Dr. Marie-Christine Perron

As an Chirurgien orthopédiste, Dr. Marie-Christine Perron diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Traumatic Injuries

• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.

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): Operative treatment to remove infected bone and tissue.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.
• 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. Perron, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Surgical reconstruction of the hip joint, including total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty, for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures.
• 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.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Thorough assessment of musculoskeletal conditions, including detailed history, physical examination, review of imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and discussion of treatment options.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Perron. 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. Marie-Christine Perron adhere to the scope of practice for Chirurgien orthopédistes in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CSSS de Chicoutimi, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Perron frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Perron's comprehensive care for a recent ankle sprain that isn't getting better is meticulously designed to result in improved quality of life due to reduced pain and better physical function. This allows patients to confidently resume important personal or professional activities such as reaching overhead or behind their back comfortably (for shoulder issues) without musculoskeletal worries.
• Managing chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. Perron and the medical team. The clear aim is always being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying dressing themselves, including putting on socks and shoes and their daily routines without severe physical hindrance.
• Through Dr. Perron'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 their child's musculoskeletal condition being successfully managed or corrected and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like hiking, running, or cycling again.

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

Dr. Perron's practice, CSSS de Chicoutimi, is situated in a central location within the Chicoutimi neighborhood of Chicoutimi. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Perron 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. Perron 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. Perron at CSSS de Chicoutimi?

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

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

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Perron covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Perron are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, 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 CSSS de Chicoutimi 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. Perron?

Yes, in QC, 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. Perron for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral helps ensure the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. Perron 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 does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Perron do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Perron 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.

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

CSSS de Chicoutimi
305 rue Saint-Vallier, CP 88
Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 5H6

Phone: (418) 541-1000

Dr. Marie-Christine Perron is a licensed Chirurgien orthopédiste in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 15106

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=15106

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