Dr. Vu Hoan Le – Orthopedic Surgeon | North Vancouver, BC

Dr. Vu Hoan Le is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in North Vancouver, BC, Dr. Le is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Le 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. Le 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. Vu Hoan Le earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2011. Subsequently, Dr. Le completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Le brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Le's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Le 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. Le'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; exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate. Dr. Le is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Vietnamese.

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

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.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).

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.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• 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): Treating bone death caused by a loss of blood supply, commonly affecting the hip, knee, or shoulder, which can lead to joint collapse.
• Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.

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

• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Administering injections such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation), or local anesthetics into joints or soft tissues to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Exploring all appropriate non-operative avenues before considering surgery.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Specialized surgical procedures to replace damaged joints with artificial implants.

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

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Le about pain and weakness after a bad fall or accident is to attain a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain. This success not only improves musculoskeletal health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like reaching overhead or behind their back comfortably (for shoulder issues).
• Overcoming or effectively managing a recent ankle sprain that isn't getting better is a common journey for patients under Dr. Le's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again, so that daily routines and pleasures like hiking, running, or cycling again become more manageable again.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Le with concerns about their fingers getting stuck in a bent position (trigger finger). By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve feeling more confident in their physical abilities, making a positive and lasting return to feeling stable and balanced on their feet, reducing fear of falls not just possible, but highly feasible.

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

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

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Le 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.

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

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Le 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. Le 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. Le?

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. Le 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. Le 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. Le 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. Le 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.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Le 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. Le 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.

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

Yes, in BC, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist (e.g., sports medicine physician, rheumatologist) is generally required to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Le for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Le has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

What are some common conditions an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Le treats?

Dr. Le treats a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, aiming to restore function and reduce pain. Some common examples include fractures (broken bones), osteoarthritis (especially of the hip, knee, shoulder), sports injuries (like ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, meniscus tears), carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis or bursitis.

145 15TH St W Ste 213
North Vancouver, BC, V7M 1R9

Phone: (604) 980-0504

Dr. Vu Hoan Le 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: 68295

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/337021/Le%2CVu

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