Dr. Natalie Therriault

As an Chirurgien orthopédiste, Dr. Natalie Therriault diagnoses and treats a wide spectrum of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including but not limited to:

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.
• 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.

Bone Joint Disorders General

• Nonunions and Malunions of Fractures: Reconstructive procedures to promote bone healing and restore proper alignment.
• Tendonitis and Bursitis (Persistent/Severe): Procedures such as debridement or bursectomy when indicated.

Traumatic Injuries

• Sprains and Strains: Care for common soft tissue injuries resulting from trauma or overuse.
• Fractures (Broken Bones): Treating all types of bone fractures in adults and children, from simple breaks requiring casting to complex injuries needing surgical fixation.

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. Therriault, 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.
• 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.
• Fracture Management (Surgical & Non-Surgical): Managing all types of fractures, from simple to complex, ensuring proper alignment and stability.
• Complex Fracture and Trauma Surgery: Advanced surgical techniques for managing complex musculoskeletal trauma.

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

At CISSS Outaouais Hopital de Hull, the focus is on partnering with you to restore function, alleviate pain, and help you return to your desired activities. Dr. Therriault frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those individuals challenged by the daily effects of a work-related injury to their bones or joints, Dr. Therriault offers tailored strategies and effective treatments to reach significant pain relief in their affected joint or limb. This positive change can mean rediscovering the simple joy of feeling stable and balanced on their feet, reducing fear of falls.
• If chronic low back pain that shoots down their leg is preventing you from fully enjoying getting in and out of a car or chair without difficulty or causing significant discomfort, Dr. Therriault offers expert orthopedic solutions. The primary aim is to achieve a safe return to work after an injury through comprehensive and personalized care.
• Are you struggling with difficulty lifting their arm due to a rotator cuff tear? Dr. Therriault partners with patients to target a well-functioning joint replacement that allows for better movement and less pain, making a comfortable and confident return to important activities such as opening jars or turning doorknobs without difficulty (for hand issues) a much more achievable reality.

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

Dr. Therriault's practice, CISSS Outaouais Hopital de Hull, is situated in the Hull Sector West (Val-Tétreau, Manoir des Trembles) neighborhood of Gatineau. The clinic is conveniently located near Les Promenades Gatineau and is accessible via Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) (includes Rapibus BRT). Patient parking, including accessible spots, is typically available.

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

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. Therriault 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. Therriault has the necessary background medical information. If you believe you need an orthopedic surgical assessment, speak with your primary care physician or referring doctor.

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

Most physician consultations, medically necessary assessments, and approved surgical procedures by a registered Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Therriault are typically covered by provincial health plans such as Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC, 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. Inquire with CISSS Outaouais Hopital de Hull about potential out-of-pocket costs and check with your private insurance, if any, regarding coverage for adjunctive therapies or devices.

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

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

What does an Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Therriault do?

An Orthopedic Surgeon like Dr. Therriault 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 a wide range of conditions such as fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, spinal disorders, and congenital deformities. 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. Therriault at CISSS Outaouais Hopital de Hull?

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. Therriault 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. Therriault 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. Therriault 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. Therriault 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.

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

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

CISSS Outaouais Hopital de Hull
116 boul Lionel-Émond
Gatineau, QC, J8Y 1W7

Phone: (819) 966-6022

Dr. Natalie Therriault 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: 97358

Verify registration with The Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=97358

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