Dr. Gerard Michael John March – Orthopedic Surgeon | Sarnia, ON

Dr. Gerard Michael John March is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at WOHC Brampton Civic Hospital in Sarnia, ON, Dr. March is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. March 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. March 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. Gerard Michael John March earned a Medical Degree from Schulich School Of Medicine And Dentistry, graduating in 2004. Subsequently, Dr. March completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. March brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. March's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. March 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. March's surgical practice philosophy include: exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate; providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. March provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Gerard Michael John March 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: 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.

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.
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction.
• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• 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.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
• Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.

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

• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Expert evaluation to diagnose injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Performing primary and revision hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgeries to relieve pain and restore function in patients with advanced arthritis or joint damage.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. March. 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. Gerard Michael John March 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 WOHC Brampton Civic Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. March frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. March expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by improved hand or foot function for daily activities, means they can happily and comfortably get back to walking without a limp or significant pain.
• Numerous patients have successfully addressed pain and weakness after a bad fall or accident with Dr. March's dedicated support and surgical expertise. This often leads directly to being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy throwing a ball or swinging a racket effectively once more.
• Overcoming or effectively managing their knee pain getting so bad they can barely walk or climb stairs is a common journey for patients under Dr. March's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition, so that daily routines and pleasures like returning to their job, especially if it's physically demanding become more manageable again.

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

Dr. March's practice, WOHC Brampton Civic Hospital, is situated in the Central Sarnia, Downtown neighborhood of Sarnia. The clinic is conveniently located near Lambton Mall and is accessible via Sarnia Transit. Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. March at WOHC Brampton Civic Hospital?

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. March 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. March 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.

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

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

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. March do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. March 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.

WOHC Brampton Civic Hospital
429 Exmouth Street, Department of Pathology
Sarnia, ON, N7T 5P1

Phone: (519) 336-7860

Dr. Gerard Michael John March 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: 88200

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/March-Gerard-Michael-John/0210060-88200

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