Dr. Mark Eric Zarnett – Orthopedic Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Mark Eric Zarnett is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Trillium Health Partners - Mississa in Toronto, ON, Dr. Zarnett is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Zarnett 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. Zarnett 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. Mark Eric Zarnett earned a Medical Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1983. Subsequently, Dr. Zarnett completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Zarnett brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Zarnett's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Zarnett 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. Zarnett'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. Dr. Zarnett provides consultations in English.

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

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.

Sports Injuries

• 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.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.
• 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. Zarnett, 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): Expert treatment of broken bones in adults and children, aiming for optimal healing and functional recovery.
• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.
• Hip Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Expertise in various surgical approaches and implant choices for hip replacement.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Surgical treatment for common bone, joint, and soft tissue disorders as per established orthopedic principles.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Zarnett. 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. Mark Eric Zarnett 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 Trillium Health Partners - Mississa, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Zarnett frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for a sports injury that needs surgery to repair a torn ligament or tendon at Dr. Zarnett's practice is consistently achieving their fracture healing in the correct alignment. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as confidently navigating uneven surfaces or terrain.
• Overcoming or effectively managing chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments is a common journey for patients under Dr. Zarnett's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling being able to sleep better without being woken by musculoskeletal pain, so that daily routines and pleasures like participating in fitness classes or going to the gym become more manageable again.
• When patients discuss their spine being curved (like scoliosis), Dr. Zarnett outlines a path to improved quality of life due to reduced pain and better physical function, aiming to restore not just musculoskeletal health but also the ability to comfortably being able to sit comfortably for extended periods (e.g., for work or travel).

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

Dr. Zarnett's practice, Trillium Health Partners - Mississa, is situated in the Davisville North neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Toronto Eaton Centre and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

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

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Zarnett at Trillium Health Partners - Mississa?

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. Zarnett 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. Zarnett 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.

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

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. Zarnett 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. Zarnett 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. Zarnett 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. Zarnett 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 Trillium Health Partners - Mississa about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Zarnett do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Zarnett 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. Zarnett 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. Zarnett 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. Zarnett treat broken bones (fractures)?

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

Trillium Health Partners - Mississa
150 Eglinton Avenue East, Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Toronto, ON, M4P 1E8

Phone: (416) 636-9965

Dr. Mark Eric Zarnett 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: 52702

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Zarnett-Mark-Eric/0038726-52702

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