Dr. S. Mark A. Heard – Orthopedic Surgeon | Canmore, AB

Dr. S. Mark A. Heard is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Canmore, AB, Dr. Heard is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Heard 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. As a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Heard is 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. Heard serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. S. Mark A. Heard earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from Uofc - University Of Calgary, graduating in 1986. Subsequently, Dr. Heard completed advanced specialty training in Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Heard brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Heard's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Heard 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. Heard's surgical practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care; a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient's goals and lifestyle in mind; exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate. Dr. Heard provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. S. Mark A. Heard 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.

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.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).

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. Heard, 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.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the affected area for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Expert evaluation to diagnose injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Specialized surgical procedures to replace damaged joints with artificial implants.
• 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. Heard. 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. S. Mark A. Heard 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. S. Mark A. Heard's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Heard frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Many people seek Dr. Heard's professional help and expertise when dealing with their hip hurting all the time, making it hard to sleep or get around. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently alleviation of back or neck pain after appropriate intervention, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to enjoying hobbies that require fine motor skills or physical activity.
• For individuals troubled by numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel), Dr. Heard's approach is focused on delivering a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain. This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up with restored musculoskeletal health.
• When needing a joint replacement because of severe arthritis begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Heard helps patients strive for the ability to participate more fully in family and social life. This makes participating in activities such as kneeling down or squatting without severe pain (for knee/hip issues) a pleasant and possible experience again.

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

Dr. Heard's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Canmore, is situated in a central location within the Canmore neighborhood of Canmore. 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. Heard do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Heard 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.

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

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

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Heard 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. Heard 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. Heard covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Heard are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, 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.

213-300 Old Canmore Rd
Canmore, AB, T1W 0L5

Phone: (403) 760-2897

Dr. S. Mark A. Heard 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: 010628

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=1aa8e0ef-f512-4d00-a604-fc6eb3ad26e3&i=604

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