Dr. Desmond Chin-Hung Kwok – Orthopedic Surgeon | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Desmond Chin-Hung Kwok is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Hamilton, ON, Dr. Kwok is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kwok 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. Kwok 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. Desmond Chin-Hung Kwok earned a Medical Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1976. Subsequently, Dr. Kwok completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kwok brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Kwok's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kwok 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. Kwok's surgical practice philosophy include: providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey; a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient's goals and lifestyle in mind. Dr. Kwok is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Chinese.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Desmond Chin-Hung Kwok diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Bone Joint Disorders General

• 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: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.
• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).

Sports Injuries

• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.
• Meniscus Tears: Managing tears of the meniscus (cartilage pads in the knee) through conservative treatment or arthroscopic surgery (repair or meniscectomy).

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

• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Minimally invasive procedures to deliver medication directly to the affected area for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Surgical treatment for common bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders as per established orthopedic principles.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Specialized surgical procedures to replace damaged joints with artificial implants.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.

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

• A key objective when treating their spine being curved (like scoliosis) at Dr. Kwok's welcoming clinic is achieving a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like confidently navigating uneven surfaces or terrain.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing, Dr. Kwok offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of feeling stable and balanced on their feet, reducing fear of falls.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Kwok to see patients who were troubled by a bunion on their foot that's causing a lot of pain successfully achieve a clear diagnosis and understanding of their musculoskeletal condition. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like their child running and playing with friends without limitations.

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

Dr. Kwok's orthopedic clinic in Hamilton is situated in the Hamilton North End, Beasley neighborhood of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located near Westmount Recreation Centre and is accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

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

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

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

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kwok 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. Kwok 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 the clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kwok do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kwok 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. Kwok at the clinic?

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. Kwok 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. Kwok 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.

Unit Suite 103, 237 Barton Street East, Suite 103
Hamilton, ON, L8L 2X2

Phone: (905) 765-2613

Dr. Desmond Chin-Hung Kwok 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: 29334

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kwok-Desmond-ChinHung/0024512-29334

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