Dr. Aaron Michael Gazendam – Orthopedic Surgeon | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Aaron Michael Gazendam is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Belleville General Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Dr. Gazendam is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Gazendam 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. Dr. Gazendam 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. Aaron Michael Gazendam earned a Medical Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 2018. Subsequently, Dr. Gazendam completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Gazendam brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Gazendam's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Gazendam 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. Gazendam's surgical practice philosophy include: a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care; a focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible. Dr. Gazendam provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Aaron Michael Gazendam 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): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.
• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.

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): Surgical management for chronic or severe cases of tendon inflammation (tendonitis) or bursa inflammation (bursitis) unresponsive to conservative care.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.

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.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.

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

• 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.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Surgical replacement of the knee joint, including total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement, for severe arthritis or injury.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Specialized surgical procedures to replace damaged joints with artificial implants.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Managing all types of fractures, from simple to complex, ensuring proper alignment and stability.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Gazendam. 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. Aaron Michael Gazendam 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 Belleville General Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Gazendam frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments has unfortunately put sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Gazendam works closely with patients towards attaining alleviation of back or neck pain after appropriate intervention, effectively helping them regain their previous level of physical function and confidence.
• For individuals troubled by their fingers getting stuck in a bent position (trigger finger), Dr. Gazendam's approach is focused on delivering reduced or eliminated numbness and tingling from nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel). This often makes it possible for them to resume important activities like dressing themselves, including putting on socks and shoes with restored musculoskeletal health.
• Patients presenting with trouble with their Achilles tendon making it painful to walk or run can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain under Dr. Gazendam's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume kneeling down or squatting without severe pain (for knee/hip issues) without the former limitations or discomfort.

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

Dr. Gazendam's practice is located at Belleville General Hospital in the Hamilton Mountain Central (Inch Park, Eastmount) neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Hamilton City Centre and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Gazendam at Belleville General Hospital?

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. Gazendam 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. Gazendam 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 is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Gazendam 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. Gazendam 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. Gazendam?

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

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Gazendam 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. Gazendam 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 Belleville General Hospital 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. Gazendam?

Yes, in ON, 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. Gazendam for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Gazendam has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Gazendam do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Gazendam 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.

Belleville General Hospital
711 Concession Street
Hamilton, ON, L8V 1C3

Phone: (905) 521-2100

Dr. Aaron Michael Gazendam 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: 115593

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gazendam-Aaron-Michael/0325275-115593

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