Dr. Chanseok Rhee

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

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.

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. Rhee, 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.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Comprehensive non-surgical management strategies to alleviate pain, improve function, and promote healing.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Expert evaluation to diagnose injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Utilizing image guidance (e.g., ultrasound) for precise injection placement when necessary.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.

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

• At Dr. Rhee's clinic, addressing having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful means focusing on patient goals. Achieving improved hand or foot function for daily activities helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to playing their favorite sport (e.g., hockey, soccer, tennis, golf).
• For patients where trouble with their Achilles tendon making it painful to walk or run is a primary concern, Dr. Rhee focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in successful removal or treatment of a bone or soft tissue tumor. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully hiking, running, or cycling again.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for arthritis in their hands making it hard to grip things at Dr. Rhee's practice is consistently achieving learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as confidently navigating uneven surfaces or terrain.

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

Dr. Rhee's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Waterloo, is situated in the Waterloo East (Glenridge, Lincoln Heights) neighborhood of Waterloo. The clinic is conveniently located near Waterloo North Hydro and is accessible via Grand River Transit (GRT) (Bus and ION Light Rail). Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

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

In Ontario, 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. Rhee for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Rhee has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

How is an Orthopedic Surgeon different from a Rheumatologist or a Physiatrist?

While all three specialties deal with musculoskeletal issues, their primary approaches differ. Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Rhee are surgical specialists who diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems with both surgical and non-surgical methods, performing operations when necessary (e.g., joint replacements, fracture fixation). Rheumatologists are medical specialists who primarily diagnose and manage non-surgical inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting joints, muscles, and bones (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout), often using medications. Physiatrists (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialists) focus on optimizing function and quality of life through primarily non-surgical means, comprehensive rehabilitation planning, and managing disabilities across a spectrum of conditions, including musculoskeletal and neurological issues. They often coordinate multidisciplinary care involving therapists.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Rhee 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. Rhee are typically covered by provincial health plans such as OHIP in Ontario, 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. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Rhee at the clinic?

The first visit involves a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the specific problem (e.g., pain, injury, loss of function), its onset, aggravating/relieving factors, and its impact on daily activities. Dr. Rhee will review any previous treatments and perform a thorough physical examination, assessing range of motion, strength, stability, and tenderness. Any prior imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) will be reviewed. Dr. Rhee will then discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options (surgical and non-surgical), working with you to establish goals.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Rhee are experts in treating all types of bone fractures. Treatment depends on the fracture type and severity, location, and the patient's overall health. Non-surgical treatment may involve realigning the bone (reduction) and immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace. Surgical treatment might be necessary for complex fractures, open fractures, or fractures unlikely to heal well with casting alone. Surgical options include internal fixation (plates, screws, rods, or pins) or external fixation (a frame outside the body connected to pins in the bone). Dr. Rhee will determine the most appropriate treatment.

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Rhee do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Rhee is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system (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. They use both surgical and non-surgical methods to treat patients. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

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

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 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. Dr. Rhee will discuss the expected recovery timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

435 King St N
Waterloo, ON, N2J 2Z5

Phone: (519) 603-0630

Dr. Chanseok Rhee 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: 110833

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Rhee-Chanseok/0313627-110833

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