Dr. Michael West – Orthopedic Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Michael West is a Orthopedic Surgeon. Practicing at an orthopedic clinic in Toronto, ON, Dr. West is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. West 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. West 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 West earned a Medical Degree from University Of Toronto, graduating in 1974. Subsequently, Dr. West completed extensive specialty training and achieved Fellowship with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. West brings extensive clinical and surgical experience to the practice. Dr. West's expertise encompasses Specialty Practice in Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. West 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. West'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. West provides consultations in English.

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

Traumatic Injuries

• Dislocations: Treatment for acute joint instability caused by traumatic displacement of articular surfaces.
• Complex Musculoskeletal Trauma: Specialized care for severe injuries involving multiple fractures, open fractures, pelvic fractures, or significant soft tissue damage.

Sports Injuries

• Shoulder Instability and Dislocations: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Repairing torn tendons to restore strength and function.

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

• Diagnostic Imaging Interpretation (Musculoskeletal): Integrating imaging findings with clinical assessment to guide treatment decisions.
• General Orthopedic Surgical Procedures: Performing a wide range of surgical interventions for various musculoskeletal conditions affecting different parts of the body.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Orthopedic Consultation: Expert evaluation to diagnose injuries and disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves.

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

• Numerous patients have successfully addressed their knee pain getting so bad they can barely walk or climb stairs with Dr. West's dedicated support and surgical expertise. This often leads directly to their fracture healing in the correct alignment and the restored ability to fully participate in and enjoy carrying a backpack or handbag without shoulder or back pain once more.
• With Dr. West's compassionate and skilled orthopedic care, managing a bunion on their foot that's causing a lot of pain is focused on achieving regaining strength and function after an injury or surgery. This empowers patients to get back to what they love, such as being able to gardening, doing housework, or performing yard work without severe physical limitations.
• Through Dr. West's skilled guidance and modern surgical techniques, patients suffering from numbness and tingling in their hand, especially at night (like carpal tunnel) often find they can readily achieve an effective surgical or non-surgical treatment plan tailored to their needs and once again enthusiastically pursue enjoyable pastimes like typing, writing, or using tools without hand or wrist pain.

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

Dr. West's practice, an orthopedic clinic in Toronto, is situated in the Fairview, Henry Farm, Oriole neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near Union Station and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

In Ontario, 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. West for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. West has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. West do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. West is a medical doctor (physician) specializing 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 conditions such as fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. Orthopedic Surgeons use both surgical (joint replacements, fracture repair, arthroscopy) and non-surgical (medication, injections, bracing, physiotherapy) methods. Their goal is to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. West 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. West are typically covered by provincial health plans such as OHIP in ON, with a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging is also usually covered. However, some items like certain braces, custom orthotics, or advanced biologic injections may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with the clinic about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. West at the clinic?

The first visit involves a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, the specific problem, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily activities. Dr. West will review previous treatments and perform a thorough physical examination, assessing range of motion, strength, stability, and tenderness. Prior imaging will be reviewed. Based on this, Dr. West will discuss diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outline potential treatment options (non-surgical and surgical), working with you to establish goals.

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

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. West are experts in treating 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 immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace. Surgical treatment might be necessary for complex fractures, open fractures, or fractures unlikely to heal well with casting alone. Surgical options include internal fixation (plates, screws, rods, or pins) or external fixation (a frame outside the body connected to pins in the bone). Dr. West will determine the most appropriate treatment.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. West recommend it?

Joint replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, is a procedure where damaged or arthritic parts of a joint are removed and replaced with artificial components (prostheses). Dr. West might recommend joint replacement if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a significant injury, and non-surgical treatments are no longer providing adequate relief. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

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

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the type of surgery, 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. Dr. West will discuss the expected recovery timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

Unit Suite 401, 4800 Leslie Street, Suite 401
Toronto, ON, M2J 2K9

Phone: (416) 491-5454

Dr. Michael West 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: 27387

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/West-Michael/0022597-27387

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