Dr. Matthew John Gunton – Orthopedic Surgeon | Welland, ON

Dr. Matthew John Gunton is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Markham Stouffville Hospital in Welland, ON, Dr. Gunton is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Gunton 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. Gunton 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. Matthew John Gunton earned a Medical Degree from The Flinders University Of South Australia, graduating in 2007. Subsequently, Dr. Gunton completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Gunton brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Gunton's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Gunton 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. Gunton's surgical practice philosophy include: 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; a dedication to surgical excellence and achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. Dr. Gunton provides consultations in English.

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

Sports Injuries

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

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Surgical and non-surgical management of joint damage and deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies.
• Osteoarthritis: Comprehensive treatment including non-surgical options (medication, injections, therapy) and surgical joint replacement when indicated.

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

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.
• Dislocations: Managing joint dislocations where bones are forced out of their normal position, often requiring reduction and immobilization.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Advanced surgical management for high-energy trauma affecting the musculoskeletal system.

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

• 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.
• Non-Operative Orthopedic Care: Providing conservative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions, including medication management, therapeutic injections, bracing, casting, and referrals for physiotherapy.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Surgical solutions to improve shoulder mobility and reduce pain from severe joint damage.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Managing all types of fractures, from simple to complex, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Utilizing image guidance (e.g., ultrasound) for precise injection placement when necessary.

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

• Patients presenting with their child limping or having trouble with their walking can find lasting relief and achieve the important outcome of being able to perform daily self-care tasks independently again under Dr. Gunton's experienced care. This frequently allows them to resume reaching overhead or behind their back comfortably (for shoulder issues) without the former limitations or discomfort.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Gunton with concerns about a work-related injury to their bones or joints. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a safe return to work after an injury, making a positive and lasting return to feeling stable and balanced on their feet, reducing fear of falls not just possible, but highly feasible.
• Many patients schedule a consultation with Dr. Gunton when they first notice needing a joint replacement because of severe arthritis. Through personalized orthopedic care, the goal is to achieve an effective surgical or non-surgical treatment plan tailored to their needs, enabling them to once again enjoy walking without a limp or significant pain without hesitation.

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

Dr. Gunton's practice, Markham Stouffville Hospital, is situated in the South Welland, Dain City neighborhood of Welland. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT) / Welland Transit routes. Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

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

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Gunton 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. Gunton 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. Gunton do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Gunton 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.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Gunton 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. Gunton 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 Markham Stouffville Hospital 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. Gunton treat broken bones (fractures)?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Gunton 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. Gunton 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. Gunton at Markham Stouffville 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. Gunton 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. Gunton 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.

Markham Stouffville Hospital
102-555 Prince Charles Drive N
Welland, ON, L3C 6B5

Phone: (905) 732-4404

Dr. Matthew John Gunton 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: 89391

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Gunton-Matthew-John/0249812-89391

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