Dr. Louis John Saunders

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

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• 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.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
• 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.

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

• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Specialized surgical treatment for severe fractures, multiple injuries, pelvic and acetabular fractures, and post-traumatic complications like nonunions or malunions.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Expert review and interpretation of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds related to orthopedic conditions.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.
• 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.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Utilizing image guidance (e.g., ultrasound) for precise injection placement when necessary.

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

• Patients frequently come to Dr. Saunders with concerns about their spine being curved (like scoliosis). By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve regaining strength and function after an injury or surgery, making a positive and lasting return to playing their favorite sport (e.g., hockey, soccer, tennis, golf) not just possible, but highly feasible.
• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a sports injury that needs surgery to repair a torn ligament or tendon, Dr. Saunders 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 standing for longer periods without discomfort.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful at Dr. Saunders's practice is consistently achieving a clear diagnosis and understanding of their musculoskeletal condition. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as feeling stable and balanced on their feet, reducing fear of falls.

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

Dr. Saunders's orthopedic clinic in Hamilton is situated in the Stoney Creek Central neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Hamilton Public Library Central Branch 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. Saunders?

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

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

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

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Saunders 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. Saunders 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. Saunders 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. Saunders do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Saunders 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.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Saunders 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. Saunders 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.

Unit Suite 206, 2757 King Street East, Suite 206
Hamilton, ON, L8G 5E4

Phone: (905) 573-3574

Dr. Louis John Saunders 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: 64186

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Saunders-Louis-John/0050207-64186

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