Dr. Matthew James Joseph MacEwan

As an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Matthew James Joseph MacEwan diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

Traumatic Injuries

• Fractures (Broken Bones): Comprehensive care for broken bones, ensuring proper alignment, healing, and restoration of function.
• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.

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.
• Osteoarthritis: Managing joint pain, stiffness, and loss of function caused by wear-and-tear arthritis affecting joints like the hip, knee, shoulder, hand, or spine.
• 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.
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Operative treatment to remove infected bone and tissue.

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

• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Specialized surgical procedures to replace damaged joints with artificial implants.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.
• 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.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Surgical replacement of the knee joint, including total knee arthroplasty and unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement, for severe arthritis or injury.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. MacEwan. 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. Matthew James Joseph MacEwan 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 The Ottawa Hospital, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. MacEwan frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• At Dr. MacEwan's clinic, addressing a shoulder injury from sports that won't heal and keeps them from playing means focusing on patient goals. Achieving feeling empowered to take an active role in their recovery and rehabilitation helps them get back to enjoying life, including being able to walking without a limp or significant pain.
• Managing arthritis in their hands making it hard to grip things effectively and proactively is a top priority for Dr. MacEwan and the medical team. The clear aim is always a successful arthroscopic repair of a torn ligament or cartilage, which directly helps patients get back to enjoying enjoying hobbies that require fine motor skills or physical activity and their daily routines without severe physical hindrance.
• Overcoming or effectively managing a bunion on their foot that's causing a lot of pain is a common journey for patients under Dr. MacEwan's care. The treatment philosophy centers on enabling feeling more confident in their physical abilities, so that daily routines and pleasures like lifting groceries, a child, or other everyday objects become more manageable again.

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

Dr. MacEwan's practice, The Ottawa Hospital, is situated in the West Hill, Loyalist neighborhood of Belleville. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via Belleville Transit. Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

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

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

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

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. MacEwan 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. MacEwan 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 does Dr. MacEwan treat broken bones (fractures)?

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. MacEwan do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. MacEwan 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 can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. MacEwan at The Ottawa Hospital?

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. MacEwan 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. MacEwan 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 is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. MacEwan 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. MacEwan 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.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. MacEwan 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. MacEwan 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 Ottawa Hospital about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

The Ottawa Hospital
265 Dundas St E, Department of Emergency Medicine
Belleville, ON, K8N 5A9

Phone: (613) 779-6664

Dr. Matthew James Joseph MacEwan 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: 93287

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/MacEwan-Matthew-James-Joseph/0265954-93287

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