Dr. Marcin Kowalczuk – Orthopedic Surgeon | Ajax, ON

Dr. Marcin Kowalczuk is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Ajax, ON, Dr. Kowalczuk is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kowalczuk 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. Kowalczuk 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. Marcin Kowalczuk earned a Medical Degree from Mcmaster University, graduating in 2011. Subsequently, Dr. Kowalczuk completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kowalczuk brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Kowalczuk's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Kowalczuk 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. Kowalczuk's surgical practice philosophy include: a patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient's goals and lifestyle in mind; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient; providing clear explanations of conditions and treatment options to empower patients in their healthcare journey. Dr. Kowalczuk is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Polish.

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Marcin Kowalczuk 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.
• 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.

Sports Injuries

• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.
• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.

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

• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Managing all types of fractures, from simple to complex, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
• 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.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Surgical treatment for common bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders as per established orthopedic principles.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.

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

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for pain and weakness after a bad fall or accident at Dr. Kowalczuk's practice is consistently achieving being able to return to sports or recreational activities they enjoy. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as throwing a ball or swinging a racket effectively.
• Many people seek Dr. Kowalczuk's professional help and expertise when dealing with a recent ankle sprain that isn't getting better. The mutually agreed upon, collaborative goal is consistently being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again, allowing a confident and satisfying return to valued life activities like being able to confidently navigating uneven surfaces or terrain.
• It's always a professional highlight for Dr. Kowalczuk to see patients who were troubled by needing a joint replacement because of severe arthritis successfully achieve regaining strength and function after an injury or surgery. This directly translates to their ability to return to and enjoy important activities like performing personal hygiene tasks independently.

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

Dr. Kowalczuk's orthopedic clinic in Ajax is situated in the Southwood, Pickering Beach neighborhood of Ajax. The clinic is conveniently located near Historic Pickering Village (edge) and is accessible via Durham Region Transit (DRT). Details on parking can be provided when you book your consultation.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Kowalczuk 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. Kowalczuk 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. Kowalczuk 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.

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

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

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

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Kowalczuk 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. Kowalczuk 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.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kowalczuk do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Kowalczuk 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.

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

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

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

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

65 Bayly St W
Ajax, ON, L1S 7K7

Phone: (905) 426-2233

Dr. Marcin Kowalczuk 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: 95944

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Kowalczuk-Marcin/0273112-95944

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