Dr. Luke Eldon Heinrichs – Orthopedic Surgeon | Medicine Hat, AB

Dr. Luke Eldon Heinrichs is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Medicine Hat, AB, Dr. Heinrichs is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Heinrichs 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. Heinrichs 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. Luke Eldon Heinrichs earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of Saskatchewan, graduating in 2015. Subsequently, Dr. Heinrichs completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Heinrichs brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Heinrichs's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Heinrichs 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. Heinrichs'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. Heinrichs provides consultations in English.

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

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
• 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.

Traumatic Injuries

• 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.

Sports Injuries

• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and 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.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.

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

• 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.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: In-depth consultation to determine the cause of musculoskeletal pain, instability, or dysfunction and to develop a personalized care plan.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Reconstructive surgery for severe bone and joint injuries.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Heinrichs. 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. Luke Eldon Heinrichs adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. Luke Eldon Heinrichs's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Heinrichs frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Heinrichs about their child being born with a clubfoot or hip problems is to attain being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again. This success not only improves musculoskeletal health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like enjoying hobbies that require fine motor skills or physical activity.
• Dr. Heinrichs's comprehensive care for a bunion on their foot that's causing a lot of pain is meticulously designed to result in increased stability in an unstable joint. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as carrying a backpack or handbag without shoulder or back pain without musculoskeletal worries.
• Many people seek Dr. Heinrichs's professional help and expertise when dealing with trouble with their Achilles tendon making it painful to walk or run. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently feeling more confident in their physical abilities, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to hiking, running, or cycling again.

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

Dr. Heinrichs's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Medicine Hat, is situated in the Downtown Medicine Hat, SE Hill, River Flats neighborhood of Medicine Hat. The clinic is conveniently located near Medicine Hat College and is accessible via Medicine Hat Transit. Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Heinrichs do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Heinrichs 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.

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

Recovery time after orthopedic surgery varies greatly depending on the type of surgery, the specific joint or bone, the patient's age and health, and their rehabilitation adherence. Some minor procedures may recover in a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months. Dr. Heinrichs will discuss the expected timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

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

The first visit involves a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the problem, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily life. Dr. Heinrichs will review previous treatments, perform a physical examination, and review any prior imaging. Based on this, Dr. Heinrichs will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Heinrichs covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP))?

Most consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon are typically covered by provincial health plans like AHCIP in AB, with a valid health card and referral. Diagnostic imaging is usually covered. However, some items like certain braces or injections may not be fully covered. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check private insurance coverage.

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

Yes, in AB, a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is generally required for consultations and surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like AHCIP. This ensures the consultation is appropriate and Dr. Heinrichs has 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. Heinrichs recommend it?

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, replaces damaged or arthritic parts of a joint with artificial components. Dr. Heinrichs 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.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Heinrichs treat all types of bone fractures. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, its location, and the patient's health. Non-surgical treatment may involve realigning the bone and immobilizing it. Surgical treatment might be necessary for complex fractures, open fractures, or fractures unlikely to heal well with casting. Surgical options include internal or external fixation. Dr. Heinrichs will determine the most appropriate treatment.

623 4 St SE, 302
Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 0L1

Phone: (403) 902-1481

Dr. Luke Eldon Heinrichs 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: 025588

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=dcd8a7e1-7f63-46d9-b73f-033864f158c8&i=607

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