Dr. Timothy Kostamo – Orthopedic Surgeon | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Timothy Kostamo is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Timothy Kostamo Clinic Vancouver in Burnaby, BC, Dr. Kostamo is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kostamo 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. Kostamo 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. Timothy Kostamo earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of British Columbia, graduating in 2002. Subsequently, Dr. Kostamo completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kostamo brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Kostamo's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kostamo 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. Kostamo's surgical practice philosophy include: a focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible; providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey. Dr. Kostamo is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Finnish and German.

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

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.
• 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): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.
• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• 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. Kostamo, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

• 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.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Performing primary and revision hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgeries to relieve pain and restore function in patients with advanced arthritis or joint damage.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Reconstructive surgery for severe bone and joint injuries.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Kostamo. 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. Timothy Kostamo 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 Timothy Kostamo Clinic Vancouver, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Kostamo frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. Kostamo's clinic, addressing a growth or lump on one of their bones or in their muscles means focusing on patient goals. Achieving improved quality of life due to reduced pain and better physical function helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to playing their favorite sport (e.g., hockey, soccer, tennis, golf).
• Overcoming or effectively managing numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel) is a common journey for patients under Dr. Kostamo's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling reduced or eliminated numbness and tingling from nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel), so that daily routines and pleasures like standing for longer periods without discomfort become more manageable again.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Kostamo to see patients who were troubled by having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful successfully achieve the ability to participate more fully in family and social life. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their child running and playing with friends without limitations.

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

Timothy Kostamo Clinic Vancouver is situated in the Metrotown Area, Burnaby South neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near Central Park Access and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Kostamo 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. Kostamo 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. Kostamo 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. Kostamo 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 Timothy Kostamo Clinic Vancouver about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

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. Kostamo 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. Kostamo at Timothy Kostamo Clinic Vancouver?

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. Kostamo 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. Kostamo 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 does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kostamo do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kostamo 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.

Timothy Kostamo Clinic Vancouver
106-3825 Sunset St
Burnaby, BC, V5G 1T4

Phone: (604) 437-9600

Dr. Timothy Kostamo 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: 63158

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/326501/Kostamo%2CTimothy

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