Dr. Colton Keith Kennedy – Orthopedic Surgeon | Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Colton Keith Kennedy is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Kingston General Hospital in Thunder Bay, ON, Dr. Kennedy is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kennedy 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. Kennedy 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. Colton Keith Kennedy earned a Medical Degree from Northern Ontario School Of Medicine, graduating in 2018. Subsequently, Dr. Kennedy completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kennedy brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Kennedy's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kennedy 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. Kennedy's surgical practice philosophy include: providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey; a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care. Dr. Kennedy provides consultations in English.

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

Traumatic Injuries

• Fractures (Broken Bones): Management of acute fractures of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and axial skeleton.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.
• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).

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.
• Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.

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

• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Managing all types of fractures, from simple to complex, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Thorough assessment of musculoskeletal conditions, including detailed history, physical examination, review of imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and discussion of treatment options.

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

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for breaking their arm/leg/hip and needing it fixed at Dr. Kennedy's practice is consistently achieving feeling empowered to take an active role in their recovery and rehabilitation. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as climbing stairs easily and without holding on for dear life.
• Dr. Kennedy often consults with patients whose a work-related injury to their bones or joints significantly limits their enjoyment of typing, writing, or using tools without hand or wrist pain or impacts their well-being. The clear goal of care is to achieve a clear diagnosis and understanding of their musculoskeletal condition and thereby restore their active and healthy lifestyle.
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Kennedy about chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments is to attain significant pain relief in their affected joint or limb. This success not only improves musculoskeletal health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up.

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

Dr. Kennedy's practice is located at Kingston General Hospital in the Port Arthur Central (Downtown North Core, Waterfront area) neighborhood of Thunder Bay. The clinic is conveniently located near Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and is accessible via Thunder Bay Transit. Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Kennedy at Kingston General Hospital?

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your 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. Kennedy 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. Based on this, Dr. Kennedy will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options (surgical and non-surgical), working with you to establish goals.

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

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the type of surgery, the specific joint or bone, your age and health, and your adherence to the post-operative rehabilitation plan. Some minor procedures may take a few weeks, while major surgeries like total joint replacements can take several months. Dr. Kennedy will discuss the expected timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

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

All three specialties deal with musculoskeletal issues, but their approaches differ. Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Kennedy are surgical specialists who diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems with surgical and non-surgical methods, performing operations when necessary. Rheumatologists diagnose and manage non-surgical inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting joints, muscles, and bones, often using medications. Physiatrists (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialists) focus on optimizing function and quality of life through non-surgical means, comprehensive rehabilitation planning, and managing disabilities. They often coordinate multidisciplinary care.

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

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a procedure where damaged or arthritic parts of a joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. Dr. Kennedy might recommend it if you have 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.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Kennedy are experts in treating 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, splint, or brace. Surgical treatment might be necessary for complex fractures, open fractures, or fractures unlikely to heal well with casting. Surgical options include internal fixation (using plates, screws, etc.) or external fixation (using a frame outside the body).

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kennedy do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kennedy is a medical doctor 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. They use both surgical and non-surgical methods to treat patients. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kennedy 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. Kennedy are typically covered by provincial health plans such as the 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 to inquire with Kingston General Hospital about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

Yes, in ON, a referral from a family doctor (GP) or another specialist is generally required to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kennedy for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like OHIP. This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Kennedy has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

Kingston General Hospital
980 Oliver Road, Department of Anesthesiology
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6V4

Phone: (807) 684-6000

Dr. Colton Keith Kennedy 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: 116072

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kennedy-Colton-Keith/0324854-116072

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