Dr. Paul Kerim Zalzal – Orthopedic Surgeon | Oakville, ON

Dr. Paul Kerim Zalzal is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Oakville, ON, Dr. Zalzal is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Zalzal is licensed by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of surgical practice in ON. As a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Zalzal is 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. Zalzal serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.

Dr. Paul Kerim Zalzal earned a Medical Degree from Mcmaster University, graduating in 1996. Subsequently, Dr. Zalzal completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Zalzal brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Zalzal's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Zalzal 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. Zalzal'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 dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. Zalzal is fluent in English and also offers consultations in French.

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

Sports Injuries

• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Diagnosing and treating tears of major ligaments in the knee (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), shoulder (rotator cuff, labrum), ankle, and elbow, often requiring surgical repair or reconstruction.
• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.

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.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Osteoarthritis: Managing joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function caused by wear-and-tear arthritis affecting joints like the hip, knee, shoulder, hand, or spine.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.

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

• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the affected area for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: In-depth consultation to determine the cause of musculoskeletal pain, instability, or dysfunction and to develop a personalized care plan.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Comprehensive care for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, from pre-operative planning to post-operative rehabilitation.
• 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.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Zalzal. 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. Paul Kerim Zalzal adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Paul Kerim Zalzal's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Zalzal frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Zalzal often consults with patients whose breaking their arm/leg/hip and needing it fixed significantly limits their enjoyment of reaching overhead or behind their back comfortably (for shoulder issues) or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve significant pain relief in their affected joint or limb and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• For patients where having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful is a primary concern, Dr. Zalzal focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in regaining strength and function after an injury or surgery. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully climbing stairs easily and without holding on for dear life.
• For those affected by their child limping or having trouble with their walking, Dr. Zalzal provides solutions that lead to learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to performing personal hygiene tasks independently.

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

Dr. Zalzal's orthopedic clinic in Oakville is situated in the West Oak Trails, Glen Abbey West neighborhood. The clinic enjoys a convenient location near Oakville Harbour and is easily accessible via Oakville Transit. Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Zalzal do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Zalzal is a medical doctor (physician) specializing 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 does Dr. Zalzal treat broken bones (fractures)?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Zalzal 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. Zalzal 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. Zalzal?

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. Zalzal will discuss the expected recovery timeline for a specific procedure during the pre-operative consultation.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Zalzal covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Zalzal are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON, 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 can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Zalzal 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. Zalzal 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. Zalzal 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.

481 North Service Road West
Oakville, ON, L6M 2V6

Phone: (905) 844-7706

Dr. Paul Kerim Zalzal is a licensed Orthopedic Surgeon in ON, regulated by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 70035

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Zalzal-Paul-Kerim/0116714-70035

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