Dr. Michel St-Pierre

As an Chirurgien orthopédiste, Dr. Michel St-Pierre 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: Treating recurrent shoulder dislocations and instability, often involving arthroscopic repair of the labrum (Bankart repair) or other stabilizing procedures.
• 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): Arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for ligament repair and reconstruction.
• Tendon Injuries (e.g., Achilles, Patellar, Biceps Tendon Rupture): Surgical and non-surgical management of acute tendon ruptures and chronic tendinopathies.

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).
• Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis - Surgical Debridement): Surgical debridement and management of bone infections, often in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Management of acute fractures of the upper extremity, lower extremity, and axial skeleton.

Degenerative Joint Diseases

• Osteoarthritis: Helping patients cope with the effects of degenerative joint disease on mobility and quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Orthopedic Management): Addressing the musculoskeletal consequences of autoimmune joint diseases in collaboration with rheumatologists.
• 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.

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

• Total Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): Performing primary and revision hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgeries to relieve pain and restore function in patients with advanced arthritis or joint damage.
• 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.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Expert treatment of broken bones in adults and children, aiming for optimal healing and functional recovery.
• Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Performing total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for conditions like osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and complex fractures.
• Therapeutic Joint and Soft Tissue Injections: Administering injections such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation), or local anesthetics into joints or soft tissues to reduce pain and inflammation.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. St-Pierre. 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. Michel St-Pierre adhere to the scope of practice for Chirurgien orthopédistes in QC and the standards of The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

At CNESST, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. St-Pierre frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• A frequent and rewarding goal for patients seeing Dr. St-Pierre about pain and weakness after a bad fall or accident is to attain reduced or eliminated numbness and tingling from nerve compression (e.g., carpal tunnel). This success not only improves musculoskeletal health but also paves the way for them to re-engage with activities like standing for longer periods without discomfort.
• Dr. St-Pierre expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of having a 'frozen shoulder' that's very stiff and painful. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by successful removal or treatment of a bone or soft tissue tumor, means they can happily and comfortably get back to getting in and out of a car or chair without difficulty.
• Dr. St-Pierre understands that dealing with chronic pain in a joint that hasn't responded to other treatments can be challenging. That's why his treatment plans are geared towards achieving learning strategies to prevent re-injury or manage their chronic condition, helping patients comfortably get back to their child running and playing with friends without limitations and feeling their best.

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

Dr. St-Pierre's practice, CNESST, is situated in a central location within the Chicoutimi neighborhood of Chicoutimi. The clinic is conveniently located near local healthcare facilities and community services and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Please inquire about parking options if you have mobility concerns.

Do I typically need a referral to see an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. St-Pierre?

In Quebec, 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. St-Pierre for consultations and potential surgical treatments covered by provincial health plans like Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). This referral ensures the consultation is appropriate and that Dr. St-Pierre 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. St-Pierre do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. St-Pierre is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system (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.

How does Dr. St-Pierre treat broken bones (fractures)?

Orthopedic Surgeons like Dr. St-Pierre treat all types of bone fractures. Treatment depends on the fracture type and severity, location, and the patient's health. Non-surgical treatment may involve realigning the bone and immobilizing it with a cast, splint, or brace. Surgical treatment (internal or external fixation) might be necessary for complex fractures, open fractures, or fractures unlikely to heal well with casting. Dr. St-Pierre determines the most appropriate treatment.

Are services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. St-Pierre covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ))?

Most consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. St-Pierre are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, with a valid health card and appropriate referral. Diagnostic imaging is usually covered. However, some items (certain braces, custom orthotics, or advanced biologic injections) may not be fully covered or may have associated fees. Inquire with CNESST about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance for coverage of adjunctive therapies or devices.

What is joint replacement surgery, and when might Dr. St-Pierre recommend it?

Joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) replaces damaged or arthritic parts of a joint (hip, knee, or shoulder) with artificial components (prostheses). Dr. St-Pierre might recommend it if a patient has severe joint pain and loss of function due to advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or significant injury, and non-surgical treatments are inadequate. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

What can I expect at my first orthopedic consultation with Dr. St-Pierre at CNESST?

The first visit involves a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment: a detailed discussion of medical history, the problem, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and its impact on daily activities. Dr. St-Pierre reviews previous treatments, performs a physical examination, and reviews prior imaging. Based on this, Dr. St-Pierre discusses diagnostic impressions, may recommend further investigations, and outlines potential treatment options (non-surgical and surgical), working with the patient to establish goals.

How long is the recovery time after orthopedic surgery with Dr. St-Pierre?

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the type of surgery, the joint or bone involved, the patient's age and 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. St-Pierre will discuss the expected recovery timeline during the pre-operative consultation.

CNESST
901 Boul Talbot
Chicoutimi, QC, G7H 6T8

Phone: (418) 696-5200

Dr. Michel St-Pierre is a licensed Chirurgien orthopédiste in QC, regulated by The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Code des professions & Loi médicale (Québec).

License Number: 83509

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=83509

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