Dr. Ronald Jason O’Brien – Orthopedic Surgeon | Vernon, BC

Dr. Ronald Jason O'Brien is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Vernon, BC, Dr. O'Brien is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. O'Brien 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. O'Brien 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. Ronald Jason O'Brien earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of Ottawa, graduating in 1997. Subsequently, Dr. O'Brien completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. O'Brien brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. O'Brien's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. O'Brien 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. O'Brien'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; a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care. Dr. O'Brien provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Ronald Jason O'Brien diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).
• 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.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.

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

• 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.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Exploring all appropriate non-operative avenues before considering surgery.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.

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

• A key objective when treating a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing at Dr. O'Brien's welcoming clinic is achieving a safe return to work after an injury. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like getting in and out of a car or chair without difficulty.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for arthritis in their hands making it hard to grip things at Dr. O'Brien's practice is consistently achieving reduced or eliminated numbness and tingling from nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel). This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as playing their favorite sport (e.g., hockey, soccer, tennis, golf).
• Understanding the frustration needing a joint replacement because of severe arthritis can cause, Dr. O'Brien tailors treatments to ensure patients achieve improved quality of life due to reduced pain and better physical function, allowing for renewed participation in activities like hiking, running, or cycling again.

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

Dr. O'Brien's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Vernon, is situated in the Central Vernon, Downtown neighborhood of Vernon. The clinic is conveniently located near Vernon Jubilee Hospital and is accessible via Vernon Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. O'Brien do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. O'Brien 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.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. O'Brien 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. O'Brien 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.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. O'Brien 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. O'Brien 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. O'Brien 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. O'Brien treat broken bones (fractures)?

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

How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. O'Brien?

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

Unit 3-4010 27th St
Vernon, BC, V1T 4X7

Phone: (250) 260-3344

Dr. Ronald Jason O'Brien 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: 28221

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/328579/O%27Brien%2CRonald

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