Dr. Ivan Dzaja – Orthopedic Surgeon | Burlington, ON

Dr. Ivan Dzaja is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospita in Burlington, ON, Dr. Dzaja is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Dzaja 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. Dzaja 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. Ivan Dzaja earned a Medical Degree from St. George's University School Of Medicine, Grenada, graduating in 2009. Subsequently, Dr. Dzaja completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Dzaja brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Dzaja's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Dzaja 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. Dzaja's surgical practice philosophy include: exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate; a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. Dzaja provides consultations in English.

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

Traumatic Injuries

• Fractures (Broken Bones): Comprehensive care for broken bones, ensuring proper alignment, healing, and restoration of function.
• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.

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.
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).

Sports Injuries

• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Specialized care for common sports-related ligamentous injuries.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.

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): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.
• 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. Dzaja, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Utilizing advanced imaging to accurately diagnose fractures, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal pathologies.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Offering operative solutions for orthopedic problems when conservative measures are insufficient.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Managing all types of fractures, from simple to complex, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Expert evaluation to diagnose injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Administering injections such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation), or local anesthetics into joints or soft tissues to reduce pain and inflammation.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Dzaja. 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. Ivan Dzaja 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 Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospita, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Dzaja frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Effectively addressing recurrent dislocations of their shoulder or kneecap with Dr. Dzaja's comprehensive orthopedic approach often leads to the desired outcome of being able to sleep better without being woken by musculoskeletal pain, enabling patients to more freely and confidently engage in their child running and playing with friends without limitations and social interactions.
• The journey from their hip hurting all the time, making it hard to sleep or get around to wellness often involves Dr. Dzaja's dedicated care. The milestone is an effective surgical or non-surgical treatment plan tailored to their needs, which opens the door back to activities such as reaching overhead or behind their back comfortably (for shoulder issues).
• Through Dr. Dzaja'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 learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like returning to their job, especially if it's physically demanding.

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

Dr. Dzaja's practice, Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospita, is situated in the Elizabeth Gardens, Shoreacres neighborhood of Burlington. The clinic is conveniently located near Burlington Performing Arts Centre and is accessible via Burlington Transit. Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dzaja 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. Dzaja 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 Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospita 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. Dzaja?

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. Dzaja 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. Dzaja 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. Dzaja at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospita?

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. Dzaja 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. Dzaja 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.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Dzaja 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. Dzaja might recommend joint replacement if you have 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. Dzaja?

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

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

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

What are some common conditions an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dzaja treats?

Dr. Dzaja treats a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, aiming to restore function and reduce pain. Examples include fractures (broken bones), osteoarthritis (especially of the hip, knee, shoulder), sports injuries (like ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, meniscus tears), carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis or bursitis.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dzaja do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Dzaja 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. 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.

Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospita
23B-1960 Appleby Line, Department Of Anesthesiology
Burlington, ON, L7L 0B7

Phone: (905) 592-2280

Dr. Ivan Dzaja 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: 90460

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Dzaja-Ivan/0258564-90460

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