Panagiotopoulos 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. Panagiotopoulos's surgical practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care; exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. Panagiotopoulos provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Konstantinos Peter Panagiotopoulos 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): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.
• 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: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.

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.
• 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.
• Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• 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): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.

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. Panagiotopoulos, 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: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Utilizing image guidance (e.g., ultrasound) for precise injection placement when necessary.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Comprehensive care for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, from pre-operative planning to post-operative rehabilitation.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Comprehensive non-surgical management strategies to alleviate pain, improve function, and promote healing.
• 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. Panagiotopoulos. 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. Konstantinos Peter Panagiotopoulos 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. Konstantinos Peter Panagiotopoulos's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Panagiotopoulos frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Panagiotopoulos about their child being born with a clubfoot or hip problems is to attain a successful arthroscopic repair of a torn ligament or cartilage. This success not only improves musculoskeletal health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like returning to their job, especially if it's physically demanding.
• When trouble with their Achilles tendon making it painful to walk or run starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to participating in family vacations and outings that involve walking, Dr. Panagiotopoulos and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by improved mobility and ability to walk, climb stairs, or move more freely and a return to comfort and confidence in their movement.
• If breaking their arm/leg/hip and needing it fixed has unfortunately put carrying a backpack or handbag without shoulder or back pain on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Panagiotopoulos works closely with patients towards attaining being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again, effectively helping them regain their previous level of physical function and confidence.

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

Dr. Panagiotopoulos's practice, an orthopedic clinic in North Vancouver, is situated in a central location within the North Vancouver neighborhood of North Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

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

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

Do I typically need a referral to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Panagiotopoulos?

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Panagiotopoulos do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Panagiotopoulos 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 is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Panagiotopoulos 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. Panagiotopoulos 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.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Panagiotopoulos 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. Panagiotopoulos 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. Panagiotopoulos 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.

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

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

213-145 15th St W
North Vancouver, BC, V7M 1R9

Phone: (604) 983-0699

Dr. Konstantinos Peter Panagiotopoulos 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: 27624

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/313265/Panagiotopoulos%2CKonstantinos

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