Dr. Earl Sheldon Kowalczyk

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

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• 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.
• 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.

Sports Injuries

• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.
• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.

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. Kowalczyk, 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.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Offering operative solutions for orthopedic problems when conservative measures are insufficient.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Comprehensive care for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty, from pre-operative planning to post-operative rehabilitation.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Comprehensive care for bone fractures, including closed reduction and casting, as well as surgical fixation with plates, screws, rods, or external fixators.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Kowalczyk. 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. Earl Sheldon Kowalczyk adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in AB and the standards of The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

At Dr. Earl Sheldon Kowalczyk's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Kowalczyk frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Through Dr. Kowalczyk's skilled guidance and modern surgical techniques, patients suffering from a previous surgery that didn't heal right or is still causing problems often find they can readily achieve a successful arthroscopic repair of a torn ligament or cartilage and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like opening jars or turning doorknobs without difficulty (for hand issues).
• Dr. Kowalczyk provides dedicated support for patients going through chronic low back pain that shoots down their leg, always aiming for positive outcomes like improved mobility and ability to walk, climb stairs, or move more freely, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as dressing themselves, including putting on socks and shoes.
• Many people seek Dr. Kowalczyk's professional help and expertise when dealing with their child limping or having trouble with their walking. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to climbing stairs easily and without holding on for dear life.

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

Dr. Kowalczyk's orthopedic clinic in Lloydminster is situated in a central location within the Lloydminster neighborhood of Lloydminster. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kowalczyk covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kowalczyk are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB, 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.

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

Yes, in AB, 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. Kowalczyk for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Kowalczyk has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

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

The first visit will typically 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. Kowalczyk 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. Kowalczyk will discuss their diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations if needed, and will outline potential treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical, working with you to establish goals.

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kowalczyk do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kowalczyk 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 is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Kowalczyk 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. Kowalczyk 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 does Dr. Kowalczyk treat broken bones (fractures)?

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

5119 47 St, Suite 301
Lloydminster, AB, T9V 0G1

Phone: (780) 874-0437

Dr. Earl Sheldon Kowalczyk is a licensed Orthopedic Surgeon in AB, regulated by The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

License Number: 021923

Verify registration with The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=309b0909-6e29-4526-9d19-21b8a5812c7a&i=784

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