Dr. Leon Van Der Watt is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Duncan, BC, Dr. Van Der Watt is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Van Der Watt 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. Van Der Watt 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. Leon Van Der Watt earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of Pretoria, South Africa, graduating in 2006. Subsequently, Dr. Van Der Watt completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Van Der Watt brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Van Der Watt's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Van Der Watt 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. Van Der Watt's surgical practice philosophy include: a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient; a focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible. Dr. Van Der Watt provides consultations in English.
As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Leon Van Der Watt 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
- Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
- Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Operative treatment to remove infected bone and tissue.
- Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.
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.
- Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
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. Van Der Watt, 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): Surgical replacement of the knee joint, including total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement, for severe arthritis or injury.
- Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Thorough assessment of musculoskeletal conditions, including detailed history, physical examination, review of imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and discussion of treatment options.
- Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
- 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.
- General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Offering operative solutions for orthopedic problems when conservative measures are insufficient.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Van Der Watt. 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. Leon Van Der Watt 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. Leon Van Der Watt's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Van Der Watt frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- With Dr. Van Der Watt's compassionate and skilled orthopedic care, managing needing a joint replacement because of severe arthritis is focused on achieving a clear diagnosis and understanding of their musculoskeletal condition. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to carrying a backpack or handbag without shoulder or back pain without severe physical limitations.
- Dr. Van Der Watt often consults with patients whose having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful significantly limits their enjoyment of reaching overhead or behind their back comfortably (for shoulder issues) or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
- Dr. Van Der Watt's comprehensive care for their spine being curved (like scoliosis) is meticulously designed to result in being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as opening jars or turning doorknobs without difficulty (for hand issues) without musculoskeletal worries.
Your personalized treatment plan, whether surgical or non-surgical, developed in consultation with Dr. Van Der Watt, will be carefully designed to help you achieve your specific musculoskeletal goals. Dr. Van Der Watt is committed to providing expert orthopedic care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.
Dr. Van Der Watt's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Duncan, is situated in a central location within the Duncan neighborhood of Duncan. 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 does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Van Der Watt do?
- An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Van Der Watt is a medical doctor (physician) specializing 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. Orthopedic Surgeons use both surgical methods (like joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical methods (like medication, injections, bracing, or recommending physiotherapy). Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.
- What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Van Der Watt at the clinic?
- Your first visit will involve a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the specific problem, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily life. Dr. Van Der Watt will review any previous treatments and perform a thorough physical examination. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Van Der Watt will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options (non-surgical and surgical), working with you to establish goals.
- How does Dr. Van Der Watt treat broken bones (fractures)?
- Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Van Der Watt treat 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 and immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace. Surgical treatment might be necessary for complex fractures, open fractures, or fractures unlikely to heal well with casting. Surgical options include internal fixation (plates, screws, rods, or pins) or external fixation (a frame outside the body connected to pins in the bone). Dr. Van Der Watt will determine the most appropriate treatment.
- What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Van Der Watt recommend it?
- Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, replaces damaged or arthritic parts of a joint (hip, knee, or shoulder) with artificial components. Dr. Van Der Watt might recommend it if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a significant injury, and non-surgical treatments are inadequate. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.
- How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Van Der Watt?
- 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 rehabilitation plan. Some minor procedures may have a recovery of a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months. Dr. Van Der Watt will discuss the expected recovery timeline during the pre-operative consultation.
- Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Van Der Watt 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. Van Der Watt are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC, 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. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.
3106 Gibbins Rd
Duncan, BC, V9L 1E8
Phone: (250) 746-7711
Dr. Leon Van Der Watt 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: 59665
Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/370957/Van%20Der%20Watt%2CLeon
A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required to see Dr. Van Der Watt. Dr. Van Der Watt 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.