Dr. Yitun O. Yao – Orthopedic Surgeon | White Rock, BC

Dr. Yitun O. Yao is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in White Rock, BC, Dr. Yao is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Yao 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. Yao 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. Yitun O. Yao earned a Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) from Philippines, graduating in 1973. Subsequently, Dr. Yao completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Yao brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Yao's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Yao 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. Yao'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 focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible. Dr. Yao is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Fukien, Tagalog (pilipino and Filipino).

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

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.
• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.
• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.

Sports Injuries

• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.

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.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
• 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. Yao, 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): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Expert treatment of broken bones in adults and children, aiming for optimal healing and functional recovery.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Expert review and interpretation of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds related to orthopedic conditions.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.
• 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.

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

• When numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel) starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to lifting groceries, a child, or other everyday objects, Dr. Yao and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by correction of a deformity (e.g., bunion, scoliosis, clubfoot) and a return to comfort and confidence in their movement.
• Dr. Yao's comprehensive care for their hip hurting all the time, making it hard to sleep or get around is meticulously designed to result in being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as dressing themselves, including putting on socks and shoes without musculoskeletal worries.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Yao when they first notice a torn ACL or meniscus in their knee from a sports injury. Through personalized orthopedic care, the goal is to achieve improved quality of life due to reduced pain and better physical function, enabling them to once again enjoy sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up without hesitation.

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

Dr. Yao's orthopedic clinic in White Rock is situated in a central location within the White Rock neighborhood of White Rock, BC. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

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

What is the policy regarding missed appointments or late cancellations at our clinic for Dr. Yao?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. However, we kindly request at least 48 business hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment with Dr. Yao. This allows us to offer the appointment time to another patient. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than the requested notice, or missed without any notification, may be subject to a cancellation fee. Please inquire about the specific fee at the clinic. We appreciate your cooperation.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Yao 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. Yao 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 long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Yao?

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. Yao 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. Yao 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. Yao 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. Yao 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. Yao 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. Yao 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. Yao do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Yao 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.

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

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. Yao 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. Yao has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

308-1676 Martin Dr
White Rock, BC, V4A 6E7

Phone: (604) 536-1446

Dr. Yitun O. Yao 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: 8773

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/353218/Yao%2CYitun

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