Dr. Ken Tom Chiu Fern – Orthopedic Surgeon | Oshawa, ON

Dr. Ken Tom Chiu Fern is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at ULTIMATE DIAGNOSTICS Inc. in Oshawa, ON, Dr. Fern is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Fern 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. Fern 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. Ken Tom Chiu Fern earned a Medical Degree from Queen'S University, graduating in 1997. Subsequently, Dr. Fern completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Fern brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Fern's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Fern 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. Fern's surgical practice philosophy include: providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey; exploring non-operative treatments thoroughly before considering surgery, when appropriate. Dr. Fern provides consultations in English.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Ken Tom Chiu Fern 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): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.

Traumatic Injuries

• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.
• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.

Sports Injuries

• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.
• 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).
• Ligament Tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, Rotator Cuff): Diagnosing and treating tears of major ligaments in the knee (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), shoulder (rotator cuff, labrum), ankle, and elbow, often requiring surgical repair or reconstruction.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• 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.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Fern. 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. Ken Tom Chiu Fern 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 ULTIMATE DIAGNOSTICS Inc., the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Fern frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Fern about trouble with their Achilles tendon making it painful to walk or run is to attain a safe return to work after an injury. This success not only improves musculoskeletal health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like confidently navigating uneven surfaces or terrain.
• Managing their child limping or having trouble with their walking effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Fern and the medical team. The clear aim is always successful healing of their broken bone (fracture), which directly helps patients get back to enjoying opening jars or turning doorknobs without difficulty (for hand issues) and their daily routines without severe physical hindrance.
• For those affected by pain and weakness after a bad fall or accident, Dr. Fern provides solutions that lead to alleviation of back or neck pain after appropriate intervention. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to kneeling down or squatting without severe pain (for knee/hip issues).

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

Dr. Fern's practice, ULTIMATE DIAGNOSTICS Inc., is situated in the Lakeview, Farewell neighborhood of Oshawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Parkwood Estate National Historic Site and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Fern 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. Fern 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. Fern treat broken bones (fractures)?

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

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

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. Fern 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. Fern has the necessary background medical information. Speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor if you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Fern 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. Fern 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 to inquire with ULTIMATE DIAGNOSTICS Inc. about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Fern at ULTIMATE DIAGNOSTICS Inc.?

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. Fern 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. Fern 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.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Fern do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Fern 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.

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

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

ULTIMATE DIAGNOSTICS Inc.
117 King Street East
Oshawa, ON, L1H 1B9

Phone: (905) 721-4928

Dr. Ken Tom Chiu Fern 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: 71072

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Fern-Ken-Tom-Chiu/0138938-71072

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