Description
About Dr. Charles
Dr. Mark Nicholas Charles is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Ottawa, ON, Dr. Charles is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Charles 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. As a certified specialist in Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Charles is 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. Charles serves patients requiring specialized orthopedic care.
Dr. Mark Nicholas Charles earned a Medical Degree from Queen's University, graduating in 1995. Subsequently, Dr. Charles completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Charles brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Charles's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Charles 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. Charles'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; 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. Charles provides consultations in English.
Musculoskeletal Conditions Addressed by Dr. Mark Nicholas Charles
As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Mark Nicholas Charles diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:
Traumatic Injuries
- Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.
- Sprains and Strains: Diagnosing and treating ligament sprains (stretching or tearing of ligaments) and muscle/tendon strains (injuries to muscles or tendons).
- Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.
Degenerative Joint Diseases
- Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Treating bone death caused by a loss of blood supply, commonly affecting the hip, knee, or shoulder, which can lead to joint collapse.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.
- Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.
Bone Joint Disorders General
- Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Surgical correction of fractures that have failed to heal (nonunion) or have healed in an incorrect position (malunion).
- Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.
Sports Injuries
- 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.
- Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Addressing problems that cause the shoulder joint to slip out of place.
- Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.
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. Charles, typically following referral. If your specific concern isn't listed, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.
Dr. Mark Nicholas Charles's Orthopedic Surgeon Services
- Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Expert review and interpretation of X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds related to orthopedic conditions.
- Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Utilizing image guidance (e.g., ultrasound) for precise injection placement when necessary.
- General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
- Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Specialized surgical procedures to replace damaged joints with artificial implants.
- Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Exploring all appropriate non-operative avenues before considering surgery.
Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Charles. 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 Nicholas Charles adhere to the scope of practice for Orthopedic Surgeons in ON and the standards of The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
Achieving Your Musculoskeletal Health Goals with Dr. Charles
At Dr. Mark Nicholas Charles's practice, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Charles frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:
- Dr. Charles expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of a previous surgery that didn't heal right or is still causing problems. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by feeling empowered to take an active role in their recovery and rehabilitation, means they can happily and comfortably get back to participating in fitness classes or going to the gym.
- With Dr. Charles's compassionate and skilled orthopedic care, managing a growth or lump on one of their bones or in their muscles is focused on achieving improved quality of life due to reduced pain and better physical function. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to walking without a limp or significant pain without severe physical limitations.
- Patients experiencing difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear often express a desire to improve their physical function and reduce pain. At Dr. Charles's practice, a key objective is increased stability in an unstable joint, which directly supports their ability to fully engage in reaching overhead or behind their back comfortably (for shoulder issues).
Your personalized treatment plan, whether surgical or non-surgical, developed in consultation with Dr. Charles, will be carefully designed to help you achieve your specific musculoskeletal goals. Dr. Charles is committed to providing expert orthopedic care to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life.
Clinic Location & Accessibility
Dr. Charles's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Ottawa, is situated in the Highland Park, Carlingwood West neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Glebe Shopping District and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Orthopedic Surgeon with Dr. Charles in Ottawa
- How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. Charles?
- 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. Charles 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. Charles 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. Charles 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. Charles 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. Charles do?
- An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Charles 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 does Dr. Charles treat broken bones (fractures)?
- Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Charles 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. Charles will determine the most appropriate treatment to ensure the bone heals correctly and function is restored.
- Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Charles 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. Charles 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.
Contact & Licensing Information for Dr. Mark Nicholas Charles
106-770 Broadview Ave
Ottawa, ON, K2A 3Z3
Phone: (613) 722-3987
Dr. Mark Nicholas Charles 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: 69313
Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Charles-Mark-Nicholas/0057725-69313
A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required to see Dr. Charles. Dr. Charles 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.