Dr. Stephen Sohmer

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

Sports Injuries

• 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.

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).
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Operative treatment to remove infected bone and tissue.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
• Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.
• 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.

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

• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Utilizing image guidance (e.g., ultrasound) for precise injection placement when necessary.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Expert review and interpretation of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds related to orthopedic conditions.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Specialized surgical treatment for severe fractures, multiple injuries, pelvic and acetabular fractures, and post-traumatic complications like nonunions or malunions.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• 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. Sohmer. 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. Stephen Sohmer 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. Stephen Sohmer's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Sohmer frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Sohmer expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a recent ankle sprain that isn't getting better. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by an effective surgical or non-surgical treatment plan tailored to their needs, means they can happily and comfortably get back to gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work.
• Dr. Sohmer understands that dealing with needing a joint replacement because of severe arthritis can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving improved hand or foot function for daily activities, helping patients comfortably get back to enjoying hobbies that require fine motor skills or physical activity and feeling their best.
• Through Dr. Sohmer's skilled guidance and modern surgical techniques, patients suffering from their fingers getting stuck in a bent position (trigger finger) often find they can readily achieve regaining strength and function after an injury or surgery and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like their child running and playing with friends without limitations.

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

Dr. Sohmer's orthopedic clinic in Campbell River is situated in the Downtown Campbell River, North Campbell River neighborhood of Campbell River. The clinic is conveniently located near Museum at Campbell River and is accessible via Campbell River Transit System (BC Transit). Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Sohmer 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. Sohmer 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. Sohmer 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. Sohmer 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 does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Sohmer do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Sohmer 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. Sohmer?

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. Sohmer 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. Sohmer 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. Sohmer 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. Sohmer 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.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Sohmer 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. Sohmer 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.

102-801 Hilchey Rd
Campbell River, BC, V9W 0B8

Phone: (778) 346-2019

Dr. Stephen Sohmer 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: 29771

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/332671/Sohmer%2CStephen

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