Dr. Benoit Chartrand

As an Chirurgien orthopédiste, Dr. Benoit Chartrand diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.

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.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• 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: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.

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

• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.
• 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.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Surgical treatment for common bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders as per established orthopedic principles.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chartrand. 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. Benoit Chartrand adhere to the scope of practice for Chirurgien orthopédistes in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At Hopital de Chicoutimi, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Chartrand frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• If arthritis in their hands making it hard to grip things has unfortunately put returning to their job, especially if it's physically demanding on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Chartrand works closely with patients towards attaining correction of a deformity (e.g., bunion, scoliosis, clubfoot), effectively helping them regain their previous level of physical function and confidence.
• Patients experiencing their fingers getting stuck in a bent position (trigger finger) often express a desire to improve their physical function and reduce pain. At Dr. Chartrand's practice, a key objective is a safe return to work after an injury, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in lifting groceries, a child, or other everyday objects.
• For patients where pain and weakness after a bad fall or accident is a primary concern, Dr. Chartrand focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in being able to return to sports or recreational activities they enjoy. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully confidently navigating uneven surfaces or terrain.

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

Dr. Chartrand's practice, Hopital de Chicoutimi, is situated in a central location within the Chicoutimi neighborhood of Chicoutimi. 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. Chartrand do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chartrand 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 conditions like fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. Orthopedic Surgeons use both surgical (joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical (medication, injections, bracing, physiotherapy) methods. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Chartrand recommend it?

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, replaces damaged or arthritic parts of a joint (hip, knee, shoulder) with artificial components (prostheses). Dr. Chartrand might recommend it if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or significant injury, and non-surgical treatments are inadequate. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Chartrand?

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the type of surgery, the joint or bone involved, the patient's age and health, and their adherence to the rehabilitation plan. Minor procedures may take a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months for full recovery. Dr. Chartrand will discuss the expected timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Chartrand treat 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 and immobilizing it with a cast or brace. Surgical treatment might involve internal fixation (plates, screws) or external fixation (a frame outside the body). Dr. Chartrand will determine the most appropriate treatment.

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

In QC, a referral from a family doctor or another specialist is generally required to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chartrand for consultations and surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This ensures the consultation is appropriate and Dr. Chartrand has the necessary medical information. Speak with your primary care physician if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chartrand covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chartrand are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, 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 Hopital de Chicoutimi 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. Chartrand at Hopital de Chicoutimi?

The first visit will involve a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the specific problem, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily activities. Dr. Chartrand will review any previous treatments and perform a thorough physical examination. Any prior imaging will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. Chartrand will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical, working with you to establish goals.

Hopital de Chicoutimi
305 rue Saint-Vallier
Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 5H6

Phone: (418) 541-1000

Dr. Benoit Chartrand is a licensed Chirurgien orthopédiste in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 14297

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=14297

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