Dr. Michael Lorne Korkola – Orthopedic Surgeon | Barrie, ON

Dr. Michael Lorne Korkola is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at Origyns Medical Clinic in Barrie, ON, Dr. Korkola is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Korkola 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. Korkola 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. Michael Lorne Korkola earned a Medical Degree from Schulich School Of Medicine And Dentistry, graduating in 1996. Subsequently, Dr. Korkola completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Korkola brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. Korkola's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Korkola 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. Korkola's surgical practice philosophy include: a focus on restoring function and mobility, aiming to help patients return to their desired activities as safely and quickly as possible; a commitment to utilizing evidence-based practices and the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care. Dr. Korkola provides consultations in English.

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

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): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.
• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.

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.
• Meniscus Tears: Treating a common knee injury that can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
• Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): Interventions may include core decompression or joint replacement depending on the stage.

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

• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.
• 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.
• 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.
• Knee Replacement Surgery (Total & Partial): Advanced techniques to restore knee function and alleviate pain through arthroplasty.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Korkola. 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. Michael Lorne Korkola 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 Origyns Medical Clinic, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Korkola frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When a previous surgery that didn't heal right or is still causing problems starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to participating in family vacations and outings that involve walking, Dr. Korkola and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by an effective surgical or non-surgical treatment plan tailored to their needs and a return to comfort and confidence in their movement.
• A key objective when treating a recent ankle sprain that isn't getting better at Dr. Korkola's welcoming clinic is achieving improved mobility and ability to walk, climb stairs, or move more freely. This directly supports a comfortable, confident, and lasting return to important activities like being able to sit comfortably for extended periods (e.g., for work or travel).
• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. Korkola about their knee pain getting so bad they can barely walk or climb stairs is to attain alleviation of back or neck pain after appropriate intervention. This success not only improves musculoskeletal health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like sleeping through the night without joint pain waking them up.

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

Dr. Korkola's practice, Origyns Medical Clinic, is situated in the Letitia Heights, Sunnidale neighborhood of Barrie. The clinic is conveniently located near Bayfield Mall and is accessible via Barrie Transit. Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. Korkola 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. Korkola 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. Korkola 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. Korkola 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 Origyns Medical Clinic about any potential out-of-pocket costs and to check with their private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

How is an Orthopedic Surgeon different from a Rheumatologist or a Physiatrist?

While all three specialties deal with musculoskeletal issues, their primary approaches differ. Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. Korkola are surgical specialists who diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems with both surgical and non-surgical methods, performing operations when necessary (e.g., joint replacements, fracture fixation). Rheumatologists are medical specialists who primarily diagnose and manage non-surgical inflammatory and autoimmune conditions affecting joints, muscles, and bones, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout, often using medications. Physiatrists (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialists) focus on optimizing function and quality of life through primarily non-surgical means, comprehensive rehabilitation planning, and managing disabilities across a spectrum of conditions, including musculoskeletal and neurological issues. They often coordinate multidisciplinary care involving therapists.

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

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

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Korkola do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Korkola 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.

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

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. Korkola 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. Korkola 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 can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. Korkola at Origyns Medical 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. Korkola 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. Korkola 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.

Origyns Medical Clinic
Unit Suite 205, 500 Huronia Road, Suite 205
Barrie, ON, L4N 8X3

Phone: (705) 503-2553

Dr. Michael Lorne Korkola 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: 69877

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Korkola-Michael-Lorne/0117266-69877

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