Joint Plan – Enjoy Quality of Life

COVID-19: Please read this important post regarding COVID-19 considerations.

With the recent downward trend in COVID-19 cases in our region and a corresponding loosening of various restrictions, the pandemic strain on hospital resources is lightening and full surgical services are resuming. This recovery phase is certainly welcome news to our Orthopaedic patients who have been amongst the hardest hit in their waits for surgical treatment, given the previous prioritization of operating room time. Fortunately we are now seeing a return to more normal access to surgery, which will allow us to begin to catch up on the surgical backlog.

The various pandemic guidelines and precautions continue to be followed at the Brandon Clinic, Brandon Regional Health Centre and Minnedosa Health Centre where we offer our services. (see BrandonClinic.com and PMH-Mb.ca) All patients are expected to go through the routine screening protocols, and those scheduled for surgery will require a COVOD-19 test prior to their procedure. While this will result in longer and more involved lead up to appointments and surgery, these requirements will remain in place for the foreseeable future, as we remain committed to the highest standards of health safety and virus exposure prevention.

We continue to offer patients the option of having their Brandon Clinic appointments conducted virtually by phone at their request. Any questions regarding the pandemic impact on their medical care can be directed to the clinic or respective hospital. It remains to be seen how quickly we can catch up on the wait lists now that we have full access to surgery, but the clinic, hospital and province are making this a top priority. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to strive for excellence in Orthopaedic care as efficiently as possible.

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We sometimes hear concerns on the wait times, potential slow downs, and resource allocations needed to address orthopaedic problems. If it is of interest, we are able to refer you to a website by the not-for-profit professional association that represents orthopaedic surgery and surgeons in Canada. On this site, there is opportunity to express your experiences and engage your voice to support positive action. https://fasttrackcare.ca/

Welcome to your

Joint Plan

Jointly identifying solutions and navigating decision-making and treatment

This resource, provided by Norman Klippenstein MD, orthopaedic consultant and surgeon at the Brandon Clinic, is intended to provide practical information for our patients and their caregivers, and to facilitate informed decision-making in working together to achieve optimal outcomes for musculoskeletal problems.

our commitment

We believe that with any bone or joint condition, treatment success and patient satisfaction are enhanced by full disclosure of management options, procedural information, and rehabilitation issues.

We intend that each patient receive compassionate, state-of-the-art treatment in a progressive, patient-friendly environment.

We encourage patients to take an active role in jointly determining the most appropriate treatment for their orthopaedic condition from the range of surgical and non-surgical options.

Joint Plan Care Map

A referral to an orthopaedic surgeon involves a number of steps intended to thoroughly address the patient’s condition and possible questions, and offer treatment options including surgery. A care map can help to navigate this process.

Initial Referral

All patients are seen as referrals from physicians or nurse practitioners. They should bring their completed Patient History Form, list of medications, and any braces they have used. The presenting condition will be discussed, an examination performed, and available tests reviewed. It may be helpful to have a relative or friend in attendance.

Treatment Options

If non-surgical treatment has not already been initiated, options including physiotherapy, bracing, injections, or medication may be suggested. In some cases surgery will not be recommended as the best choice. If surgery is felt to be a suitable option, the procedural alternatives will be reviewed, and related information provided. Expected post-op recovery, rehabilitation, and time off work and sports will be discussed.

Decision Making

Better understanding of a condition and its treatment can facilitate appropriate expectations and optimal outcomes. Patients are therefore encouraged to ask questions, and may wish to take notes. A decision to operate can be made together with family, their own physician, or others who have had the surgery.

Surgery Preparation

If surgery is agreed upon and all patient questions have been answered, a consent will be signed, forms and lab work will be completed, and a pre-op form sent with the patient to be completed by their physician. AN APPOINTMENT FOR THIS SHOULD BE MADE BY THE PATIENT PROMPTLY. To prepare for surgery, strive for fitness and a healthy weight, reduce or stop smoking, arrange for home supports, and follow all instructions closely.

Prehab Clinic

Those booked for joint replacements should attend the Prehab Clinic at BRHC. A half day appointment will be arranged in advance of surgery, where a multidisciplinary team will provide further information and recommendations. Attendance has shown to improve patient preparedness, comfort with the surgical process, and even outcomes. In some cases an appointment with an anaesthetist will need to be made as well.

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Day of Surgery

Surgery dates are arranged by the hospital, and the Brandon Clinic is not involved in this. Patients should present to the Pre-op area, accompanied by a relative or friend. Further questions can be asked of Dr. Klippenstein or the anaesthetist before surgery. Details of the operation will be relayed to the patient or family after surgery or at the first follow up visit. Patients will need someone to drive them home and be with them for the first 24 hours.

Post-op

Post op instructions, exercises and follow up information will be given at the time of discharge from hospital. Any necessary physiotherapy referrals will be made at the first follow up appointment. Post op advice and rehabilitation is critical to success, and should be followed closely. For any concerns regarding complications contact the local hospital or Dr. Klippenstein.

Shoulder, Knee & Ankle Surgery

Specialist in sports injuries, work related injuries, arthritic conditions, and patients of all ages.

Dr. Klippenstein practices as a general orthopaedist, with a broad range of interests including sport and work related injuries, arthritic conditions, and patients of all ages. He has a particular focus on reconstructive procedures of the shoulder, knee and ankle. He performs shoulder and knee replacements, including partial knee replacements. His practice includes a large volume of arthroscopic procedures, both in Brandon and Minnedosa, and he continues to incorporate advances in minimally invasive surgery in his practice. He sees acute injuries and trauma through the Brandon Regional Health Centre.