Dr. Chris Buff Chant

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

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Operative treatment to remove infected bone and tissue.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.

Sports Injuries

• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.

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

• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Chant. 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. Chris Buff Chant 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 Canadian Medical Protective Association, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Chant frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Managing arthritis in their hands making it hard to grip things effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Chant and the medical team. The clear aim is always an effective surgical or non-surgical treatment plan tailored to their needs, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up and their daily routines without severe physical hindrance.
• Are you struggling with chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments? Dr. Chant partners with patients to target a safe return to work after an injury, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as lifting groceries, a child, or other everyday objects a much more achievable reality.
• For patients where recurrent dislocations of their shoulder or kneecap is a primary concern, Dr. Chant focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in alleviation of back or neck pain after appropriate intervention. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully carrying a backpack or handbag without shoulder or back pain.

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

Dr. Chant's practice, Canadian Medical Protective Association, is situated in a central location within the Strathroy neighborhood of Strathroy. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

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

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

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Chant 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. Chant 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. Chant?

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chant do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Chant 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.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Chant at Canadian Medical Protective Association?

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. Chant 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. Chant 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.

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

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. Chant 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. Chant 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 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. Chant 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, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and 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. Chant 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. Chant 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 Canadian Medical Protective Association about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

Canadian Medical Protective Association
395 Carrie St
Strathroy, ON, N7G 3C9

Phone: (519) 246-9797

Dr. Chris Buff Chant 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: 86633

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Chant-Chris-Buff/0241791-86633

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